Guest Tinki Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 I am curious to see what people think about certification and how many are and aren't or want to be. If you read the post What Am I?, it is plain to see there are various opinions on certification, go ahead and give me yours. Karen :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Stacie, I am too, that why I included other. I think there may be CODA's and OTA's in this field as well. Karen :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanessa 0 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 I am a COTA and have also decided not to work towards any additional certification at this point in my career. >Vanessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StacieO 0 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 I guess I'm at that point in my career, too. Been in the field 10 years & am feeling as if a change is soon needed. But - there aren't many opportunities near where I live, moving isn't an option (we are farmers), & 2 small children. I am looking at taking some classes, towards massage therapy. That way, I could continue to work & be able to offer that as a service to our residents. Any one else at that point? Ready for a change? Maybe I need a vacation! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted May 12, 2005 I know how you feel. That is why I starting teaching and writing books. The job was getting stagnant. I needed more of an outlet. I think that massage therapy is a great idea. Good luck. Karen :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naomi 0 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 I have asked this question on several sites and still don't have my answer; I must not be asking it correctly. OK I am ready to become certified through track 5. I was told that I only need to fill out the track 5 form AND NOT THE ENTIRE APPLICATION. I think that it would be great if it were true. Does anyone know for sure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_christine Report Share Posted January 22, 2006 My name is christine and I was hired as an activity director in an 89 bed skilled nursing home (corporate owned) in July of 2005. Recently, we discovered that according to state regs I should not be there because I am not certified...corporate wanted to fire me on the spot, but my ED came to my rescue...now, they are planning on paying to get me certified...until which I am an activity assistant, my former assistant is now my director. There is this 12 week course I am going to do from home with video tapes and by mailing back homework and tests...after which, I will not be certified, but will have one of the stepping stones completed to full certification. My question is...is this the quickest way? Can I go somewhere and complete my certification all at once? I need to know my options...can anyone help??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted January 23, 2006 Regarding Certification: www.nccap.org You only need the basic course to work in Long Term Care - once you get that course you become a qualified activity director. Certification is really a choice, a good choice - To become certified you have to take the second course the advanced and apply to nccap for certification. There are many ways to take these courses you can take them with a teacher in your town, on the internet, and through correspondence. We will be teaching online courses as well on www.activitydirector.org! Go to www.nccap.org - really read this site and it has all the information you need! I suggest definitely getting the certification! Karen www.activitydirector.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PCB04 Report Share Posted January 23, 2006 Questions for Tinki--If I understood you correctly, you are going to be teaching the MEPAP courses through this website as an on-line course? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_Christine Report Share Posted January 23, 2006 Thanks Karen! So, if I understand correctly...this first management course is all I need??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted January 23, 2006 o.k the federal laws regarding AD in Long Term Care states that all you need is the basic to be considered a QUALIFIED Activity Director. Now on Certification: You do not need it, according to the federal regulations, but I would be interested to know what state you are in. The state law can be more strick. Now your facility/corporate/administrator may require the AD to be certifed. They have a choice on who they hire and may only hire a certified AD. But in your case you are already hired, so they can't fire you on that notion, not to mention that is the adminstrators error and that could be a big HR issue! So, first things first, get that basic out of the way! Then face the decision on certification - there are TONS of AD's that are not certified and will tell you they will never get it unless they are made to. Now if you facility requires it just get going and remember I am a teacher as well just contact me - since you are a member of www.activitydirector.com I can help you an any way! Don't worry you be fine! Karen Connelly TRS/TXC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennie 26 Report Share Posted January 23, 2006 Questions for Tinki--If I understood you correctly, you are going to be teaching the MEPAP courses through this website as an on-line course? Hi All, The answer to PCB's question is Yes we have Online MEPAP Courses in development. In July 2005 we established the Activity Directors Network and assembled a staff of Teachers, Consultants, Therapists, Directors, Marketing and Computer Specialists to create a Complete Activity and TR Website. We launched http://Members.ActivityDirector.Com in November to provide the AD and TR with a complete repository of custom Newsletters, Calendars, Clip-Art, Theme Activities, Activity Forms and a host of other services,being added to, and developed by our staff. We are continually upgrading to add more tools and to offer the best resources available. Our membership has grown to over 12 thousand caring professionals and a half a million visits every month. I have been running this Website for 10yrs, this month, and have been blessed with an incredible following, I stand and applaud each and everyone of you.. miquel, gina, bigchris, ElderCare, SeniorAct, llucas(ADO), THCA, DH special services, Karen(tinki), dorothea, donna martin, pam and a list that goes on and on.. all caring people, thank you!<br> Our Network includes: Http://freemail.activitydirector.com - Our free email service "YourName@Activitydirector.com" a feature rich email service including Spam and Virus Protect, 25megs of storage, Custom Wallpapers and Fonts, super reliable and free. Http://www.activitydirector.net - Our networking hub, featuring our Activity Message Board, Job Board, Entertainer Listing, Blogger and Bookstore to provide a common meeting place where Directors and Therapists can share and help one another. Http://members.activitydirector.com - Our Resources site that I mentioned above. Http://www.activitydirector.org - Our Online Classroom for AD and TR Professionals. We will be launching our classroom later this month or early February, as soon as it tested and ready to go. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_Christine122 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Thanks a lot Karen! I already have plans to take the MEPAP I course, but I talked to an instructor today (BTW I am in Pennsylvania) and apparently starting in January 2007 you will have to have both MEPAP's to be certified. So, I am also interested in taking the second MEPAP with you...please send me all the info. please! My e-mail is christine122@alltel.net. I am a registered user here just can't seem to find a password that works for this thing...I am registered in one as christine122 and registered in the thing I pay 9.99 a month as clickner. I'd like to combine the two so I only have to remember one password! :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phxville 0 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 I am also looking to get certified but I am so confused! I have my bachelors in Counseling, I know that has nothing to do with anything but atleast it is an education. Anyway, I am going to run down what I have gathered that I need to do and can someone please correct me if I am wrong. I have to take the MEPAP course and then go through the whole application process with NCCAP? Only then will I be ADPC which I have to make sure I get in my 4000 hours before 6 years so that doesn't run out??? This all seems so complicated and I feel like I am never going to have the time to jump through all these hoops...Is there any easier way? Christine scared me with the whole 2007 thing because I am also in Pennsylvania! Tinki what were you saying about not needing to be certified? At what point in this process am I considered "qualified"?? This site is great I have learned a million ways to do my job better.... Thanks Phxville Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Here is what the Federal Law states according to activities: Now the problem is the state in which you live may be more strict or the facility you work for my be more strict - That is where you come it- you must take the time to research - Ask you Administrator for the Regulations for your type of facility- they should have them - and find out what your state requires for your type of facility. "(iv) Has completed a training course approved by the State." I am in Texas and you only need the 90 Basic course to become qualified. I am pretty sure not 100% that this is everywhere but look and find out - do the research! My overall view it to get certified it is worth it - education is power! (f) Activities. (1) The facility must provide for an ongoing program of activities designed to meet, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment, the interests and the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. (2) The activities program must be directed by a qualified professional who-- (i) Is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist or an activities professional who-- (A) Is licensed or registered, if applicable, by the State in which practicing; and ( Is eligible for certification as a therapeutic recreation specialist or as an activities professional by a recognized accrediting body on or after October 1, 1990; or (ii) Has 2 years of experience in a social or recreational program within the last 5 years, 1 of which was full-time in a patient activities program in a health care setting; or (iii) Is a qualified occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant; or (iv) Has completed a training course approved by the State. (g) Social Services. (1) The facility must provide medically-related social services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident. (2) A facility with more than 120 beds must employ a qualified social worker on a full-time basis. (3) Qualifications of social worker. A qualified social worker is an individual with-- (i) A bachelor's degree in social work or a bachelor's degree in a human services field including but not limited to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KathyH Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Actually you have until the end of this year to get the ADPC. Once you are in our NCCAP System, you would have to complete the components that you do not have yet. Here are components for Track Four Certification: Track 4 A. ACADEMIC EDUCATION 1. 90-Hour Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals Part 1 and the 90-Hour Practicum (Basic Education Course). 2. 90-Hour Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals Part 2 and 90-Hour Practicum (Advanced Management Course). 3. 12 semester college credits (cannot include #1 and #2 (must include an English PLUS 1 other required coursework area). ...AND... B. ACTIVITY EXPERIENCE 4. 6,000 hours activity experience within the past 5 years. ...AND... C. CONTINUING EDUCATION 30 clock hours (Body of Knowledge) within past 5 years. If you have three of these five components you can apply for NCCAP Certification. You would be an ADPC. You then have 6 years to get what you are missing. For example if you have your college degree, the MEPAP Part One and the 30 clock hours you can apply for ADPC. You would need to get your hours of experience (2,000 is one year full time) and the MEPAP Part Two. You are then NCCAP certified. If you would like to ask any questions or learn more, NCCAP Chat on Wednesday Nights at 8:00PM EST are available on our website at www.nccap.org Best Wishes Kathy Hughes NCCAP Board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_anna Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 i understand how this poor girl feels. i am going through almost the same thing. i work and live in houston, texas and am having a hard time finding a basic program to start that is somewhat near. if anyone hears of one soon please let me know my email is annaeblaha@yahoo.com. i work in a 17 bed skilled nursing facility that is located within a hospital so i fall under federal regs and not state even though the texas regs are more strict. thankfully i have a wonderful manager that is willing to pay for all my course work and is sending me to as many conferences as possible. also if anyone hears about anymore conferences in texas i would love to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mashonda 0 Report Share Posted January 27, 2006 Have you posed this question to the Activity Certification Board. Try going to the website NCCAP.org and see what it says there. I'm not to familiar with activity director certification. Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tinki Report Share Posted January 27, 2006 Definately contact NCCAP they would know the correct answer for your specific sitiuation. I personally, have no idea what NCCAP requires regarding paperwork. But just email them! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Report Share Posted January 28, 2006 Sometimes it is difficult to get a direct reply from NCCAP if you just email them at the info direct email. I have been successful at getting answers through instructors listed on the website such as Natalie Davis in TX whom you can email. Natalie Davis travels nationally to speak regarding certification. As well as email contact through board members of NCCAP such as Cyndi Bradshaw. I am also seeking certification and and went to a meeting where Natalie was giving information on Certification through the different tracks. What I do remember is with NCCAP it is very important to be through with everything you send them to obtain ADC certification. I hope this helps. Good luck! Future ADC~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest_KateAA Report Share Posted January 30, 2006 This information is directly from the www.nccap.org website. 1/6/06 Activity Director Certified (ADC) Track 5 NCCAP recently opened up a "window of opportunity" for individuals that completed a basic activity course of 90 hours or less, between 1991 (when OBRA was implemented) and 2001 (when the requirement for the MEPAP course/pre-approved instructors was implemented), but that have the established experience, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to the field of activities, and have ongoing continuing education to effectively implement their job responsibilities and duties, an opportunity to apply for certification as a director. ADC Track 5 requirements must include: (HS diploma and/or GED) 1.a basic activity course (Please check which one applies and/or is closest to the course you attended) ____36 hours ____ 40/42/45 hour ____60 hour ___72 hour ____ 90 hour ___ MUST have been completed between (1991 -2001)Verified by submitting a certificate of completion, signed by the qualified instructor. 2. 6 years (12,000 hours) of current activity experience within the past 10 years 3. 30 hours of continuing education 20% (6 hours) of which specifically addresses activity documentation(ie mds,care planning, assessments).This cannot be in conjuntion with your activity courses IF you meet the above criteria; 1. complete the current NCCAP application 2. complete the additional ADC Track 5 application form 3. submit ALL the required documentation FOLLOWING ALL the NCCAP standards 4. submit the appropriate fee(s) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AggieTiff 0 Report Share Posted January 30, 2006 If you are in Texas, I would second the recommendation in contacting Natalie Davis. She really takes her time in explaining what you need. Where are you located? Tiff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hnyb1998 0 Report Share Posted March 23, 2006 I am a Board Certified Music Therapist with a four year college degree that prepared me very well for work as an Activity Director. I value the idea of being certified... to keep standards high... but I dont find the need to take a short class to become certified in activities. I take continuing education courses to keep my music therapy certification current as well as attend local workshops/conferences on activity and recreation therapy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherylc 0 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 I am hoping someone can help me and my fellow students, We are taking the mepap 1 course, and today we were told we will have to have 12 semester hours to be come nationally certified. 5 of us dont really care ot be nationally certified we just want to work in the facilities that we are employeed by now. not looking to move outside of Ohio. so my question is can we still be Activity Directors after completeing this mepap 1 course without goign to college? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pennie 26 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 I am hoping someone can help me and my fellow students, We are taking the mepap 1 course, and today we were told we will have to have 12 semester hours to be come nationally certified. 5 of us dont really care ot be nationally certified we just want to work in the facilities that we are employeed by now. not looking to move outside of Ohio. so my question is can we still be Activity Directors after completeing this mepap 1 course without goign to college? Hi Newbie You should be able to be Certified for your state only. In Texas you do not have to have become nationally certified. Look into the state regs for Ohio to see what they require. Here you only have to take the MEPAP 1 & 2 courses & sit in on the state exam. Look at NCCAP.org under the instructors for one in your state and email or call them for details. If you are already in the MEPAP 1 course then that instructor should be able to answer your questions. Pennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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