Developmental Disabilities Nurse – Career and Education Profile

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Developmental disabilities nurses work with patients from all walks of life who are dealing with physical and mental handicaps as a result of genetic disease, birth defects, or other medical problems that manifested before the age of 18.

Job Responsibilities

As a developmental disabilities nurse, your duties will likely include tasks such as assisting with daily hygiene, feeding patients, talking to friends and family, preparing patients for treatment or physical therapy, monitoring progress, and recording vital signs. You could work with patients who are dealing with a single type of developmental disability, or you could work with patients who are dealing with a wide range of problems. Some developmental disabilities nurses work with a specific age group, such as children, while others work at a facility that specializes in a certain type of treatment. You’ll also be tasked with watching for signs of infection, medication complication, or other problems that could lead to serious complications and risks for the patient.

Salary and Career Options

The amount of money you make as a developmental disabilities nurse will depend on your level of education. According to reports, LPNs typically make between $34,000 and $44,000 annually while RNs make an average salary of about $55,000. You can make more money by specializing in one area of developmental disabilities, especially in a specific area where there is high demand, such as autism.

Educational Requirements

To become a developmental disabilities nurse, you need to at least become an LPN, but many nurses go on to earn an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in the field, allowing them to become an RN. You can also take the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association exam, which allows you to become certified in this field, but this is not required to work in developmental disability nursing roles. Your classes will focus on caring for patients in a long-term situation by managing pain, encouraging mobility, and more so that you’re prepared to help patients have the best quality of life possible.

LPN to RN College Programs

With some additional schooling, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can become a registered nurse (RN), opening doors to more job opportunities and higher salaries. The following is a list of schools with the best online LPN to RN degree programs offered by accredited colleges. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

LPN to RN (BSN)	Indiana State University—ISU’s LPN to BSN degree program is the only online LPN to RN training program in the United States. LPNs and LVNs who complete this program can earn their NLNAC-approved Bachelor of Science degree in nursing entirely online. Upon completion, graduates should meet all of the prerequisites for becoming an RN. Read an in-depth review of Indiana State University.
LPN to RN LPN to ADN LPN to BSN	The College Network—Earn your LPN to RN (ADN) degree completely online with no campus attendance and no wait list. Learn from the convenience of home at your own pace, and earn an NLNAC-accredited associate’s degree in less time and for less money than traditional campus programs. Read an in-depth review of The College Network.
	Select a subject and degree level, then click "Find My Degree" to browse 100+ online nursing schools offering relevant accredited programs.
BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Informatics MSN in Nurse Management	Walden University—Founded in 1970, Walden University is dedicated to providing education for a higher purpose. The Nursing School confers degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level, which provides further study in health informatics, nursing education, and nursing leadership/management. Walden is one of the biggest providers of online master and doctorate programs with over a hundred degrees offered at each level.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing (MSN) MSN in Adult Health RN to MSN in Nurse Education Accelerated RN to MSN	South University—South University’s College of Nursing offers numerous degree programs for aspiring nurses. Those looking for a BSN degree can enter into the RN to BSN and complete it within 18 months. South also offers the following master’s degree-level programs: MS in Nursing (MSN), MSN in adult health nurse practitioning, MSN in nurse education, and an accelerated RN to MSN.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administration MSN in Nurse Education	Kaplan University—Kaplan University’s RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs feature curriculums that provide registered nurses with the tools to graduate with BSN and MSN degrees. The MSNs in Nurse Administration or Nurse Education feature curriculums that teach methods in management and education in order to prepare students for leadership and educator positions with in the nursing field.