[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide tells you how to become a developmental disability nurse (DDN), the required education, certification options, and what work is like for a DDN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Being a DDN requires patience and empathy for patients and their family members, as well as strong clinical and communication skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Developmental Disability Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DDNs work with patients who have developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, or similar cognitive impairments. Disability nurses work in schools, hospitals, care facilities, and other healthcare or specialized settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regardless of setting, a developmental disability nurse works toward supporting their [hen-ui-link href=”https://ddna.org/education/practice-standards/” target=”_blank”]patients’ positive control of their lives[/hen-ui-link] and their physical health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/developmental-disability-nurse/”]Being a DDN[/hen-ui-link] is demanding because it requires a particular knowledge base on developmental conditions. Many patients with developmental disabilities also have complex healthcare needs, but being a DDN can be a very fulfilling career choice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Become a Developmental Disability Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most developmental disability nurses have a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN), given the complexity of the population’s healthcare needs. Some DDNs do have a two-year associate degree in nursing ([hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link]).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Higher-level positions often require certification as a developmental disability nurse, a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link], or both. Nurse practitioners and those with a doctorate might have an advantage in seeking higher-level administrative roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not all BSN curriculums include developmental disability nursing, so before applying to a school, check its curriculum and see if it offers clinical placement in settings that serve people with disabilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Developmental Disability Nurse Schooling[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the most common questions about how to become a developmental disability nurse is how long it takes. The answer will depend on your background, what kind of degree you earn, and whether you plan to pursue certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You will need either an ADN or a BSN degree to take the NCLEX-RN. The ADN takes two years; the BSN takes four years. Most employers, higher-level positions, and graduate programs require a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]BSN programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Most require a 3.0 GPA or higher, references, and at least some courses in math and science, particularly biology and chemistry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/what-are-the-hardest-classes-in-nursing-school/”]Nursing school[/hen-ui-link] includes classes in nursing fundamentals, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, community health, maternal and child health, nursing research, and leadership. Students also participate in clinical rotations, actively learning alongside nurses at work.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] BSN programs usually take four years, but if you have an ADN or other transferable credits, you can finish a program sooner. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]ADN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-link] programs usually take two years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]You will learn how to assess patients and administer medications, communicate with and educate patients and their families (especially important for a DDN), advocate for patients’ health, and identify and follow evidence-based practices.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best BSN Degree Programs Online 2021″ href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs” href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Accelerated BSN Degree Programs” href=”/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”credentials”]Developmental Disability Nurse Credentials[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Developmental disability nurses must have a state license to practice nursing. While licensing requirements [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]vary by state[/hen-ui-link], all nurses must graduate from an accredited program and pass the NCLEX-RN. Government bodies issue licenses, which are legally required to practice, while other organizations award specialty certifications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”job-outlook”]Working as a Developmental Disability Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you graduate, you will have your alumni network and connections from your clinicals, which should help you find a job. You can find listings on job boards and on the websites of places you would like to work. The median RN salary in 2020 was $75,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but, as you can see on ZipRecruiter, salaries vary by location, largely based on cost of living and demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following provides common work settings and responsibilities for DDNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Becoming a Developmental Disability Nurse: FAQs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do you become a DDN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a developmental disability nurse, you will need to go to nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and maintain a license through continuing education. You may also want to pursue certification, though it is not a legal requirement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What do developmental disability nurses do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DDNs provide and oversee nursing care for adults and children. Because there is relatively little research on evidence-based practice, DDNs need to exercise independent judgment more than other nurses. They also educate others who work with people with developmental disabilities and family members about helping to build and maintain their health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What kind of nurse works with kids with developmental disabilities?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pediatric-nurse/”]Pediatric nurses[/hen-ui-link] and developmental disability nurses both work with kids with developmental disabilities, but DDNs specialize in this population. This kind of nursing requires patience, flexibility, empathy, excellent communications skills, and respect for their patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can nurses specialize in autism?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. For example, the University of Arizona College of Nursing offers a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder certificate for nurse practitioners. Nurses who specialize in autism can work in schools or for organizations that provide support for people on the autism spectrum. They can also provide care at homes or in residential programs. As awareness and resources for autism grows, nurses who specialize in autism will be in demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About Developmental Disability Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Developmental Disability Nurse Career Overview” href=”/careers/developmental-disability-nurse/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Cultural Competence in Nursing” href=”/resources//cultural-competence-in-nursing/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore Other Nursing Careers” href=”/careers/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1617058506/experts/Brandy_Gleason.jpg” img-alt=”Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Brandy Gleason, MSN, MHA, BC-NC, is a nursing professional with nearly 20 years of varied nursing experience. Gleason currently teaches as an assistant professor of nursing within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches graduate students. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Gleason is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]here[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]