Activity Professionals Certificate Program

The Activity Professionals Certificate Program aligns with the University of Southern Indiana (USI) mission/strategic plan and USI’s federally funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) initiative by increasing the educational programs to prepare students for a career working with older adults. The certification increases knowledge and marketability while supporting the workforce needs in the state of Indiana.

This program is in full alignment with the Activity Professionals certification requirements of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).

Course Work
This program enables USI students to acquire a certification by successfully completing four classes. Those 10 credits can be counted toward completion of the 120 required credits to confer a bachelor’s degree, or non-degree seeking students are also eligible to earn this certificate.

As per the ISDH regulations, 90 hours of instruction are required for the Activity Professionals certification, and this is accomplished through the four courses:

• GERO 215 Intro to Global Aging & Healthcare - 3 credit hours (offered fall, spring, summer)
• GERO 316 Age Related Health Changes - 3 credit hours (offered fall)
• GERO 425 Health Facilities Admin - 3 credit hours (offered spring)
• GERO 427 Activity Professionals Certificate - 1 credit hour (offered fall)

How to Declare the Activity Professionals Certificate

• Current USI Degree-Seeking Students (you have already declared a major at USI or are undecided)
  • Complete the Change of Academic Program Form, available in the Health Services Department (third floor of Health Professions Center) or from the Registrar.
  • On the form, enter the code ACPR in the "Add Major" section.
  • Submit the form to the Health Services Department.
• Non-degree Seeking Students (you are not enrolled at USI)
  • Apply to the University - USI.edu/admissions
  • Once admitted, complete the the Change of Academic Program Form, available in the Health Services Department (third floor of Health Professions Center) or from the Registrar.
  • On the form, enter (code) in the "Add Major" section.
  • Submit the form to the Health Services Department.

What Can I Do With This Certificate?
The state of Indiana requires each skilled nursing facility (SNF) and licensed residential care facility (RCF) or assisted living facility (ALF) to employ a certified Activity Professional, as cited in the Indiana Administrative Code sections 410 IAC 16.2-3.1-33 and 410 IAC 16.2-5-7.1.

The Activity Profession is a career path in and of itself. In addition, this career path is a launching point for professions such as health facility administrators (HFA) and other health care leadership roles. 

Students will gain the knowledge and understanding of the health care activity director, their purpose and function, including regulation and processes applicable to public and private sectors. Students will apply resident assessment and care plan development skills to evaluate short and long-term goals and to monitor participation.

The Activity Professional Certificate is a nationally and state-recognized certification for Activity Professionals or Activity Directors. 

Student Support and Advising

• Advising is available to any student interested in the certificate. Potential students are welcome to reach out to any Health Services Faculty to discuss adding the certificate.
• Current USI degree-seeking students are eligible for Financial Aid* as well as all the support services offered at the university.
• Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for Financial Aid, but may request enrollment verification if needed for employer-provided educational assistance or private bank loans.

*Financial Aid eligibility is particular to each student’s circumstances and should be individually confirmed with the USI Financial Aid Office

For More Information

Mrs. Joy Fein

Senior Administrative Assistant
Contact: 812-461-5329
Health Professions Center 3001
Email