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Activity Director for Texas

  • Open enrollment – start once access is granted
  • 45 clock hours (online)
  • Designed to meet Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) training requirements for Activity Directors
  • 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

The Texas Activity Director Training course prepares students to plan, organize, and support activity programs for residents in long-term care settings. Students learn how to use schedules, document participation, support person-centered approaches, and coordinate activities that align with resident needs and facility expectations.

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. Course access is provided once your registration is processed.

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 (Texas) Course Overview

Our online Activity Director course prepares you to plan, organize, and lead meaningful activity programs in long-term care. You’ll learn person-centered programming, resident rights, documentation basics, and practical methods for supporting engagement across diverse abilities, including dementia and limited mobility.

Important note: Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. Employer or facility requirements may vary. This course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved.
CAREER PATH
Resident engagement and activity programming
A strong fit for students who want to support quality of life in long-term care through structured activity planning.
FOCUS
Programming, documentation, and person-centered care
Learn practical approaches for building activity calendars, adapting activities, and meeting documentation expectations.
OUTCOME
Certificate of Completion + job-ready skills
Complete the course with foundational knowledge to support activity programming in nursing homes and similar settings.
Where You Can Work
  • Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
  • Assisted living communities
  • Rehabilitation and specialty care settings
  • Community-based senior programs (role varies by employer)

Job titles may vary: Activity Director, Director of Activities, Activities Coordinator, Activity Assistant, Recreation Assistant.

Learning Experience
  • Fully online instruction
  • Threaded discussions, assignments, and interactive learning activities
  • Quizzes and a comprehensive exam for skill validation
  • Instructor support available if you have questions
Tip: Watch for your confirmation email after registration (check spam/junk). It includes important next steps.
What You’ll Learn
  • Person-centered activity programming and resident engagement
  • Basic aging process concepts and common misconceptions
  • Cognitive changes including dementia and Alzheimer’s support
  • Psychosocial needs and communication strategies
  • Role and responsibilities of the Activity Director in long-term care
  • Documentation principles and expectations
  • Admission and discharge process concepts
  • Regulations overview and resident rights awareness
  • Adaptive equipment, interventions, and programming options
  • Planning, environment setup, and group/individual facilitation
Enrollment Requirements
  • Students must be at least 16 years of age
  • Computer or tablet with reliable internet access
  • An email account for course communication
  • Required textbook: Long Term Care (Martini, Weeks, Wirth), 8th edition (ISBN-13: 978-1611580679)
Upon Completion

After successfully completing course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. Employer requirements and hiring preferences may vary.

Full Course Objectives
  • Show understanding of the rights of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities
  • Demonstrate knowledge of admission and discharge process concepts
  • Demonstrate an understanding of documentation principles
  • Discuss budgeting, supplies, and internal support staff basics
  • Identify resident interests and needs and use assessment for care plan development
  • Explain programming options and the role of therapies in activity programming
  • Identify adaptive equipment options and appropriate interventions
  • Support volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition
  • Meet course completion expectations including quizzes, discussion scenarios, and a comprehensive exam

Completion standards include required participation and assignment completion, with passing scores on course tests.

Requirements

Course Requirements

ENROLLMENT
There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in this course. Students may register independently and complete the program fully online.
ELIGIBILITY
Students must be at least 16 years of age. Employer or facility hiring requirements may vary.
TECH REQUIREMENTS
A computer or tablet with reliable internet access and an active personal email account are required for course communication. Modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari are compatible.
TEXAS NOTE
This course is designed to align with Texas Activity Director training expectations. Facility policies may vary, so confirm role requirements with your employer.
COMPLETION
Students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online after successfully meeting course requirements. Students are given 1 month to complete the course.
CERTIFICATION
This course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved. Students who wish to pursue additional credentialing may be eligible to sit for the APNCC exam. Eligibility requirements are determined by APNCC.
EMPLOYER POLICIES
Hiring standards vary by employer. We recommend confirming specific job requirements with your intended facility.

Career Info

Career Info – Activity Director (Texas)

Texas Activity Directors plan and lead structured programs that promote engagement, dignity, and quality of life in long-term care and senior living settings.

What Does a Texas Activity Director Do?

  • Plan and lead group and individual activities
  • Adapt programs for dementia and varying ability levels
  • Create activity calendars and document participation
  • Coordinate events and transportation logistics
  • Support compliance with facility policies and resident rights

Where Texas Activity Directors Work

  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Assisted living communities
  • Memory care programs
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Adult day services

Schedules vary by employer and may include weekends or event-based programming.

Salary – Texas

Average Hourly Pay: $18–$22 per hour

Average Annual Salary: ~$45,000 per year

Pay varies by region, employer, experience, and certification status.

Regional Pay Snapshot

Houston $19–$25/hr
Dallas–Fort Worth $20–$26/hr
San Antonio $18–$23/hr

Career Advancement Path

  • Activity Director → Director of Activities
  • Activity Director → Memory Care Program Specialist
  • Activity Director → Resident Life Director
  • Activity Director → Senior Living Program Manager

This course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved. Students interested in credentialing may review the APNCC organization for current requirements.

Texas Job Outlook

Texas continues to see demand for activity and recreation professionals due to the growing senior population and long-term care needs. Related recreation roles show steady projected growth statewide.

Sources & Disclosure: Wage estimates are based on publicly available Texas labor market data (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Texas Career Check) and may vary by employer, location, experience level, and facility type.

FAQ

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about enrollment, access, completion, and career information.

1 What is the role of an Activity Director/Assistant in Texas long-term care facilities?

In long-term care settings, an Activity Director/Assistant helps plan, coordinate, and implement recreational, social, and therapeutic activities for residents. The goal is to support engagement and quality of life—promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

2 Are there specific training requirements in Texas for Activity Directors/Assistants?

Requirements can vary by facility and employer. Some employers provide on-the-job training, while others prefer candidates who have completed an Activity Director/Assistant course.

If you’re unsure what your facility expects, ask your employer directly or check with relevant professional organizations for guidance.

3 How long is the Texas Activity Director/Assistant course and what are the clock hours?

This course includes 45 clock hours and is designed to be completed in 4 weeks. You’ll work through the online coursework with a few key deadlines.

4 Do I need a prerequisite, CNA, or healthcare experience to enroll?

No prerequisite is required to enroll in this course. Employer hiring preferences may vary, so if you’re enrolling for a job requirement, confirm expectations with your facility.

5 Does this course include an internship/externship or clinical hours?

No. This is an online training course and does not include internship/externship placement or clinical hours. Some facilities may provide orientation or additional training after hire.

6 Is this course MEPAP or NCCAP approved? Can I sit for APNCC?

This course is not MEPAP or NCCAP approved.

Students who wish to pursue additional credentialing may review the APNCC exam information here: https://apncc.org/. Exam eligibility, requirements, fees, and scheduling are determined by APNCC.

7 What qualifications do employers commonly look for in an Activity Director/Assistant?
  • High school diploma or equivalent (varies by employer)
  • Strong communication and organization skills
  • Ability to plan and lead activities for diverse resident needs
  • Comfort documenting activities and following facility policies
  • Experience working with older adults (preferred by many employers)
8 Will I receive a certificate after I finish?

Yes. After successfully completing course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. Employer acceptance and hiring requirements may vary.

9 Is a textbook required? How do I order it?

Yes. A required textbook is listed in the enrollment sidebar on this page. Click the book image to order.

Note: The textbook is an additional cost.

10 What are payment options? Can I use Afterpay?

Yes. You can make payments using Afterpay (if available at checkout). Prices are subject to change without notice.

For refund, payment plan, and other policies, use the Policies link in the enrollment sidebar.

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.

Enrollment Options:

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