How to Become an Activity Director for a Retirement Home
A career as an activity director in a retirement home is a rewarding way to earn a living. When you address issues of depression, isolation, limited mobility and cognitive impairments through recreational activities, you impact the lives of seniors and their families in a positive way. Becoming familiar with state requirements and facility procedures is vital to being successful. Invest in some form of education and experience in the field of activity or recreation therapy to ready yourself for a job as an activity director in a retirement home.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Degree or certification
- Evidence of experience
- Portfolio of printed materials
- Membership in activity professional organization
Instructions
-
-
1
Get an education. A bachelor's degree in gerontology, recreation, music or art therapy is a useful background to have when applying for a job as an activity director. Associate degrees and activity director certifications are other options that will help meet requirements of a retirement home hiring.
-
2
Get some experience. Internship experiences will be offered when you pursue a bachelor's degree, but many retirement homes will hire activity directors who have practical knowledge versus a degree. Volunteer at a retirement, nursing home or physical rehabilitation center to get some experience under your belt.
-
-
3
Work your way up in the company. Get hired on as an activity assistant or a volunteer director to have an "in" when the activity director position opens. When you are familiar with the residents and facility policies and procedures, you have a step up on the competition for the job.
-
4
Associate yourself with a professional organization. The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) and the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) are nationwide organizations that will provide educational opportunities and certification programs to help individuals become activity directors.
-
5
Prepare for interviews with a book full of examples of activity newsletters, promotional flyers and ideas on group programming as well as a list of courses taken on the subject. Prove your proficiency in paperwork, creative thinking and promotional abilities.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Individual states have activity professional organizations that feature regional educational opportunities and networking. Get involved on a local level to advance your career.
Attend local and national activity professional conferences. Even as you are working toward your certification or education, networking with professionals can help your development and looks good on a resume.
Look into educational benefits that the retirement home you work for offer. Employees from any department may be able to apply for money to get activity director training that can result in a job later on.
Don't invest in education or courses that won't pay off. Research what educational requirements retirement homes in your area are looking for to focus your coursework.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images
