Direct Support Professional (DSP) vs Medication Aide
Pay, skills and open jobs side by side, from current job postings across the US.
Pay
Direct Support Professional
$39,600 typical, a year
Most DSPs earn $35,900 to $43,700 a year.
From 2,142 postings that list pay
14,228 open jobs now
Direct Support Professional salaries Direct Support Professional jobs
Medication Aide
$43,700 typical, a year
Most Medication Aides earn $40,600 to $47,800 a year.
From 696 postings that list pay
3,382 open jobs now
Medication Aides typically earn about $4,100 more a year than DSPs.
What each one does
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
Medication Aide
- Administer medications accurately and safely according to physician orders.
- Document all medication administration and resident responses in records.
- Monitor residents for changes in their condition and report them.
- Assist residents with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing.
- Maintain a clean and organized medication storage and work area.
- Follow infection control procedures and safety protocols.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Skills employers ask for
Direct Support Professional
Asked for in both
- Activities of Daily Living 2 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
- Care Coordination 1 in 10 postings
- Crisis Intervention 1 in 10 postings
- First Aid Methods 1 in 10 postings
Medication Aide
Asked for in both
- Activities of Daily Living 2 in 10 postings
More common in Medication Aide postings
- Medication Administration Record 2 in 10 postings
- Vital Signs 2 in 10 postings
- Infection Control 1 in 10 postings
- Medication Management 1 in 15 postings
Out of each role's current postings.
Licenses and certifications
Direct Support Professional
- Driver's License 7 in 10 postings
- CPR Certification 1 in 10 postings
Medication Aide
- Residential Medication Aide Certification 3 in 10 postings
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 2 in 10 postings
- CPR Certification 1 in 10 postings
- Certified Pharmacy Technician 1 in 10 postings
Open jobs
Direct Support Professional
- Pay not stated Haverhill, MA, USAMicrosoft ExcelDriver's LicenseABA TechniquesMicrosoft Word
Caregiver / Direct Support Provider
Wee Care CorpPay not stated Litchfield Park, AZ, US OnsiteDriver's LicenseCPR CertificationCoachingDevelopmental Disabilities SupportCaregivingCaregiver / Direct Support Provider
Wee Care CorpPay not stated Buckeye, AZ, US OnsiteDriver's LicenseCPR CertificationCoachingDevelopmental Disabilities SupportCaregiving
Medication Aide
Certified Medication Aide
River Ridge Living CenterPay not stated Waverly, NebraskaActivities of Daily LivingLong-Term CareCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Residential Medication Aide CertificationRegulations
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