 Educational RequirementsGeneral Information on Art Therapy Educational Requirements
To qualify as a professional art therapist and eventually apply for registration or board certification, you must complete the required preparatory courses at the bachelor’s degree level and core curriculum as outlined in the AATA Education Standards for Master’s Degree Programs. Entry into the profession of art therapy is at the master's level. Graduate level art therapy programs include:
* Master's degree in art therapy
* Master's degree in counseling or a related field with an emphasis in art therapy
All education must be offered in an academic institution accredited by one of the regional or national institutional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). AATA offers educational standards under which programs may apply to the AATA Education Program Approval Board (EPAB) for approval. Programs that have received approval by AATA have met standards in effect at the time of their application for initial approval or reapproval. To view or download a copy of the AATA Education Standards for Master’s Degree Programs, click here.
In 2008, the AATA adopted standards for Post-Master’s degree programs as an education for those who already hold a master’s degree. Preparation for the practice of art therapy requires the completion of a master’s degree. AATA establishes educational standards for master’s degree programs. Approved status is granted to master’s degree programs that elect to undergo evaluation by the AATA Educational Program Approval Board [EPAB]. All education must be offered in an academic institution accredited by one of the regional or national institutional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). To view or download a copy of the AATA Post-Master’s Art Therapy Standards, click here.
Registration and Board Certification Requirements
The ATR [registered art therapist] and ATR-BC [board certified art therapist] are the recognized standards for the field of art therapy, and are conferred by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). In order to qualify as a registered art therapist (ATR), in addition to the educational requirements, an individual must complete a minimum of 1,000 direct client contact hours after graduation.
To obtain more information about the ATR and ATR-BC, please contact the ATCB at www.atcb.org.
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