The primary job of a nursing home activity director typically is to coordinate all activities for the patients. Some of the activities include, but are not limited to, games, parties, holiday celebrations, religious activities, outings, and crafts. To become a nursing home activity director, you likely will need to obtain an undergraduate degree, pass a criminal background check, gain experience in the field, and secure certification from a national body.

To obtain experience in the field, you might consider volunteering at an assisted-living or nursing home facility. Most facilities will require a criminal background check and references. During your volunteer time, you could also enroll in college to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

According to the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP), you will need a bachelor’s degree with at least one English course and at least seven courses directly related to being a nursing home activity director. In addition, candidates need 4,000 hours of hands-on experience working or volunteering in this area during the previous five years. A final requirement to become a nursing home activity director is a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education during the previous five years.

Health boards and other governmental agencies examine nursing homes for compliance of state and federal regulations. Grants, insurance coverage, and other funding have strict rules for nursing homes to be able to receive money. For these reasons, the majority of facilities will not hire a nursing home activity director that has not been certified by the NCCAP.

There are several methods to receive NCCAP accreditation without a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who want to become a nursing home activity director can increase their hands-on experience to 6,000 hours. There is a combination of different educational levels and requirements for candidates. A minimum of 30 hours of continuing education during the previous five years is still required.

Candidates who want to become a nursing home activity director typically fill out the NCCAP application after fulfilling the requirements. A current resume, letters of reference, and verification from volunteer coordinators and directors usually should be sent with the application. Once given the NCCAP license, you will want to be sure to renew it every five years. Working as a nursing home director typically will count toward the hands-on experience hours, to go with your 30 hours of continuing education.

After obtaining the NCCAP license, a facility with an opening will often promote the assistant to a higher position. Nursing homes often hire an activity director who is actively seeking and is near completion of the NCCAP license. Therefore, obtaining a NCCAP license can be crucial to getting hired in this career field.