MEPAP Certification Classes

Registration is open for spring semester.

ADR 1500 MEPAP 1 Basic Activity Course
4 credits

ADR 1520 MEPAP 2 Activity Management Course
4 credits

1. Call Ridgewater College registration office at 1-800-722-1151, ext 8592 or ext 8593 to register.
2. Registration for the MEPAP classes is done by phone only.
3. Arrange for tuition payment at time of registration
4. Obtain your student ID number from the registrar upon registering.
5. Email the instructor with your name, mailing address, phone, and email address so additional information can be sent to you. julie.reginek@ridgewater.edu
6. Get the required textbooks (information will be provided in an email reply to you).
7. Review the MEPAP FAQ [PDF] and contact the instructor with any questions you might have.
8. Start thinking about how you will set aside and manage your time and schedule once the class starts.
9. Make sure you have fast speed internet and a computer that is in good working condition.

This class is designed for individuals working in an activity program and who are seeking certification or training as an Activity Assistant or Activity Director.  The class is divided into four units.  The first unit covers an introduction to activities and aging services. The second unit covers health and social issues of aging. The third unit focuses on care planning and documentation requirements for the activity professional.  The final unit covers activity calendar planning and program delivery.  The class is approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP #218005) and meets the education requirements of the modular education program, part one.
Certification as an Activity Director, Track 4, requires completion of the Basic and Management classes (MEPAP Part 1 & 2), CEU’s , work experience, additional college credits, and national exam. Please visit NCCAP for certification requirements (www.nccap.org)

• Identify agencies and organizations within the continuum of care
• Identify aging resources
• Identify professional resources
• Describe regulatory requirements
• Identify Resident Rights\
• Identify vulnerable adults, neglect, and abuse

• Identify physical and cognitive changes in aging
• Describe sensory changes
• Identify activity programming for functioning levels
• Identify infection control and safety issues in activity programs

• Identify state and federal regulatory requirements
• Explain assessments (MDS and Activity)
• Describe writing care plans and progress notes procedures
• Identify documentation procedures

• Identify types of activity programs
• Determine activity program management skills
• Identify intervention techniques
• Plan activity calendar and theme programs
• Identify activity ideas and resources

Students currently working in an activity setting will complete a series of practicum assignments. A student who does not currently work in an activity setting will be required to complete 90 hours of internship experience. Please contact the instructor to begin arrangement for internship site.

This class is designed for individuals working in an activity program and who are seeking certification or training as an Activity Assistant or Activity Director. The class is divided into four units. The first unit covers foundations of professionalism, ethics and leadership. The second unit covers administrative management and leadership skills. The third unit focuses on effective communication including listening skills, verbal/nonverbal communication, and oral and written communication. The final unit covers establishing and running an effective volunteer program. The course is approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP #25125-18-M2-NT) and meets the education requirements of the modular education program, part two.

Activity management is the process of directing and leading people and other resources to help deliver quality leisure and therapeutic activity services to the senior population. An activity manager must have a good understanding of the day to day challenges that is involved in running an activity program. Having a solid background in the technical knowledge involved with managing a department and supervising people is critical. Activity professionals learn these skills through training, education and work experience. This Activity Management Program will teach Activity Directors the management skills needed to effectively run a department. Students enrolled in this program should have basic knowledge in the following areas; regulatory compliance, programming and calendar development, standards of practice, aging issues, care planning, documentation, and various intervention techniques.

Upon successful completion of the Activity Management Class, the participant will be awarded a 4 credit award of completion certificate. Completion of the Basic Activity Class (MEPAP part 1) prior to enrolling in the management program is recommended but not required. However, the Basic Activity Class (MEPAP part 1) is a pre-requisite and required for those professionals with less than two years activity experience.

Certification as an Activity Director, Track 4, requires completion of the Basic and Management classes, and additional college credits, work experience, continuing education, and national exam. Please visit NCCAP for certification requirements. (www.nccap.org)

• Identify responsibilities of the activity director
• Explore professionalism in the workplace
• Identify role as a manager
• Assess leadership skills
• Explore community resources and opportunities for involvement
• Explore cultural diversity

• Identify personnel management skills and techniques
• Explore time and space management
• Explore department record keeping requirements
• Explore quality assurance

• Identify communication skills for leadership
• Explore problem-solving skills
• Explore in-services, training, and education opportunities
• Explore teamwork

• Identify ways for recruiting volunteers
• Explore training and orientation procedures for volunteers
• Identify ways to recognize volunteers

Students currently working in an activity setting will complete a series of practicum assignments. A student who does not currently work in an activity setting will be required to complete 90 hours of internship experience. Please contact the instructor to begin arrangement for internship site.