SUNY Microcredentials for NYS DSPs

Microcredentials are college credentials that can be completed in months, not years. SUNY's award-winning microcredential program brings multiple benefits:

• the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to get a job and move up in your career;
• a college transcript and digital badge from a SUNY campus; 
• college credit toward a degree or certificate program (you can use those credits right away or when you’re ready) to help grow your career options; and
• dedicated support to help you succeed. 

Eleven different SUNY campuses, with administrators and faculty who understand the significant responsibilities Direct Support Professionals take on every day, have come together to offer microcredential options for New York's DSP community, in partnership with OPWDD. Options are available for those already working in the direct service field and for those interested in joining.

Each microcredential is designed to help earners meet certification standards set by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals. Having an industry certification is a sign of excellence and recognition of your hard work and dedication. There are a series of credentials available to provide you with career pathways and options.

SUNY will be with you each step of the way! Because the microcredentials are from SUNY, you will have access to your instructor, tutoring, libraries, and other campus resources, and even the opportunity to connect with other DSPs taking microcredentials at all ten campuses.  

Tuition, fees, and books will be paid for by the program. Additional resources may be available to help with other financial needs (transportation, childcare, etc.).

Microcredentials are open to all and are the perfect way to get to know the college experience. You will be part of a community working toward shared goals.

Registration is open for the following programs:

Corning Community College

• Classes begin: August 21, 2023
• Campus webpage: https://www.corning-cc.edu/academics/direct-services-support-micro/direct-support-micro-credentials/index.php
• To register, contact: Shannon Burch, sburch1@corning-cc.edu

Jefferson Community College

• Classes begin: August 28, 2023
• Campus webpage: https://sunyjefferson.edu/academics/programs/direct-support-professional-1-microcredential.php
• To register: https://apply.sunyjefferson.edu/register/micro-credential
• Contact Enrollment Services with questions at: admissions@sunyjefferson.edu or call 315-786-2437

Mohawk Valley Community College

• Classes begin: September 7, 2023
• To register contact: Sheila Flihan, Sflihan@mvcc.edu or Tim Thomas TThomas@mvcc.edu

SUNY Morrisville

• Classes begin: August 28, 2023
• Campus Webpage: COMING SOON
• To register: Julanne Burton, Ph.D., burtonjc@morrisville.edu

Niagara County Community College:

• Classes begin: Three start options for DSP I: July 24, 2023; August 28, 2023; September 11, 2023. Three start options for DSP II: October 3, 2023; October 23, 2023; January 16, 2024
• Campus Webpage and Link to Registration: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/academics/micro-credentials/dsp/
• Contact registration@niagaracc.suny.edu with questions

Onondaga Community College

• Classes begin: August 28, 2023
• https://www.sunyocc.edu/microcredentials
• Contact Marianne Niese, r.niese@sunyocc.edu

Tompkins Cortland Community College

• Classes begin: August 28, 2023
• Campus webpage: https://www.tompkinscortland.edu/academics/direct-service-provider-i-credential; and https://www.tompkinscortland.edu/academics/direct-service-provider-ii-credential
• Contact: Patty Tvaroha at: PAT2@tompkinscortland.edu

Dutchess Community College

• Classes begin: August 28, 2023
• Campus webpage: https://www.sunydutchess.edu/academics/programs/human-services/direct-support-professional.html
• Contact: Lacie Reilly, reilly@sunydutchess.edu or 845-431-8349

Fulton-Montgomery Community College

• Classes begin: To be Announced Soon
• Contact: Christie Davis, Davis@fmcc.SUNY.edu

Empire State University

• Classes begin: To be Announced Soon
• Contact: Desalyn De-Souza at de-souza@esc.edu

Finger Lakes Community College

• Classes begin: To be Announced Soon
• Contact: Todd Sloane at sloane@flcc.edu

Schenectady County

• Classes begin: To Be Announce Soon
• Contact: Sarah Wilson-Sparrow at Wilsons@sunysccc.edu

If you are an interested provider or organization that is affiliated with/supported by OPWDD, please contact the above campus nearest you and/or email both: microcredentials@suny.edu and workforceteam@opwdd.ny.gov. 

If you have questions, please email: microcredentials@suny.edu.