Disability Support Professional

Overview

Our Disability Support Professional program gives you the skills to support individuals with disabilities and remove barriers for people to support them in maximizing their strengths and full potential.

You learn:

• How to apply a social model of disability, and a human-rights based approach to address barriers and support community inclusion
• Knowledge of various disabilities and specific strategies for supporting  people with these disabilities
• The philosophy and skills you need to help your clients live a self-determined life
• An understanding of your professional, legal and ethical responsibilities as a direct support  professional in this field
• How to work effectively in teams by increasing self-awareness and practicing effective communication skills

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks, with two separate practicums throughout the program.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.
• International students - all international students require a co-op work permit; you can't complete your NSCC program without one. This program also requires a medical exam to receive your co-op work permit. View co-op work permit - medical exam details.

Choose NSCC

• You  meet the standards, receive the competencies and skills required by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services to work within the disability supports and services field.
• You benefit from our expert faculty, who bring years of experience to the classroom and strong connections to the community.
• Hands-on, community-based learning is a cornerstone of the program.

Other info

• Employers in this sector require one or all of the following as part of the hiring process: a current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check and a child abuse register check. A conviction or finding in family court may impact your ability to secure employment.
• In this industry, some positions may require you to work shift work including evenings, nights and weekends.
• This role may be physically demanding and include moving and lifting others as well as spending long periods of time on your feet.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Kingstec Campus Kentville	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Lunenburg Campus Bridgewater	Part time	Blended flex Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. Less than 50% of learning occurs in-person.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements in many programs. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements.
• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. Some work placements require immunizations for which you may be asked to show proof. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

You are eligible for a bursary that covers tuition, textbooks and student fees, if you are a Canadian or permanent resident, and agree to work with Nova Scotia's Department of Community Services’ Disability Support Professional Program for one year upon graduation. Further details are provided after successful admissions to the program.

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Disability Support Professional
  
• Disability Support Professional - Part time - Year 1
• Disability Support Professional - Part time - Year 2

Career options

• Employment options include a variety of ways to help people live full and enriched lives such as: Working with persons with disabilities to enhance their physical, emotional and psychological well-being
  • Supporting and empowering people in maximizing their strengths and achieving their goals
  • Playing an important role in removing barriers to inclusion
• Graduates find employment by:
  • Supporting individuals in community such as  small options homes or other residential options
  • Working with individuals in community and independent living settings
  • Helping individuals in vocational centres or with employment supports
  • Supporting individuals in areas of education and recreation/leisure