How To Become an Art Therapist

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Art Therapists

Art Therapists plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.

Salary
$51260
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Master's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Master’s Degree

We did a survey to ask other Art Therapists what degree they had when they became an Art Therapist. Here are the results.
Master’s Degree
76.19%


Post-Master’s Certificate
23.81%


Less than a High School Diploma
0%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Art Therapists or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Art Therapists what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Therapeutic Recreation or Recreational Therapy

Most Art Therapists need a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field. Recreational therapy programs include courses in assessment, human anatomy, medical and psychiatric terminology, characteristics of illnesses and disabilities, and the use of assistive devices and technology. Bachelor’s degree programs usually include an internship.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Very Hard

You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge and experience to be an Art Therapist. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, a surgeon must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Careers in this difficulty category may need some on-the-job-training, but most of these careers assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, and work-related experience and training. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, neurologists, and veterinarians.


Related work experience required
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
57.14%


2 to 4 years
23.81%


6 months to 1 year
14.29%


Job training
1 to 3 months

1 to 3 months
33.33%


1 to 2 years
23.81%


Up to 1 month
19.05%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Recommended but not required

Most employers, particularly those in hospitals and other clinical settings, prefer to hire certified Art Therapists. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) offers the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential. Certification requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of a supervised internship (normally completed as part of their degree program) of at least 560 hours, and passing an exam.


Skills required

We asked other Art Therapists if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Social Perceptiveness what does this mean
2. Active Listening what does this mean
3. Speaking what does this mean
4. Critical Thinking what does this mean
5. Judgement and Decision Making what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Art Therapists are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Psychology what does this mean
2. Therapy and Counseling what does this mean
3. Fine Arts what does this mean
4. Customer and Personal Service what does this mean
5. English Language what does this mean


Learn more about Art Therapists

Summary
Job Description
Salary
Requirements (You are here)
Quiz

Related to Art Therapists Requirements

Art Therapists requirements, how to become Art Therapists, degree required to be an Art Therapist, Art Therapists license and certifications, majors to be an Art Therapist, is it hard to become an Art Therapist and how long does it take


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