Skip to main content
Sign in
Non-Credit Learning
  • Microcredential
  • Help with cost possible
  • Prepares for a certification exam

Direct Support Professional I

SUNY Canton · Canton · Healthcare, Health & Wellness

Seats available

Key facts

When
Nov 11, 2026 to Feb 21, 2027Online live sessions, Wed at 10:30 AM
Where and how
OnlineFrom anywhere with internet
Time commitment
1 semester70 hours of instruction
Cost
$1,550, estimatedHelp with cost possible
Who can join
Ages 18 and upNo prerequisites listed
What you get
Digital badgeAlso prepares you for a certification exam

About this course

If your passion lies with helping others, the Direct Support Professional microcredential series is for you! Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, work with people with developmental disabilities-supporting and advocating for and with them so that they can live their best lives. This is the first of three microcredentials and it prepares you to earn the DSP I national certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Thanks to a partnership with the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), limited time grant funding is available to pay for your tuition, fees, books, course materials, NADSP credentialing, and educational support. Eligible students who successfully complete each microcredential and certification can earn $750 stipends. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares all for continued study, and prepares current DSPs for career advancement.

What you'll learn

  • Professional Ethics
  • Crisis Prevention
  • Safety
  • Person Centered Practices
  • Health and Wellness

Taught by Vicky Sumnall.

What you get

  • Direct Support Professional I Microcredential

    Digital badge from SUNY Canton when you finish

    You may be able to share it online. Ask the campus how.

  • Prepares for an industry certification exam

    The exam may be separate and run by another organization.

    Ask the campus which exam, its cost and whether it is included.

Who can join

  • Ages 18 and up
  • No prerequisites or starting level are listed. Ask the campus if you're unsure.

Help with the cost

  • Employer Tuition Assistance

    Many employers pay for job-related training. Ask your employer before you register.

    Who qualifies: Employees of a participating employer; your employer decides.

See ways to get help with costs

Jobs this relates to

  • Medical Assistant
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Patient Care Technician

Healthcare support jobs in New York are projected to grow faster than average through 2032.

From SUNY Canton. Finishing a course doesn't guarantee a job.

Questions about this course

Have a question?

We'll pass your question to SUNY Canton.

Ask a question

SUNY Canton

Elizabeth Brown, Executive Director

microcredentials@canton.edu · 315-386-7504

About this campus(opens in a new tab)

More like this

  • CASAC Completion Pathway III

    Starts
    Nov 6, 2026
    Where
    Mix of online and in person
    Cost
    $1,050, estimated

  • Health Administration

    Starts
    Nov 10, 2026
    Where
    Online
    Cost
    $2,225, estimated

  • Direct Service Provider II

    Starts
    Nov 20, 2026
    Where
    Online
    Cost
    $2,475, estimated

Questions about registering? Elizabeth Brown, Executive Director, microcredentials@canton.edu · 315-386-7504

(opens in a new tab)