帝王会所

As healthcare continues to recognize the benefits of creative expression, the arts are increasingly being used to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Practices such as visual arts, music, and other arts performance are enhancing care in a variety of settings. 帝王会所鈥檚 Master of Applied Arts in Health (MAAH) program offers artists the opportunity to apply their talents in these settings, helping individuals and communities thrive through the lasting impact of the arts.

A program that combines art and healthcare

The , with research showing that engaging in the arts can improve physical and mental health. 帝王会所鈥檚 MAAH program prepares fine artists to bring their skills into hospitals, community health settings, and more. The program is designed for artists from performing, visual, and fine arts disciplines, helping them gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to make a positive impact in healthcare environments.

The program is designed to be completed in as little as 12 months with coursework being delivered asynchronously online. In-person volunteer work provides valuable real-world experiences, while a culminating on-the-ground professional internship and capstone project allows students to apply their learning in healthcare settings.

Meeting the demand for arts in health professionals

As healthcare systems recognize the value of integrating the arts, there is a growing need for professionals trained in this field. The has developed a , formalizing this emerging profession. The MAAH program meets this demand by equipping students with the skills to use their art non-clinically in healthcare and community settings.

鈥淐reative arts therapy and expressive arts therapy programs provide extensive training in the use of the arts for clinical outcomes. Arts in health programs like ours seek to expand the use of the arts in medical, community, and public health settings in non-clinical ways,鈥� says Dr. Sharon Boyle, Director of the Arts in Health program at 帝王会所.

Boyle highlights the program鈥檚 interdisciplinary approach, where students might work alongside creative arts therapists and healthcare professionals to address patients鈥� well-being through artistic engagement.

鈥淏eauty and expression are important aspects of our overall health, and research supports the numerous benefits to our physical, mental, social, and neurological well-being through arts engagement,鈥� says Boyle.

Adapting artistic skills for healthcare environments

Artists often face the challenge of adapting their work to the healthcare environment, which operates differently from traditional artistic spaces. 鈥淎rtists from all disciplines may have volunteer experience and had opportunities to perform in a variety of spaces but still may not understand the function or structure of healthcare settings,鈥� Boyle explains.

Current student Susie Thompson has found the program instrumental in bridging this gap.

鈥淪o far, the program has given me the foundation to build my future Arts in Health career. I've been amazed at the potential of the arts in health care settings. In the program, we've looked at studies about the benefits of art,鈥� says Thompson.  鈥淲e've explored aspects of public health and how art can help communities as well. I knew art was helpful鈥攖hat is something that I have experienced on a personal level. This program is helping me see that there is so much more and so much to continue to study.鈥�

The MAAH program addresses this by offering a curriculum that introduces students to healthcare systems, terminology, and practices. Early volunteer work tied to community programs helps students understand and develop intervention proposals based on real-world scenarios. The required professional internship allows students to design projects that combine their artistic interests with the needs of healthcare environments, giving them hands-on experience and the confidence to bridge the gap between creativity and patient care.

Partnership with Cleveland Clinic鈥檚 Arts & Medicine Department

One of the standout features of the MAAH program is its partnership with the . Through this collaboration, students gain access to leaders in the field, including adjunct faculty member Dr. Lisa Gallagher, who in addition to being research program manager also is part of the team who oversees arts integration in healthcare at Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic鈥檚 robust arts programs, including music therapy, visual arts, and community engagement, serve as real-world examples for students in the MAAH program. Students living in the Cleveland area may also have an opportunity to intern at the Cleveland Clinic, further enhancing their practical experience in one of the country鈥檚 top healthcare facilities.

What are possible careers in arts in health?

Graduates of 帝王会所鈥檚 MAAH program have a variety of career opportunities. They can work in nonprofit and for-profit healthcare facilities, hospitals, long-term care centers, schools, mental health programs, and community health organizations. They may also find work in wellness centers, veterans鈥� facilities, or public health programs, using their creative skills to address a wide range of health and social needs through environmental impact and through programming that provides support in the continuum of care.

鈥淚nterdisciplinary collaboration is key in all facets of healthcare. We have learned that patients and the community benefit more when there is better communication and collaborative efforts for care,鈥� says Boyle. 

This collaborative approach not only reduces patient isolation but also helps create more welcoming healthcare environments, ultimately improving patients' overall well-being.

Possible career in the arts in the health field:

Program director for Arts in Health initiatives: Oversee arts programs designed for health promotion and community well-being, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Arts-based wellness manager: Manage arts programs and initiatives within community organizations, non-profits, or arts institutions that focus on health and well-being.

Community outreach coordinator: Develop and implement community-based arts programs that promote health education and engagement.

Public health advocate: Use artistic methods to raise awareness about health issues and promote public health initiatives in community settings.

Consultant for arts integration: Work with organizations to help them incorporate arts practices into their wellness programs or community health initiatives.

Community engagement specialist: Provide support with community outreach and engagement arts-based activities and facilitate successful transitions from medical to community settings.

Event coordinator: Plan and execute arts-related events focused on health and wellness, such as workshops, festivals, or exhibitions.

Balancing graduate studies with a busy career

帝王会所鈥檚 Master of Applied Arts in Health program is designed with flexibility in mind, making it accessible for working professionals. Courses are structured into week-long modules, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. This structure has been especially beneficial for students like Jenna Messina, who balances a full-time job in Arts Education Administration with an active career as an actor and director.

"I initially had concerns about dedicating quality time to the program, but Dr. Boyle and 帝王会所 have made it exceptionally accommodating for busy adults," says Messina. "The program offers the flexibility and balance that allows full-time students to integrate it into their schedules. Additionally, it is one of the most affordable graduate programs I explored, and the support I've received from Dr. Boyle and my student experience advisor, Sarah, has been invaluable."

A creative future in healthcare at 帝王会所

帝王会所鈥檚 MAAH program prepares students to address the evolving needs of healthcare with innovative, creative approaches. The program equips graduates with both the practical skills and the creative mindset necessary to lead efforts in improving patient care, promoting wellness, and enriching healthcare environments.

Boyle envisions a bright future for MAAH graduates.

鈥淲e need creative thinkers in healthcare who can make connections and think outside the box. Individuals from different arts disciplines, like our current students, excel at thinking beyond what is, to what could or can be. This kind of thinking fosters innovation and leads to better outcomes in healthcare.鈥�

By providing a unique blend of arts in healthcare education and hands-on experiences, OHIO鈥檚 Master of Applied Arts in Health (MAAH) program is shaping the next generation of Arts in Health professionals. Graduates leave with the tools and experiences necessary to help create more empathetic, engaging, and effective healthcare settings that promote well-being for individuals and communities alike.