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Direct Support Professional

Direct Support Professional

Become a Direct Support Professional: Enroll in Our 100% Online Classes!

Are you passionate about helping others? Ready to start a meaningful and in-demand career? Our fully online eight-week DDT-3110: Core Skills for Supporting Individuals with IDD and our eight-week DDT-3120: Advanced Skills for DSPs offer a fast and flexible pathway into a rewarding field — with the tools you need to make a positive impact right away.

 

Why Choose a Career as a Direct Support Professional?

Direct Support Professionals play a critical role in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them live as independently and fully as possible. As a DSP, you’ll support daily living skills, promote inclusion, and advocate for those who need it most. It’s work that is both purposeful and deeply rewarding.

 

What You’ll Learn

This course is designed to give you the essential knowledge and confidence to succeed in the field. Topics include:

  • Principles of person-centered care
  • Effective communication and relationship-building
  • Health and safety practices
  • Crisis prevention and behavioral support
  • Ethics and professionalism in caregiving

 

Why Take This Course?

  • Fully Online & Flexible — Complete the training on your schedule
  • Career-Focused — Get job-ready skills in just sixteen weeks
  • High Demand Field — Employers are actively hiring DSPs nationwide
  • Pathway to Advancement — Build experience toward social work, nursing, or other healthcare careers
  • Certificate Included — Receive a certificate of completion to boost your resume

 

Who Should Enroll?

  • College students looking to enter healthcare or human services
  • Individuals seeking a fast track to employment
  • Anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others

No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to learn, a compassionate spirit, and a desire to make a difference.

 

Enroll Today and Start Changing Lives — Including Your Own

Begin your journey in human services now. Whether you're exploring a long-term career or looking for meaningful part-time work, becoming a Direct Support Professional opens the door to opportunity, stability, and the chance to make a lasting impact. See below for deadlines to enroll before the first day of class. This is to allow you to be onboarded to the curriculum.

Next Class Dates

  • DDT-3110-104HC Core Skills for Supporting Individuals with IDD starts January 11, 2027 - March 8, 2027. Course Fee: $131.00 per section

  • DDT-3120-104HC Advanced Skills for DSPs starts March 15, 2027 - May 11, 2027, Course Fee: $131.00 per section

    ****** Last Day To Register is December 18, 2026, by Noon for the DDT-3110-104HC that starts in January *****

    ****** Last Day to Register is March 1, 2027, by Noon for the DDT-3120-104HC that starts in March *****

* Mandatory synchronous Teams meeting from 4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Mondays throughout each course.

Send your completed Direct Support Professional Registration Form (that includes your vital information) to Continuing Education Registration at conedregistration@abtech.edu.

****** Last Day to Register is December 18, 2026 by Noon for the DDT-3110-104HC that starts in January *****

****** Last Day to Register is March 1, 2027, by Noon for the DDT-3120-104HC that starts in March *****

For more information, email Porscha Orndorf at porscharorndorf@abtech.edu.