Learn how to support people with disabilities and gain true satisfaction with a rewarding career.

People with developmental and intellectual deficiencies need support to help make their lives better and manage basic challenges. Graduates from NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Direct Support Certificate program find challenging and rewarding jobs in recreational, residential, vocational, and educational programs working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Students combine academic course work with field placements at local agencies to develop the personal and professional skills necessary for successful employment. For students interested in continuing their education, courses in this program count towards NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Associate Degree program.

 

 

NSCC and MassReconnect logos

Achieve your dream of attending college for free.
Are you a Massachusetts resident, over 25, with a complete FAFSA? Find out how North Shore Community College can be free for you through MassReconnect! LEARN MORE >

 

DDS Logo

Next Steps

NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Direct Support certificate program offers courses during the fall, and spring semesters.

Expand AllCollapse All

NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Direct Support certificate program is Open Admissions. You may apply to start in the fall or spring semesters. There is no fee to apply to this program.

 

NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Direct Support certificate program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to provide education for employees at DDS-funded programs. Students pay as little as $50 per 3 credit course! Students can work for public or private agencies. This is a career track program and DDS can help with employment opportunities. 

Here are the required courses for NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Direct Support certificate program.

Students who complete this degree program at North Shore Community College have an opportunity to seamlessly transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

 

North Shore Community College will help you transfer and prepare for the transition to a baccalaureate program. We have created many transfer agreements designed specifically to plan a curriculum that will fit your chosen bachelor degree or college, and maximize the number of credits that transfer. Your success is important to our entire college community! Students are also encouraged to consult with their advisor, program coordinator or the Student Support and Advising Center.

Student Learner Outcomes for NSCC’s Developmental Disabilities Direct Support certificate program are detailed in NSCC’s Academic Catalog.

Total tuition and General and Technology Fees for In-state Residents without financial aid is $4,683 for the 21 credits Developmental Disabilities Direct Support certificate (fees vary by program).

Books and course materials, transportation, and health insurance expenses are not included in the tuition and fee costs.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to increase fees without prior notice. The MA Board of Higher Education reserves the right to increase tuition without prior notice.

Academic innovation supports student success.

NSCC is committed to supporting the educational and career goals of its students, as well as the health, wellness, and safety of all who enroll. If you have the will to attend college, we have the way to make it happen.

Still image from video testimonial of NSCC alumna Yuleika Lluveres

For More Information

Admissions
info@northshore.edu
978-762-4188

Program Questions
developmentaldisabilities@northshore.edu
781-477-2215

General Assistance | Hablamos español
Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual campus, for in-person assistance via Zoom.

Accreditation

North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Image of campus

Ready to Begin?

Apply Info Connect
Apply
Connect
Info
Give