Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) vs Direct Support Professional (DSP)

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Pay

Certified Nursing Assistant

$43,700 typical, a year

Most CNAs earn $39,500 to $46,800 a year.

From 4,973 postings that list pay

24,997 open jobs now

Certified Nursing Assistant salaries Certified Nursing Assistant jobs

Direct Support Professional

$40,000 typical, a year

Most DSPs earn $35,900 to $43,700 a year.

From 2,101 postings that list pay

14,817 open jobs now

Direct Support Professional salaries Direct Support Professional jobs

CNAs typically earn about $3,700 more a year than DSPs.

What each one does

Certified Nursing Assistant

  • Assist residents with daily personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
  • Monitor and record vital signs as directed.
  • Observe residents for changes in condition and report concerns promptly.
  • Respond promptly to call lights and perform routine rounds.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for residents.
  • Document intake/output as needed and promptly report condition changes to nursing staff.

Summed up from 30 job postings

Direct Support Professional

  • Assist individuals with daily living tasks like personal care and hygiene.
  • Transport clients to appointments, errands, and community activities.
  • Implement individualized service plans and support behavioral goals.
  • Maintain accurate records and document services provided during shifts.
  • Create a safe and positive environment for the people you support.
  • Clean living spaces and complete household chores as assigned.

Summed up from 30 job postings

Skills employers ask for

Certified Nursing Assistant

Asked for in both

  • High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
  • Activities of Daily Living 3 in 10 postings
  • CPR Certification 1 in 10 postings
  • Driver's License 1 in 10 postings

More common in CNA postings

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 7 in 10 postings
  • Vital Signs 3 in 10 postings
  • Direct Patient Care 2 in 10 postings
  • Basic Life Support 2 in 10 postings
  • Infection Control 1 in 10 postings
  • Long-Term Care 1 in 15 postings

Direct Support Professional

Asked for in both

  • High School Diploma 4 in 10 postings
  • Activities of Daily Living 2 in 10 postings
  • CPR Certification 1 in 10 postings
  • Driver's License 6 in 10 postings

More common in DSP postings

  • Human Services 2 in 10 postings
  • Driving Record 1 in 10 postings
  • Budgeting 1 in 10 postings
  • Crisis Intervention 1 in 10 postings
  • Care Coordination 1 in 10 postings
  • First Aid Methods 1 in 10 postings

Out of each role's current postings.

Open jobs

Certified Nursing Assistant

Direct Support Professional

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