Art Therapist Career Overview - Job Description, Skills, Duties, Education, Training, Job Outlook Salary

Art Therapist Career Overview - Job Description, Skills, Duties, Education, Training, Job Outlook SalaryArt Therapist Career Overview - Job Description, Skills, Duties, Education, Training, Job Outlook SalaryArt Therapist Job DescriptionAn species therapist is trained to evaluate and treat patients by helping them create art. Art therapy is an alternative therapy that helps heal medical and psychiatric disorders.The patients may be young, very old, or somewhere in between, and vary from the physically ill to the emotionally stressed.The therapist integrates the understanding of art and psychology, and utilizes research-based art therapy techniques.Art therapy has its foundation on the idea that patients can enhance their confidence, self worth, solve conflicts, acknowledge losses, eliminate anxiety and generally improve their lives by creating art, which may be in the form of pottery, sketching or sewing.Create this ResumeArt Therapist Skills/DutiesArt therapist often works as part of a team comprising of healthcare professionals. The therapist provides the materials and instructions for the art therapy will conduct evaluations, treatments, and rehabilitation and keep a record to share with other physicians and healthcare personnel.They may work with cancer patients, psychiatric patients, schizophrenia patients, drug addicts, burn cases, retarded children, patients with bipolar disorder, etc.They may be hired by clinics, healthcare centers, hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities or outpatient centers. They help individuals in retirement communities or nursing homes. They may also be employed by schools, universities or advice patients in private practice.An art therapist maintains patient records and progress. He also performs administrative duties. He attends conferences and seminars.Art Therapist Education and Training An art therapist must train in art and psychology. At the undergraduate level, you have to complete 15 semester hours of studio art, in cluding, building a portfolio of art work and 12 semester hours of psychology. You have to then complete a Masters Program in art therapy, which takes 2 years to finish, during which, you will have to complete 24 graduate credit hours of work. You must then obtain credentials by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. After completing the graduate education, post graduate work experience, and passing a written test, you will receive board certification as an art therapist.Art Therapist Job OutlookThe job outlook for art therapists looks good. The job prospects will increase, like for other health care professions.Art Therapist SalaryAn art therapist earns between $35,000 and $50,000 in a year. The salary depends on his education qualification and experience. Customize ResumeMore Sample Career ArticlesArt Therapist Career Bariatrician Career Cardiologist Career