Explore Creative Arts Therapy Careers in MI

At FAR, we inspire Michiganders to pursue impactful and rewarding careers in creative arts therapies. Whether you’re drawn to dance, music, art or recreational therapy, Michigan provides numerous opportunities to go FAR and turn your ambitions into a research-based, meaningful career. Explore our curated list of certified schools, scholarships and grants designed to equip you with the education and skills needed to excel as a creative arts therapist.

Programs for Creative Arts Therapies in Michigan

Our state offers a range of educational opportunities for those interested in pursuing creative arts therapy. Below are some recommended MI programs that are training future art, music and recreational therapists:

Art Therapy Programs

To become an art therapist, you need to earn a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy or a related field from an accredited program recognized by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Through your graduate studies, you gain hands-on experience with supervised clinical practicum hours. Upon completion, you must pass the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE) to earn the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential. Advance your career with Board Certification (ATR-BC) and explore state-specific licensure requirements.

  • Wayne State University: Offers a Master of Arts in Art Therapy program focused on clinical mental health counseling.
  • Grand Valley State University: While not yet offering a certified program, the school provides courses in art therapy as part of their counseling and psychology programs.

Music Therapy Programs

Becoming a music therapist means earning a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy from either an accredited program or equivalency program. After your coursework, you need to complete at least 1,200 hours of a supervised internship. Once your education and training are complete, you must pass the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam to become a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). Maintaining this certification requires continuing education every five years. Additional licensure may be required depending on state regulations.

  • Western Michigan University: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in music therapy with a focus on clinical practice and research.
  • Eastern Michigan University: Provides a Bachelor of Music Therapy program designed to meet the needs of various client populations.

Explore accredited programs in music therapy across the Midwest. Learn More

Recreational Therapy Programs

To become a recreational therapist, you must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field from an accredited university. As part of your education, you’ll complete a supervised internship to gain practical experience working with clients in various settings. After fulfilling your educational requirements, you must pass the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Maintaining this certification involves meeting continuing education requirements to ensure you stay current with industry standards. Depending on the state, additional licensure or certification may be necessary to practice as a recreational therapist.

Interested in pursuing your degree outside of Michigan?

Check out the directories below:

Our FAR team is passionate about supporting aspiring creative arts therapists.

Why not treat a therapist to a coffee — whether in person or virtually — and learn about their experiences and what makes them passionate about this rewarding profession?

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Available Funding and Grants in Michigan

Help support the next generation of creative arts therapists! If you have information about a funding resource not featured on our list or wish to contribute to FAR’s scholarship funding, contact us at advocacy@far-therapy.org.

Mt Pleasant “Waldo Arts Scholarship” Fund
This scholarship, established in memory of Kristopher Walden, supports Mt. Pleasant graduates pursuing an art-related field at an accredited university or college.

Corrina Van Hamlin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is open to young women pursuing education in Art Photography, Art Therapy, Psychology or Sociology. It honors the legacy of Corrina Van Hamlin by supporting aspiring professionals in these fields.

Western Michigan Music Therapy Scholarships
Graduate and degree equivalency program candidates at Western Michigan University can apply for the $1,000 Graduate Scholarship in Music Therapy. The scholarship is renewable for a second year. Applicants must submit an official transcript and three letters of reference by April 15.

Michigan Music Therapists Memorial Scholarships
These $500 scholarships are available to senior music therapy students in Michigan who have been accepted at an accredited internship site. The application deadlines are May 3rd for the spring scholarship and November 20th for the fall scholarship.

Great Lakes Community Support
Various scholarships are available to support professional development in music therapy:

  • New Professional CBMT Examination Support: $325 to cover the CBMT exam cost for four new professionals in 2024.
  • Professional Membership Support: Up to $1,000 available for membership fees in professional organizations.
  • Professional Continuing Education Scholarships: $700 available to support clinical work skill enhancement.
  • Changemaker Awards: Three $250 awards for students and interns demonstrating innovation in music therapy.
  • GLR Bookclub Scholar: $250 for book reimbursement to participate in the GLR DEI Bookclub.
  • Intern Stipend Support: Two $500 awards to make internships more financially accessible.

MTRA Student Scholarship
This scholarship is for MTRA student members intending to graduate and sit for the NCTRC exam within a year.

In addition to university program scholarship opportunities, students pursuing recreational therapy in Michigan can also apply for general scholarships that support healthcare and therapy education. Organizations like the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) offer scholarships and grants for students and professionals in the field nationwide, including:

Martha Judge Scholarship

Named in honor of Ms. Martha Judge, a longtime ATRA member, past ATRA board member, and a proud attendee of EVERY ATRA conference, this scholarship provides financial resources for individuals who have never attended an ATRA conference.

Peg Connolly Scholarship

This scholarship is available to undergraduate, graduate and PhD members of ATRA who are enrolled in a recreational therapy program during the conference year. You must be able to attend mandatory training the day before the Annual Conference, pre-conference sessions as well as the ATRA Annual Conference in its entirety. Scholarships include conference registration, accommodations, and a meal stipend ($100).

For media inquiries, please contact advocacy@far-therapy.org.

 

For those already enrolled or completing a creative arts therapies program, learn more about FAR’s extensive Intership Program.

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