The MEPAP Part One is a 90-hour independent study course that can be taken in the comfort of your own home at your own pace. Focused on the basics of activities and coupled with a Practicum in the field of long-term care, this online course is divided into 4 modules.
The course is augmented with coaching sessions as needed via Google Meet with the Instructor as requested by appointment. The course typically takes 4-6 months to complete, although you have up to one year to finish.
This course will enable you to get certified as an APC, Activity Professional Certified, through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals for an additional fee.
MEPAP Part I – Independent Study
Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals
Course Description
MEPAP Part I provides foundational education for individuals pursuing a career as an Activity Professional in long-term care and community-based settings. Through readings, written assignments, interviews, practicum experiences, and presentations, students develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to enhance quality of life and meaningful engagement for older adults.
The course is organized into four modules that address professional foundations, regulatory requirements, aging and resident rights, and the delivery of activity services. Students also participate in a supervised practicum experience and complete both a midterm and final examination.
Course Modules
Module One: Introduction to the Activity Profession
Summary
This module introduces the foundations of activity services and the role of the Activity Professional in supporting quality of life for older adults. Students explore the continuum of care, professional organizations, certification pathways, and the NCCAP Body of Knowledge. The practicum experience begins in this module, along with opportunities for professional networking.
Key Topics
- Definition and purpose of Activity Services
- Quality of Life and person-centered care
- The continuum of care
- Professional networking and affiliations
- NCCAP certification and continuing education
Module Two: Professional Framework and Regulations
Summary
This module focuses on the professional and regulatory framework that guides activity services in long-term care. Students examine facility structure, federal regulations, and the survey process while gaining insight into the role of Activity Professionals in regulatory compliance and quality improvement.
Key Topics
- History of the Activity Profession
- Facility mission and organizational structure
- OBRA regulations and survey process
- Activity-related F-Tags
- Quality indicators and survey preparation
Assessment: Midterm Exam
Module Three: Aging, Advocacy, and Therapeutic Engagement
Summary
Students explore the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging while learning how Activity Professionals advocate for residents and protect resident rights. This module introduces theories of aging and therapeutic approaches used to support engagement, particularly for individuals with dementia and other age-related conditions.
Key Topics
- Resident Rights and Advocacy
- Biology and psychology of aging
- Chronic illness and age-related diagnoses
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Therapeutic engagement approaches
- Resident interviews and activity presentations
Module Four: Professional Practice and Service Delivery
Summary
The final module focuses on the practical application of activity services through care planning, documentation, and program delivery. Students explore culture change in long-term care, ageism, and end-of-life care while learning how to evaluate and strengthen activity programming. The course concludes with professional development and preparation for certification.
Key Topics
- Culture change in long-term care
- Ageism and the psychology of aging
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Care planning and documentation
- MDS and care area assessments
- Activity service delivery and evaluation
Assessment: Final Exam
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