OHIO’s Online Master of Applied Arts in Health program launches this fall

Ohio University is set to launch its Online Master of Applied Arts in Health (MAAH) program this fall, signaling a significant advancement in the integration of arts and healthcare education.

Building on the success of its Arts in Health Graduate Certificate launched a few years ago, the online master’s program is designed for graduates from various fine arts disciplines, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to incorporate their artistic practices into healthcare and public health settings.

The MAAH program offers a comprehensive approach, blending online coursework with in-person volunteer and internship opportunities, ensuring graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the evolving field of arts in health.

Meeting the demand for arts in health careers

According to Dr. Sharon R. Boyle, Director of Arts in Health, the field of Arts in Health has been recognized for its potential to enhance health and well-being, supported by substantial research over the past few decades.

The MAAH program was created to support professionals who will meet the demand for positions emerging within the field of arts in health, as a continuation of Ohio University's dedication to pioneering education in the collaborative and interdisciplinary aspects of health care.

"Ohio University has numerous innovative programs that align with and intersect with arts in health," said Boyle.

The university's Ohio Valley Center for Collaborative Arts, a program that connects creative and cultural resources with community development efforts, supporting research and learning opportunities, as well as various outreach initiatives, has laid the groundwork for the program.

In addition to the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH), other national organizations are increasingly recognizing the critical role of arts in healthcare, highlighted by events such as the NIH Music and Medicine Symposium and the White House Domestic Policy Council and the NEA Summit: Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities.

Dynamic and accessible education

The MAAH program provides a wide-ranging educational experience totaling 30 credit hours. The program follows an asynchronous online format, allowing students to manage their studies flexibly while fulfilling required in-person volunteer and internship hours. Students typically start as a cohort in the fall semester, although spring or summer start dates may be available with program approval.

What are the key differences between arts in health professionals and creative arts therapists?

Arts in health professionals and creative arts therapists both play important roles in utilizing the arts to improve health and well-being, but there are key differences between the two.

Arts in health professionals typically work within medical, community, and public health settings to utilize arts-based interventions to decrease stigma of healthcare needs, improve quality of life, and by creating supportive environments to promote overall well-being. They may collaborate with healthcare providers to develop programs that use art in various forms to enhance the overall patient experience and provide a continuum of care.

"They strive to create environments that are conducive to healthy living, increase access to healthcare resources, and design interventions based on research and ethical practice," said Boyle.

On the other hand, creative arts therapists are specifically trained and certified in the clinical use of art, music, dance, or drama therapy techniques to address psychosocial, cognitive, and physical needs of individuals. They utilize a treatment process and are part of clinical teams in a wide range of environments such as medical, educational, forensic, and rehabilitative settings. While both professions involve the use of art for therapeutic purposes, creative arts therapists have training and education in clinical techniques and approaches that go beyond incorporating their art into healthcare settings.

Integrating arts in health: MAAH program curriculum overview

The MAAH program includes a combination of required and elective courses. The curriculum integrates arts and health sciences, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the arts intersect with various health settings. Core courses cover topics such as:

• Introduction to Arts in Health (IART 5801)
• The Artist in Healthcare (FAR 5403)
• Special Topics of Arts in Health (FAR 5901)
• Arts in Health Community Project (IART 5802)
• The Arts in Health Professional Internship (FAR 5911)

Elective courses allow students to tailor their education to their interests, with options in health sciences and fine arts, selected from:

• Public Health Concepts (HLTH 6710)
• Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health (HLTH 6720)
• Professional and Clinical Ethics for the Health Professions (IHS 5514)
• Fundamental Health Policy: Concepts, Components, and Systems (IHS 5300)
• Special Topics in Theater Arts (THAR 5900)

Advancing arts in health education through collaborative partnerships

Partnerships with leading institutions like the Cleveland Clinic Department of Arts and Medicine enhance the program by integrating practical experience with academic learning.

"Through our agreement with the Cleveland Clinic Department of Arts and Medicine, students will have access to adjunct faculty on the front lines of research and innovative arts in health programs," said Boyle.

This collaboration ensures students are exposed to the latest advancements and methodologies in the field, enriching their educational experience.

Exploring careers in arts in health: roles and opportunities for program graduates

Graduates of the MAAH program are poised to fill a range of leadership roles within healthcare and community settings. Although the program does not lead to a clinical degree, it opens doors to several impactful roles, that might include:

• Artist-in-Residence: Promoting healing through artistic practices in healthcare facilities.
• (Hospital) Art Curator: Enhancing wellness through curated artistic displays.
• Arts Activity Specialist: Leading creative workshops aimed at improving well-being.
• Arts in Health Consultant: Integrating arts into healthcare practices and advocating for innovative interventions.
• Arts in Health Program Manager: Overseeing programs that promote equity and access to arts-based healthcare.
• Wellness Program Facilitator: Designing and implementing wellness programs using artistic practices.
• Performing Arts Medicine Practitioner: Combining arts and medicine for patient care and rehabilitation.
• Music and Medicine Practitioner: Utilizing music within healthcare settings.
• Community Program Developer: Creating arts-based programs to promote health equity.
• Arts-Based Research Team Collaborator: Engaging in interdisciplinary research with healthcare professionals.

Innovating health through arts

Discover how Ohio University's Online Master of Applied Arts in Health (MAAH) program supports individuals interested in applying their passion for the arts in health roles dedicated to promoting healing and well-being, offering a fulfilling career path in this expanding field.