How to become an art therapist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Full-time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part-time courses take 3 years.
You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.
You may be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a qualification or experience in art, drama or music to apply.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for a degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You'll need paid or voluntary experience in community arts projects or youth work, or experience of working with people with disabilities or mental health issues.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do It also has more information on voluntary opportunities.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
You could try an introductory or foundation course in art therapy to give you an idea of what the work is like.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the British Association of Art Therapists for access to professional development and networking opportunities.
Further information
You'll find more details about this career, courses and training through the British Association of Art Therapists and Health Careers.
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.