Direct Support Professionals
Empire State University, in partnership with the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and SUNY, offers three micro credentials to support the academic success and career pathway for Direct Support Professionals (DSP). The DSP-1, DSP-2, and DSP-3 micro credentials are designed to meet the standards of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) and lead toward DSP certification.
Our team can help you prepare for the next step in your career.
Direct Support Professionals
Successful completion of one or more of the DSP micro credentials at Empire State University leads to: national certification at the DSP-1 , 2, or 3 level(s) by NADSP, a SUNY micro credential, college credit towards an associate or bachelor’s degree, and a range of career pathways and options.
Next term starts
Fall 2026 - September 8, 2026
Ready to Apply?
The deadline for the Fall 2026 term is August 7. How to Apply
Program Details
The three DSP micro credentials listed below consist of the following required courses:
Direct Support Professionals – 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DISB 1010 | Direct Support Professional Course 1 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Direct Support Professionals – 2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DISB 2030 | Direct Support Professional Course 2 – Individual | 4 |
| DISB 2035 | Direct Support Professional Course 2 - Community | 4 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Direct Support Professionals – 3
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DISB 2040 | Direct Support Professional Course 3 | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Learning Outcomes
Direct Support Professionals – 1
- The student will be able to explain the Code of Ethics
- The student will be able to describe ways to monitor crisis situations
- The student will be able to identify support programs and interventions appropriate to the individual being served
- The student will be able to identify person centered planning techniques and assists individuals in developing person centered plans.
- The student will be able to employ appropriate actions to promote healthy living
- The student will be able to identify adaptive equipment and therapies utilized by the individual
- The student will be able to identify the individual health and medical treatments of diverse clients
- The student will be able to identify different types of health care decisions and the rights of individuals to make their own health care decision
Direct Support Professionals – 2
- The student will be able to apply concepts of person centered supports when working with individuals and their families.
- The student will be able to advocate for individuals and their families for services, resources, and treatments within the home and in the community.
- The student will be able to assess individuals for their social, physical health, mental health, and employment needs.
- The student will be able to explain the current standards of documentation.
- The student will be able to define modes of communication that are appropriate to the communication needs of participants.
Direct Support Professionals – 3
- The student will be able to evaluate strategies to support individual empowerment
- The student will be able to distinguish data regarding human, legal, and civil rights.
- The student will be able to apply modes of communication that are appropriate to the communication needs of participants
- The student will be able to conduct assessments reviewing the process for inconsistencies, and updating corrections.
- The student will be able to facilitate the development of an individualized plan.
- The student will be able to assess the participant in the development of interpersonal relationships
- The student will be able to assess the participant’s vocational interests and aptitudes.
- The student will be able to educate participants, co-workers and community members.
- The student will be able to assist the individual with identifying community support systems within their neighborhood
- The student will be able to analyze advocacy issues.
- The student will be able to advocate to community members and organizations (e.g., employer, landlord, or civic organization) when relevant to participant’s needs or services
- The student will be able to conduct program evaluations.
Interested? Take the Next Steps
Get Ready to Complete Your Microcredential
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Apply for your Direct Support Professionals Microcredential
Double check you have all of your admissions requirements, and send in your application to be ready for our next start date!
Next start term
Fall 2026
Deadline to apply
August 7th
Start Your Microcredential
as soon as September 8th, 2026.
Interested in Direct Support Professionals?