Cewd Ed2go Activity Director - Garrett College

Activity Director

Activity Director Training Online

activity director

Become an Activity Director

Activity Directors assist those who reside in day treatment, assisted living, and long-term care settings by directing, implementing and evaluating all resident activities. If you want a rewarding and in-demand career helping others, this 100% online course will train you to create, implement and evaluate resident centered activities in resident facilities.

Job Outlook for Activity Directors

  • According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in the recreation sector, including Activity Directors, are expected to grow by 10% between now and 2029. This is much faster than overall job growth.
  • Recruiting site Zippia.com states that Activity Directors earn $22.13 per hour or $46,029 per year. According to PayScale.com, early-career Activity Directors can expect to earn $15.07 per hour with 1-4 years of experience.

Activity Director FAQs

What does an activity director do?

Activity Directors serve residents in care facilities such as treatment centers, retirement and assisted living by designing and implementing activities for individuals and groups. They facilitate socialization, entertainment, and fulfillment, as they enhance participants' daily lives.

Can activity directors work in any state?

Each state maintains its own requirements for Activity Director training and licensing. This course is valid for employment in WA, NM, KS, OK, TX, MN, MO, WI, OH, TN and NH. Please check with your state to confirm its requirements.

Is an activity director considered a recreation therapist?

While the two professions have a lot in common, Activity Directors are responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating activities, while Recreation Therapists use recreation for specific therapeutic outcomes. In this course, you will be exposed to common therapy strategies and modalities, as it is important for Activity Directors to be broadly informed about the field.

Course Objectives

  • Identify the role of the activity director in today's long-term care environment
  • Demonstrate knowledge of a variety of programming options
  • Show awareness of the role of various therapies in activity programming
  • Identify the availability, options, and uses for adaptive equipment and interventions
  • Discuss the management of resident and community volunteers, including recruitment, training, and recognition
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform needed documentation
  • Structure planning for optimal use of an environment
  • Establish and facilitate group and individual participation

Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Curriculum

Long-Term Care Fundamentals

Explore the history of long-term care and learn about the philosophies backing person-centered care. Develop a basic knowledge of the aging process.

Physical Changes

Address common misconceptions about aging and examine the physical and mental changes humans face as they age.

Applicable Regulations

Examine psychosocial needs and receive an overview of applicable regulations. Learn about advocacy and resident-family councils.

Admission and Discharge Process

Discuss the principles of documentation, basic performance skills, staff management, and care plan effectiveness required to admit or discharge a patient.

Roles and Programs

Learn the role of the activity direction, programming options, various therapy techniques often used, and options for adaptive equipment.

Instructors

Cindy Gray

Cindy Gray has worked in the healthcare field since 1999. She began her career as a CNA, then completed her LPN, and continued with an ADN degree. She functioned as a Long-Term Care charge nurse, Inpatient Rehabilitation nurse, MDS Coordinator, and Director of Nursing. Following this, she re-enrolled in college and obtained a BSN while performing duties of Human Resources, Staff Development Coordinator, Risk Management, Health Information Management, and Senior Living Manager.

Get Started

Registration and Enrollment

This course is

100%
online.

Start anytime.


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To determine scholarship or funding opportunities, please indicate your interest when submitting your application form.


Contact Info

Kaitlyn Glotfelty

Phone: 301-387-3770
Email: kaitlyn.glotfelty@garrettcollege.edu