How to Become a Developmental Disability Nurse
Developmental disability nurses treat patients with chronic conditions causing physical, learning, language, or behavior impairment. The steps to become a developmental disability nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which developmental disability nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a developmental disability nurse, and where to start.
Become a Developmental Disability Nurse in 6 Steps
To become a developmental disability nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.
4
Apply for Developmental Disability Nurse Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for developmental disability nurse jobs in the state of their licensure, and many developmental disability nurse employers are happy to hire new graduates.
5
Earn Developmental Disability Nurse Certification
After some bedside experience, developmental disability nurses may pursue specialty certification in their field through the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA). While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Developmental Disability Nurses
Developmental disability nurses may work as RNs or pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While most positions don’t require high-level degrees, they may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a developmental disability nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Developmental disability nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future developmental disability nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future developmental disability nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Developmental Disability Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Developmental disability nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Some developmental disability nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, developmental disability nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA).
Where Do Developmental Disability Nurses Work??
Developmental disability nurses can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Health clinic
- Long-term care facilities
- Group homes
- Hospitals
- Employment services (agencies)
- Patients’ homes
- Schools
- Government agencies
FAQs: How to Become a Developmental Disability Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a developmental disability nurse?
Developmental disability nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become a developmental disability nurse?
The time it takes to become a developmental disability nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a developmental disability nurse?
To become a developmental disability nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to developmental disability nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do developmental disability nurses make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), developmental disability nurses earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
