MEPAP Certification Classes

Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) Training

MEPAP is the approved curriculum of the National Certification Council of Activity Professionals (NCCAP) and is a required component in becoming nationally certified. The curriculum is designed to meet the changing healthcare and aging services industry needs and prepares activity professionals in the design and delivery of quality, meaningful activity programs across the continuum of aging services. The MEPAP 2nd edition consists of 20 core content areas that are taught in the Basic Activity Class MEPAP Part 1 APC (4 credits) and the Activity Management Class Part 2 ADC (4 credits). Both classes are required for director-level certification. The MEPAP classes offered by Ridgewater College are online and preapproved by NCCAP (218005). Taught by an instructor with over 35 years of experience as an activity director, activity consultant, and activity educator, students will gain valuable insight and personalized instruction in the real world of activity programming and services.

Online MEPAP Training at Ridgewater

Be part of an online learning community of Activity Professionals from all over the country
Collaborate, network, and interact with virtual classmates on coursework, projects, and discussion topics
Benefit from the structured yet flexible format designed for the working activity professional
Experienced instructor in the the real world of the activity profession
Trained instructor for online course design and delivery
Program does not require you to be online at a set time
Instructor is always available to help you with projects, assignments, questions, concerns, and being successful in your classes
Get online and be part of a group in building your professional network to help you succeed!

The MEPAP Part 1 and Part 2 classes are designed to meet the needs of those primarily working towards NCCAP certification and do not wish to pursue the degree or certificate options.

MEPAP Class Registration Information

Fall Semester 2025

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

How to Register for MEPAP Classes

Call Ridgewater College registration office at 1-800-722-1151, ext 8592 to register.
Registration for the MEPAP classes is done by phone only.
Arrange for tuition payment at time of registration
Obtain your student ID number from the registrar upon registering. You will need this to activate your StarID.
Email the instructor with your name, mailing address, phone, and email address so additional information can be sent to you. julie.reginek@ridgewater.edu
Get the required textbooks (information will be provided in an email reply to you).
Review the MEPAP FAQ [PDF] and contact the instructor with any questions you might have.
Start thinking about how you will set aside and manage your time and schedule once the class starts.
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.

MEPAP Part 1 - Basic Activity Class - 4 credits

Class Description and Outline

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)

Unit 1 - Introduction to Activities and Aging Services

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

Unit 2 - Health and Social Issues in Aging

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

Unit 3 - Activity Care Planning and Documentation

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

Unit 4 - Activity Program Planning and Delivery

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

Practicum/Internship Requirement

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.

MEPAP Part 2 - Activity Management Class - 4 credits

Class Description and Outline

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)

Unit 1 - Introduction to Activity Management

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

Unit 2 - Activity Department Management Skills

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

Unit 3 - Communication Skills for Activity Managers

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

Unit 4 - Volunteer Management

Identify ways to recruit volunteers
Identify training and orientation procedures for volunteers
Identify ways to recognize and celebrate volunteers

Practicum/Internship requirements