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Activity Director or Activity Assistant Online Course

  • Open enrollment – start once access is granted
  • 45 clock hours (online)
  • Approved by KDADS
  • Certificate of Completion from We Care Online (not MEPAP / NCCAP)
  • Textbook required (see Enrollment Options)
  • Learn to assist residents with activities and social needs.

Details

This Activity Director course is designed to give the student the training and insight in working with the activity and social service programs in nursing homes.

What Happens After You Enroll

Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what to expect after you register.

1 Enroll & Submit Payment

Register for your course and submit payment securely online.

Note: This course is fully online and self-paced. You will have 1 month to complete the course.
2 Confirmation Email & Next Steps

You will receive a confirmation email after registering. This email includes important information about your registration process, next steps, and any required actions.

Important: Please watch for this email (and check your spam/junk folder) because it contains details needed to get started.
3 Admin Processing & Course Access

Our admin team will process your registration. For Open Enrollment courses, course access is provided once your registration is processed.

For scheduled courses, you will receive a course invitation on the first day of the course.

After processing, you will be added to Canvas, our online learning platform, where you will complete your coursework.

4 Complete Coursework & Instructor Support

You can work through the course on on your schedule. Students are given one month to complete the course.

Instructors monitor the course and are available for questions during business hours.

5 Certificate of Completion & APNCC Exam Info

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.

This course is not MEPAP or NCCAP certified.

Students who wish to pursue additional credentialing may be eligible to sit for the APNCC exam.

Learn more about the APNCC here: APNCC Official Website

Exam eligibility, requirements, fees, and scheduling are determined by the APNCC organization.

Activity Director Course Overview – Kansas

Our online Kansas Activity Director course is designed to give students the training and insight needed to work with activity and social service programs in nursing homes and long-term care settings. You’ll learn how to plan, organize, and lead meaningful programs that encourage social interaction and engagement, while respecting diverse cultures, ability levels, and participant needs.

Kansas-approved course: This program is approved by KDADS and the Kansas Board of Regents. You can view our approved courses: Click Here. Students receive a Certificate of Completion after successfully meeting course requirements.

We Care Online Activity Director course students are accepted to register for the APNCC Board Certification Exam under Pathway #2 (field and CEU criteria apply).

Important: This Activity Director course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved.
CAREER PATH
Ideal for staff pursuing Activity Director leadership roles
A strong fit for long-term care team members who want to plan and lead resident activity programs.
FOCUS
Activity programming, social engagement, and department coordination
Learn how to develop successful activity programs while supporting facility guidelines, budgets, and resident satisfaction.
OUTCOME
Preparation for Activity Director positions
Build practical knowledge for Activity Director roles and understand certification expectations that may vary by employer/state.
Where You Can Work
  • Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Assisted Living Communities
  • Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Other healthcare settings that provide resident activity programs

Job titles may vary: Activity Director, Activities Director, Director of Activities, Activity Manager, Activity Supervisor, Recreation Leader.

Learning Experience
  • Fully online, self-paced instruction
  • Practical planning concepts for real-world application
  • Engaging learning materials
  • Instructor support and guidance
Tip: Watch for your confirmation email after registration (check spam/junk). It includes important next steps.
What You’ll Learn
  • Planning, organizing, and leading resident activities
  • Explaining activity rules and instructing participants at different skill levels
  • Enforcing safety rules to help prevent injury
  • Modifying activities for dementia or limited mobility
  • Organizing equipment and preparing activity spaces
  • Building a social environment that supports resident interaction
  • Coordinating logistics such as transportation (as applicable)
  • Participating in staff meetings and monitoring budget considerations
  • Supervising and motivating staff within facility guidelines
  • Professional communication and basic computer skills for documentation and email
Enrollment Requirements
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Meet any employer or facility hiring requirements
  • Computer or tablet with reliable internet access
  • Some states/employers require national certification—verify with your facility
Upon Completion

After successfully completing course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. Certification expectations may vary by employer/state.

Full Course Objectives
  • Describe the responsibilities of an Activity Director in long-term care settings
  • Plan, organize, and lead activity programs that encourage engagement and social interaction
  • Modify activities to meet diverse needs, including dementia and limited mobility
  • Apply safety practices and enforce rules to help prevent injury during activities
  • Demonstrate organizational skills for equipment setup, scheduling, and coordination
  • Explain professional communication expectations and teamwork within a facility
  • Identify common Activity Director job title variations and workplace settings
  • Recognize that certification requirements may vary by employer and state

Requirements

Course Requirements

ENROLLMENT
There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in this course. Students may register independently and complete the program fully online. Our courses require payment up front. If you are a facility and need to make payment arrangements, please fill out this form: Click Here for Form. Or email our Accounts Receivable department: click here to email.
EDUCATION
Activity Directors commonly hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Educational requirements vary by employer and are not required to take this course.
APNCC CERTIFICATION
After successful course completion, students receive a certificate of completion from We Care Online. We Care Online Activity Director course students are accepted to register for the APNCC Board Certification Exam under Pathway #2. Past and present students meeting the field and CEU criteria are eligible. This Kansas Activity Director course is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents. This Activity Director course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved.
TECH REQUIREMENTS
Hardware: This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Software: PC: Windows 8 or newer. Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later. Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible. Adobe Acrobat Reader (free). Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins. Other: Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
EMPLOYER POLICIES
Hiring standards vary by employer. Some employers or states may require national certification while others have no requirements. We recommend confirming specific employment qualifications with your intended employer.

📘
Required Textbook
Click the book image to order
Long Term Care Professionals Textbook
Long Term Care Professionals
Required for course completion
Tap to order

Career Info

Career Info – Activity Director (Kansas)

Activity Directors support resident quality of life in long-term care settings by planning, organizing, and leading structured activity programs. In Kansas, this role often includes coordinating group events, adapting activities for different ability levels, and collaborating with the care team to promote engagement and social interaction.

What Does an Activity Director Do?
  • Plan, organize, and lead individual and group activities for residents
  • Explain activity rules and guide participants at varying skill and ability levels
  • Modify programs for dementia, limited mobility, or special needs
  • Enforce safety rules and help prevent injuries during activities
  • Set up equipment, coordinate schedules, and support activity logistics
Where Activity Directors Work
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Long-term care and nursing homes
  • Assisted living communities
  • Memory care units
  • Rehabilitation and residential care settings

Work schedules vary by employer and may include evenings, weekends, and special events depending on resident programming needs.

Salary – Kansas
Estimated average hourly pay: $21.04 per hour
Estimated average annual earnings: $49,705 per year

Wages vary by region, experience level, employer, and shift differentials.

Regional Pay Snapshot (Examples)
Entry Range (25th percentile) $33,900/yr (≈ $16.30/hr)
Typical Range (average) $49,705/yr (≈ $21.04/hr)
Experienced Range (75th percentile) $46,400/yr (≈ $22.31/hr)
Examples shown are based on publicly available wage estimates and may not reflect every employer or city.
Career Advancement Path

Many students use Activity Director training as a stepping stone into broader long-term care leadership roles:

  • Activity Director → Senior / Lead Activities Director
  • Activity Director → Life Enrichment / Resident Engagement Manager
  • Activity Director → Director of Social Services (role varies by employer)
  • Activity Director → Memory Care Programming Lead
  • Activity Director → Long-term care leadership pathways (with additional education if desired)

Some employers or states may require national certification for Activity Director roles. Requirements vary—confirm with your intended facility.

Job Outlook

Activity Director roles overlap with recreation and resident engagement work in long-term care settings. National projections for recreation workers show continued demand with substantial annual openings driven by turnover and replacement needs.

Sources & Disclosure: Wage and outlook estimates are based on publicly available labor market data and may vary by employer, location, experience, and shift differentials. Referenced sources include ZipRecruiter – Activity Director salary (Kansas), ZipRecruiter – Activities Director salary (Kansas), PayScale – Activity Director hourly pay (U.S.), and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Recreation Workers outlook.
Melanie Fischer, RN
Melanie Fischer, RN
Department Director / Course Instructor

Melanie Fischer is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for helping others. Her journey in the healthcare industry began in 1993 when she sought a summer job during high school and landed a housekeeping position at Ellis Good Sam. While she enjoyed her role, Melanie’s desire to make a more meaningful impact on the residents she served led her to pursue a career in healthcare.

In 2003, Melanie achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), and since 2006, she has been a valuable member of the We Care Online team. Alongside her fulfilling career, Melanie and her husband run a farm in Northwest Kansas, where they grow crops and raise cattle, and they are blessed with four beautiful children. Family time is precious to Melanie, and she relishes moments spent with her husband and kids outside of work.

Having experienced the healthcare industry for many years, Melanie shares valuable advice for those aspiring to enter this field. She emphasizes the importance of patience and treating both residents and co-workers with respect and professionalism. Her personal mantra revolves around prioritizing the needs of others above her own.

At We Care Online, Melanie holds a crucial role in ensuring students have the best online learning experience possible. Her responsibilities include supporting multiple classes and assisting with online and state-related procedures, advertising upcoming classes, and providing support to students and facilities alike.

Always approachable and eager to help, Melanie is happy to answer questions and support you throughout your course experience.

Melanie Fischer, RN
Lori Wagoner
Instructor Assistant

Lori Wagoner is a dedicated and accomplished professional who serves as an Instructor Assistant for Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Activity Director, and Social Service Designee courses at We Care Online Classes. With a passion for healthcare and education, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

In her position as an Instructor Assistant, Lori plays a crucial role in supporting students pursuing careers as nurse aides and medication aides. She provides guidance, instruction, and mentorship to help students develop the skills and confidence required for success.

Lori’s healthcare background includes experience as a Nurse Aide and Medication Aide. She is known for her strong commitment to patient safety, clear communication, and helping students understand real-world expectations in healthcare settings.

Lori supports students throughout the course by helping questions get answered and making sure students know what to do next.

FAQ

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about enrollment, payment, access, completion, and Kansas-specific details.

1 Can I take the course without a facility?

Yes. You may register as an individual and complete the Kansas Activity Director course online. Employer hiring standards can still vary by facility.

2 Do I need a book (textbook) for this course?

If a textbook is listed as required on this page, it is required for course completion. Use the “Textbook Required” section to order the correct book.

3 How do I enroll?

Click the “Registration Options” button on this page and complete checkout. After registration, watch for your confirmation email with next steps. You will receive a course invitation on the first day of the course.

4 How do I pay?

Courses require payment up front at registration. However, you can choose to make payments during the registration process.

5 Do you offer payment arrangements for facilities?

If you are a facility and need payment arrangements, please fill out this form: Click Here for Form. You can also contact Accounts Receivable: click here to email.

6 When do I get access to the course?

You’ll receive a confirmation email after registration. Access and next steps may vary based on enrollment processing, so please follow the instructions provided in that email.

7 How long do I have to finish?

Many students finish in about 4 weeks. Completion time can vary based on your schedule and the pace you maintain.

8 Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Upon successful completion of course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.

9 Is this Kansas Activity Director course state approved?

This program is approved by KDADS and the Kansas Board of Regents. You can view our approved courses: Click Here.

10 Is this course MEPAP or NCCAP approved?

No. This Activity Director course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved.

11 Can this course help me pursue APNCC board certification?

We Care Online Activity Director course students are accepted to register for the APNCC Board Certification Exam under Pathway #2. Eligibility depends on meeting APNCC field experience and CEU criteria. Review APNCC requirements to confirm your eligibility.

12 What if I don’t receive my confirmation email?

First, check your spam/junk folder. Make sure your registration email address was typed correctly. If you still don’t see it, contact our office using the contact information on this page.

13 What does an Activity Director do in long-term care?
  • Plan and develop activity programs that support resident quality of life
  • Promote social interaction and meaningful engagement
  • Modify activities for dementia care, limited mobility, and different ability levels
  • Coordinate activity resources, schedules, and (when applicable) transportation
  • Support compliance with facility policies and resident rights
14 What computer/tech do I need for the course?

Hardware:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software:

  • PC: Windows 8 or newer
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later
  • Browser: Latest Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox preferred (Microsoft Edge and Safari also compatible)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Enrollment Options:

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