Short-term training at JCC to be a DSP
Jamestown Community College offers three Direct Support Professional microcredentials of training: DSP-1, DSP-2, and DSP-3. Each microcredential qualifies for certification through the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). You can register for one, two, or all three microcredentials without having to apply to JCC.
Direct support professionals help people with developmental and physical disabilities live full lives as part of their community. They advocate for their clients and assist with services like banking, shopping, self-care, and friendships. Direct support work demonstrates the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomy.
Eligibility requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Currently employed as a Direct Support Professional
Availability & funding
- DSP-1: Available online, plus 1 course hybrid
- DSP-2: Available online or on campus
- DSP-3: Available online or on campus
The Direct Support Professional microcredentials are free, including tuition, fees, books, course materials, and NADSP credentialing, for NYS residents through a partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY) and the NYS Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
You may also be eligible to earn $750 for completing each DSP microcredential.
Program pathway
Training stacks through the three levels and counts toward JCC programs in:
Direct support professional skills
Through the program, you will:
- Demonstrate the skills necessary to advance in a career as a Direct Support Professional.
- Demonstrate understanding of a research- and science-based approach in supporting clients.
- Demonstrate understanding of the ethics necessary to practice in this profession.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomy apply to social justice action, past, current, or future.