British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
Online Master’s Programs Many colleges offer a Masters degree in Art Therapy using an online program and coursework. For an easily accessible and flexible schedule, online programs offer a better choice with convenient options to fit their schedules.
Best Master’s in Art Therapy Programs
Rank | School | Location |
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1 | New York University | New York, NY |
2 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL |
3 | George Washington University | Washington, DC |
4 | Pratt Institute | Brooklyn, NY |
Academic Requirements AATA-approved art therapy programs generally consist of 48 to 60 semester credits (or approximately 18 months to 2 years of full-time education). The typical curriculum includes: History and theory of art therapy . Techniques or practice in art therapy .
Steps to Take Complete a minimum of 24 graduate credits (or 36 quarter credits) in art therapy core curriculum, plus 18 credits of mental health core requirements. Complete a minimum of 18 credits (or 27 quarter credit hours) in studio based courses.
In 2014, art therapists , who fall under the broad category of recreational therapists , earned a annual average salary of $46,060. Professionals in the top 10 percent of the category earned $69,230.
In fact, demand for art therapy jobs has been in decline since the beginning of 2009. A career as an art therapist can be both mentally stimulating and financially rewarding. At present, the average salary for art therapists is $57,000 per year, according to job postings on SimplyHired.com.
A master’s degree is necessary for entry-level practice in Art Therapy . Students must also complete, at minimum, 100 hours of supervised practicum, and 600 hours of supervised art therapy clinical internship. In addition, preparatory training in studio art (drawing, painting, clay, etc.)
Students looking to enter an arts therapy master’s program should first take an undergraduate degree in fine arts , psychology, social work, or counselling. If you took a different undergraduate program, you can undergo a learning assessment so the admissions officers can determine if have an equivalency.
2016 NOC: Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment (3144) University of Lethbridge.
Average Wage | $44.90 / hr |
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Average Salary | $69,602.00 / yr |
Hours Per Week | 31.9 hrs |
While one doesn’t need a certification to become a professional art therapist in the United States, state licensure is often required. A national certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board can result in more art therapist job opportunities and allow one to work nationwide.
Does a Successful Art Therapist Need an Artistic Background? An art therapist doesn’t necessarily have to have a background in art . But, some knowledge of an artist’s tools can help. A patient isn’t going to be painting a picture that belongs to a certain era in art history.
The Cons of an Art Therapy Career Investment is high. Art therapy career has a high investment when you get into it. Relatively Low Pay. Like several other mental health careers, the pay for art therapist is relatively low, especially in the beginning. Poor job outlook. Others don’t know what you do. In conclusion.
People who wish to pursue a career as an art therapist must first hold a bachelor’s degree . They then apply to a master’s degree program in art therapy , which provides the training required to be an art therapist . They may also earn a master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in art therapy .
We have already achieved distinct licensure for art therapists in seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oregon. Seven art therapy licensure bills were active in the 2019 legislative session, and another fifteen states have engaged art therapists in licensure campaigns.
You’ll Need A “Medically Necessary” Referral: Health insurance companies review your creative therapy reimbursement on a case-by-case basis. In order for your insurer to cover sessions with a music or art therapist , the sessions will have to be specified as medically necessary.