How to Become an Activity Director

Becoming an activity director can be a rewarding career.

Activity directors plan and implement programs in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers and other similar locations. Before becoming an activity director you must follow specific guidelines recommended by the National Council of Certified Activity Professionals (NCCAP), which is the only national organization that offers varying levels of certification for activity professionals working with the elderly. The Virginia-based group also offers re-certification to professionals looking to renew and maintain their membership.

Instructions

Is This Career Right for You?

1. Volunteer at a nursing home or similar facility prior to becoming employed by one to make sure you like working with the frail elderly. This is not absolutely necessary, but it is a good idea.

2. Get a job as an activity assistant so you can build valuable experience for your future as an activity director.

3. Visit the NCCAP website to see if you like the kinds of courses you have to take to become an activity director.

Option One

1. Get a bachelor's degree, taking specific courses that are recommended by the NCCAP.

2. Accumulate 4,000 hours of activity experience, which can be done while you are going to school. The experience must be within five years of becoming an activity director.

3. Obtain 30 hours of continuing education credits. The subjects for the credits are recommended by the NCCAP.

4. Pass the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP). You must pass both parts one and two. It costs about $1,200 to take these programs.

Option Two

1. Earn an associate degree, which includes classes the NCCAP recommends.

2. Become employed as an activity assistant or provisional activity director for at least 6,000 hours over the course of five years.

3. Take 30 hours of continuing education classes, as recommended by the NCCAP.

4. Pass the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals, parts one and two.

Option Three

1. Earn 60 college semester credits, which must include the subjects that are recommended by the NCCAP.

2. Have at least 6,000 hours of activity experience within the past five years.

3. Take 30 continuing education credits that are recommended by the NCCAP.

4. Pass the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals courses part one and part two.

Option Four

1. Pass parts one and two of Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals.

2. Earn 12 college credits, as recommended by the NCCAP.

3. Work 6,000 hours in the nursing home activity department. The work must occur within five years.

4. Take 30 hours of continuing education, as recommended by the NCCAP.

Option Five: Activity Director Provisionally Certified

1. Follow the path of one of the other four options. You have only six years to fulfill one of them.

2. Take 30 hours of continuing education classes every two years.

3. Meet the criteria of the option you are trying to get.

Tips & Warnings

• You can take the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals online or at a community college.

• You can only get the Activity Director Provisionally Certification one time.

• You must renew the Activity Director Provisionally Certification every two years throughout the six-year cycle.

References

• National Council Of Certified Activity Professionals: Certification Index