While health care continues to recognize the advantages of creative expression, the arts are increasingly used to support mental, emotional and physical well-being. Practices such as visual arts, music and other artistic performances improve care in a variety of parameters. Ohio University Master of Applied Arts in Health (Maah) The program offers artists the opportunity to apply their talents in these contexts, helping individuals and communities to prosper thanks to the lasting impact of the arts.
A program that combines art and health care
THE The link between art and health care is well documentedWith research showing that engaging in the arts can improve physical and mental health. The Maah program of the Ohio University is preparing fine artists to bring their skills to hospitals, community health environments, etc. The program is designed for artists of efficient, visual and fine arts disciplines, helping them to acquire the knowledge and practical experience necessary to have a positive impact in health care environments.
The program is designed to be completed as little as 12 months, the courses are provided asynchronously online. The work of volunteering in person offers precious experiences of the real world, while a professional internship and a Capstone project in the culmination allows students to apply their learning in health establishments.
Respond to the demand for arts among health professionals
As health systems recognize the value of arts integration, there is an increasing need for professionals trained in this area. THE National organization of health arts has developed a Code of ethics and professional standardsformalize this emerging profession. The Maah program responds to this request by equipping students with the skills necessary to use their non-clinical art in health care and community environments.
“Creative artistic therapy programs and expressive arts therapy provide in -depth training in the use of arts for clinical results. Arts in health programs like ours seek to extend the use of arts in medical, community and public health in a non -clinical way, “said Dr. Sharon Boyle, director of the Arts in Health program at Ohio University.
Boyle highlights the interdisciplinary approach to the program, where students could work alongside the therapists of creative arts and health professionals to combat the well-being of patients thanks to artistic engagement.
“Beauty and expression are important aspects of our global health, and research supports the many advantages to our physical, mental, social and neurological well-being thanks to the commitment of the arts,” explains Boyle.
Adapt artistic skills for health care environments
Artists are often confronted with the challenge of adapting their work to the health care environment, which works differently from traditional artistic spaces. “Artists of all disciplines can have a volunteer experience and have had the opportunity to play in a variety of spaces, but may not understand the function or structure of health care establishments,” explains Boyle.
The current student Susie Thompson found the instrumental program to fill this gap.
“So far, the program gave me the basis to build my future health career arts. I was amazed at the potential of the arts in health. In the program, we have examined studies on the advantages of art, ”explains Thompson. “We have explored the aspects of public health and how art can also help communities. I knew that art was useful – it was something that I experienced on a personal level. This program helps me see that there is so much more to continue studying. ”
The MAAH program addresses this by offering a study program that presents students with health systems, terminology and practices. Early volunteer work linked 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 health care environments, giving them practical experience and the confidence necessary to fill the gap between creativity and patient care.
Partnership with the Cleveland Clinic Arts and Medicine Department
One of the remarkable characteristics of the Maah program is its partnership with the Cleveland Clinic Arts and Medicine Department. Thanks to this collaboration, students have access to leaders in the field, in particular the member of the auxiliary faculty, the DRE Lisa Gallagher, who, in addition to being director of research program, is also part of the Cleveland Clinic team which includes members such as the director of health in art therapy, the director of music therapy, the show coordinator.
Cleveland Clinic's 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 region can also have the opportunity to stagnate at the Cleveland Clinic, further improving their practical experience in one of the country's main health establishments.
What are the possible careers in health arts?
Graduates of the Maah program at the University of Ohio have a variety of career opportunities. They can work in non -profit and lucrative health establishments, hospitals, long -term care centers, schools, mental health programs and community health organizations. They can also find work in wellness centers, veterans' facilities or public health programs, using their creative skills to meet a wide range of health and social needs thanks to the environmental impact and by programming which provides support in the continuum of care.
“Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential in all facets of health care. We have learned that patients and the community benefit more when there are better communication and collaboration efforts for care, ”explains Boyle.
This collaborative approach not only reduces patient isolation, but also helps create more welcoming health environments, ultimately improving the overall well-being of patients.
Possible career in the arts in the health field:
Program director for health health initiatives: Supervise artistic programs designed for health promotion and community well-being, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Well-being manager based on arts: Manage arts programs and initiatives within community organizations, non-profit organizations or artistic institutions that focus on health and well-being.
Community awareness coordinator: Develop and implement community artistic programs that promote education and health commitment.
Public health defender: Use artistic methods to educate health problems and promote public health initiatives in community.
Consultant for the integration of arts: Work with organizations to help them integrate artistic practices in their well-being programs or their community health initiatives.
Community commitment specialist: Provide support to activities based on awareness -raising and arts of community engagement and facilitate the successful transitions of medical to community environments.
Event coordinator: Plan and execute events related to health and well-being arts, such as workshops, festivals or exhibitions.
Balance higher education with a busy career
The Master of Applied Arts in Health program at the University of Ohio is designed with flexibility in mind, which makes it accessible to professionals. The courses are structured in a week modules, allowing students to take courses in their own schedules. This structure was particularly beneficial for students like Jenna Messina, who balances a full -time job in French in administration of artistic education with an active career as an actor and director.
“I first had concerns about spending quality time on the program, but Dr Boyle and the University of Ohio made him exceptionally accommodating for occupied adults,” explains Messina. “The program offers flexibility and balance that allow full -time students to integrate it into their schedules.
A creative future in health care at the University of Ohio
The MAAH program at the University of Ohio prepares students to meet the evolutionary needs of health care with innovative creative approaches. The program offers graduates of practical skills and creative state of mind necessary to carry out efforts to improve patient care, promote well-being and enrich health care environments.
Boyle plans a brilliant future for the Maah graduates.
“We need creative thinkers in health care that can establish links and go out of the beaten track. Individuals of different artistic disciplines, such as our current students, excellent beyond what is, to what could or maybe. This kind of reflection promotes innovation and leads to better results in health care. ”
By providing a unique mixture of arts in the education of health care and practical experiences, The Ohio Master of Applied Arts in Health (Maah) The program shapes the next generation of arts in health professionals. Graduates leave with the tools and experiences necessary to help create more empathetic, engaging and effective health establishments that promote well-being for individuals and communities.

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