Direct support professionals: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Direct support professionals work with people who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. They may help create a behavior plan and teach self-care skills, such as doing laundry or cooking meals.
Certified home health or hospice agencies often receive payments from government programs and therefore must comply with regulations regarding aides employment. Aides work under the direct supervision of medical professionals, usually nurses. These aides keep records of services performed and of clients conditions and progress. They report changes in clients conditions to supervisors or case managers, and work with therapists and other medical staff.
- Education Required
- Home health aides and personal care aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions do not require it. There are also postsecondary nondegree award programs at community colleges and vocational schools.
- Training Required
- Home health aides and personal care aides may be trained in housekeeping tasks, such as cooking for clients who have special dietary needs. Aides may learn basic safety techniques, including how to respond in an emergency. Specific training may be needed for certification if state certification is required.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 40% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Aides who work for agencies that receive reimbursement from Medicare or Medicaid must get a minimum level of training and pass a competency evaluation to be certified. Some states allow aides to take a competency exam in order to become certified without taking any training.
- Median pay: How much do Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides make?
- $22,170 Annual Salary
- $10.66 per hour
Careers for Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
- Aides, home care
- Aides, home health
- Attendants, personal
- Blind escorts
- Caregivers
- Companions
- Direct care workers
- Elderly companions
- Geriatric personal care aides
- Home care aides
- Home health aides
- Home health attendants
- Home hospice aides
- Personal attendants
- Personal care aides
- Personal support workers