MEPAP Certification Classes

Registration for Fall Semester 2025 is open.

Classes start August 25, 2025

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 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. You will need this to activate your StarID.
5. Email the instructor with your name, mailing address, phone, and email address so additional information can be sent to you. [email protected]
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. You may encounter firewalls or blockers if working from work. Please consult your IT department. 

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 APC.
Certification as an Activity Director requires completion of the Basic APC and Management ADC classes (MEPAP Part 1 & 2), work experience, and national exam. Please visit NCCAP for certification requirements (www.nccap.org)

Topical Outline

• Identify agencies and organizations within the continuum of care
• Identify aging resources
• Identify professional resources
• Describe regulatory requirements across the continuum of care
• Resident Rights
• Vulnerable adults, neglect, and abuse
• Apply professional standards of practice and code of ethics

• Physical, cognitive and sensory changes in the aging process
• Identify activity programming needs for all functioning levels
• Identify infection control, safety issues and risk management in activity programs

• Identify state and federal regulatory requirements for care planning and documentation
• Assessments (MDS and Activity)
• Describe writing care plans and progress notes procedures
• Identify documentation procedures and timelines

• Identify types of activity programming
• Determine management skills for developing meaningful quality activities
• Identify intervention and engagement techniques
• Explain the elements for planning activity calendars and theme programs
• Develop activity ideas and resources for designing activity programs

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 in an approved setting. 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 #218005) and meets the education requirements of the modular education program, part two ADC.

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.

Please visit NCCAP for certification requirements. (www.nccap.org)

Topical Outline

• Identify responsibilities and role of the activity director
• Explain professionalism in the workplace
• Define the framework of management process
• Assess leadership skills and style
• Explore community resources and opportunities for involvement
• Identify ways to market the activity program

• Identify personnel management skills and techniques
• Explain how to manage time and space in the activity department
• Describe department record keeping requirements
• Describe quality assurance process

• Identify communication skills important for leadership in activities
• Describe problem-solving skills
• Explore in-services, training, and education opportunities for professional development

• Identify ways to recruit volunteers
• Identify training and orientation procedures for volunteers
• Identify ways to recognize and celebrate 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 in an approved setting. Please contact the instructor to begin arrangement for internship site.