DSD Course Curriculum

A module-by-module look at what you’ll learn in the online Director of Staff Development (DSD) certification course.

Self-paced
Learn on your schedule
24 CE hours
Earn credit upon completion
Certificate + verification
Share with employers

What you’ll cover

The curriculum is designed to prepare you for real-world Director of Staff Development responsibilities: planning education, validating competencies, documenting compliance, and supporting safe patient care.

Introduction to Staff Development
Overview of the Director of Staff Development role and responsibilities in skilled nursing facilities.
2h 0m
  • Define the role and responsibilities of the Director of Staff Development in a skilled nursing facility
  • Identify California Title 22 regulatory requirements for staff development programs
  • List the minimum qualifications required to serve as a DSD in California
  • Describe the five core competencies required for effective staff development leadership
  • Explain the staff development cycle and its four key phases
  • Recognize the importance of documentation in staff development programs
  • Understand the DSD's role in building a culture of continuous learning
Adult Learning Principles
Understanding how adults learn, learning styles, and creating effective educational environments.
3h 0m
  • Explain the five key assumptions of andragogy (adult learning theory)
  • Describe the common learning-style models, and explain why matching instruction to a learner's style is not supported by the evidence
  • Recognize common barriers to adult learning and develop strategies to address them
  • Create learning environments that support adult learners
  • Apply motivation strategies appropriate for adult learners
  • Understand generational differences in learning preferences
  • Design training programs that incorporate adult learning principles
Curriculum Development
Step-by-step guide to developing comprehensive training curricula for nursing staff.
4h 0m
  • Apply the ADDIE model to develop comprehensive training programs
  • Write SMART learning objectives using Bloom's Taxonomy action verbs
  • Conduct effective training needs assessments using multiple data sources
  • Organize training content using appropriate sequencing strategies
  • Identify California Title 22 mandatory training requirements
  • Create an annual training calendar that ensures regulatory compliance
  • Develop instructional materials that support learning objectives
Lesson Planning Fundamentals
Creating effective lesson plans, setting objectives, and organizing content.
3h 0m
  • Identify the essential components of an effective lesson plan
  • Write measurable learning objectives for cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains
  • Apply the Tell-Show-Do-Review method for skills training
  • Allocate appropriate time for different instructional activities
  • Create engaging lesson openings and effective closings
  • Plan accommodations for diverse learner needs
  • Develop detailed instructor notes to ensure consistent delivery
Teaching Methods & Techniques
Various instructional methods including lectures, demonstrations, simulations, and hands-on training.
3h 0m
  • Select appropriate teaching methods based on learning objectives
  • Deliver engaging lectures using effective presentation techniques
  • Facilitate productive discussions using various questioning strategies
  • Conduct demonstrations and supervise return demonstrations for skills training
  • Develop and facilitate case studies and role-playing activities
  • Design effective group activities and cooperative learning experiences
  • Integrate technology appropriately into training delivery
Assessment & Evaluation
Developing assessments, measuring competency, and evaluating learning outcomes.
3h 0m
  • Apply Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation to assess training effectiveness
  • Design written assessments with valid, reliable test items
  • Create skills checklists for competency validation
  • Provide constructive feedback that supports learner improvement
  • Develop evaluation forms to measure participant satisfaction
  • Analyze assessment data to improve training programs
  • Maintain documentation that meets regulatory requirements
Documentation & Compliance
Record-keeping requirements, regulatory compliance, and audit preparation.
2h 0m
  • Identify California Title 22 and federal training requirements for skilled nursing facilities
  • List mandatory orientation topics that must be covered for new employees
  • Describe annual training requirements and target audiences
  • Create and maintain compliant training documentation
  • Prepare for regulatory surveys with organized, complete records
  • Apply record retention requirements for training documentation
  • Implement quality assurance processes for staff development programs
Communication Skills
Effective communication with diverse learners, handling difficult situations, and providing feedback.
2h 0m
  • Identify barriers to effective communication and strategies to overcome them
  • Apply active listening techniques in educational settings
  • Recognize and appropriately use nonverbal communication
  • Create clear, effective written communications and educational materials
  • Adapt communication approaches for diverse learners
  • Conduct difficult conversations professionally and constructively
  • Deliver presentations with confidence and engage audiences effectively
Technology in Education
Using technology for training, online learning platforms, and digital resources.
1h 0m
  • Evaluate Learning Management System features and select appropriate solutions
  • Design effective e-learning content following best practices
  • Create training videos that engage learners and meet accessibility standards
  • Implement mobile learning strategies for just-in-time training
  • Apply blended learning approaches combining online and face-to-face instruction
  • Use technology for efficient training documentation and compliance tracking
  • Address common technology challenges and resistance in staff development
Final Examination
Comprehensive examination covering all course materials.
1h 0m
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of all course content areas
  • Apply test-taking strategies to successfully complete the certification examination
  • Identify key concepts from each module for focused review
  • Recognize the format and requirements of the final examination
  • Understand certification requirements and continuing education expectations
  • Prepare effectively for the comprehensive final examination

Quizzes + final exam

  • Module checks for understanding to reinforce key concepts
  • Final exam to validate overall competency
  • Instant results and clear next steps
  • Certificate available upon successful completion

Next steps

If you meet the eligibility and experience requirements, you can enroll now and begin immediately.

Enroll Now Read Requirements

Want proof it works?

Read feedback from nurses who completed the course.

See Student Reviews

Want the regulations behind the curriculum? Our free California DSD guides cover Title 22 § 71829, the 24-hour in-service rule, and the records a CDPH survey asks for.

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