DSP Certification Still Soars At Anne Carlsen Center

Posted on September 2, 2025

In September 2023, Anne Carlsen Center’s Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certification program was highlighted by CQL. The initiative utilizes nationally-recognized certification through The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), to foster professional development among DSPs. During National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in 2025, we’re checking in with Anne Carlsen Center for an update about their DSP Certification program. 

Submitted By: Sadie Lindbo, Director of Health Information, Anne Carlsen & Lindsie Schoenack, Director of Organizational Development, Anne Carlsen 

The DSP Certification program at Anne Carlsen offers a career ladder for DSPs with opportunity for growth and development in their roles within the organization and has increased visibility for the DSPs in our workforce. Regular recognition of new certificate recipients has been an engaging and high-profile celebration of this crucial workforce. Additionally, aligning with NADSP’s national standards elevates the organization, and the care and service that Anne Carlsen provides for the people that we support. Along with that, the certification pathway has helped create a culture of professionalism, pride, and continuous improvement among DSPs. 

The Impact Of The DSP Certification Program

Employees are often eager to apply for the program. It’s not unheard of for employees to email and ask when they can apply to begin a certification! It has separated us from other providers in terms of recruiting and retention. Participation has remained strong, and enthusiasm for certification has grown year over year. It benefits DSPs by highlighting the work they do on a day-to-day basis. Their work matters and is recognized, not just by Anne Carlsen, but also at a national level. 

“I believe that because of the certifications through NADSP, the people I serve are receiving higher quality care. I appreciate Anne Carlsen for supporting me and allowing me the opportunity to achieve all three certifications.”

April, Anne Carlsen Direct Support Professional (DSP–III)

The program has benefited people supported by educating employees on the national standards expected of a DSP, and then having employees document the skills that they’ve used in support of that person. Employees are learning about the national standards – reflecting on how they’ve used these skills – which encourages continued use of those skills to support people with increased independence. 

The organizational benefits include a way for DSPs to grow their career, continue learning, and set themselves apart from their peers! This layered impact strengthens person-centered supports and overall workforce stability. 

According to a 2023 NCI State of the Workforce report, the DSP turnover rate is 39.7%. Since the inception of the DSP Certification Program, Anne Carlsen has seen a 7.7% turnover rate for DSPs and Front-Line Supervisors who have completed the program. This significant difference points to the program’s effectiveness in engaging and retaining talent through meaningful professional development. 

Confronting DSP Certification Challenges

A few employees who have started the program have had difficulty working on it due to staffing shortages in some of the areas we serve. With that, competing demands and lack of coverage have occasionally slowed progress for some participants, making it challenging for them to carve out dedicated time for the required work. This has been especially true during periods of high turnover or unexpected staff absences. Despite these occasional setbacks, overall interest in the program remains high, and employees continue to see it as a valuable opportunity for growth. 

As recruitment and onboarding have increased, we have made it a focus to give DSPs the space to work on the program. We’ve also encouraged supervisors to support staff participation by creating time during the workweek and offering check-ins to ensure employees feel supported and encouraged to complete the certification process. 

“The program helps me remember why I do what I do, and who I’m here to help. It also helps with learning more about my job and how I can become a better DSP.”

Chelsy, Anne Carlsen Direct Support Professional (DSP-III)

Quick Tips For Implementation

1. Start a pilot program with employees who may already have education from a different provider engaged in NADSP Certification. 
2. Talk to leaders within the organization. 
3. Give employees wage increases following completion of the certification. 
4. Host pop-up celebrations for staff: 

The pop-up celebrations are great fun! Employees know that it will come, they just don’t know “when.” We provide a sweet treat and share the celebration with colleagues – and where appropriate with the people they support – giving staff a framed certificate and balloons, generally. We share these celebrations internally which helps recognize DSP achievements across the organization.

“Earning the certifications added tremendous value to my role as a Direct Support Professional at Anne Carlsen. It allowed me to reflect on the quality of care I’ve already provided to people, while also allowing room for growth and improvement.”

April, Anne Carlsen Direct Support Professional (DSP–III)

About Anne Carlsen Center

Since 1941, Anne Carlsen has been a trusted provider of life-changing services for individuals with developmental disabilities or delays. As a non-profit organization, they are dedicated to fostering independence, dignity, and community integration through specialized programs, creative therapies, and cutting-edge assistive technologies. 

The organization’s whole-person approach empowers individuals to reach their full potential, offering support in homes, regional outpatient, and residential centers. They provide residential care, therapy, early intervention, education, behavioral health, and community-based programs. 

You can learn more about Anne Carlsen Center by visiting the organization’s website: https://annecarlsen.org/ 

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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.