Atlantic Health System Partners for New Arts and Health Program

Montclair State University and Atlantic Health System have launched a new graduate certificate program in Arts and Health, the first of its kind in New Jersey, which starting this fall will help prepare those entering this burgeoning, hybrid field.

The University’s College of the Arts and Graduate School partnered with Atlantic Health System, one of the largest health care organizations in New Jersey, to design the program to merge arts instruction, research, performance and training with the fields of health care and the medical humanities. Arts and Health students will be trained to bring the arts experience to patients, health care providers and the communities they serve.

The latest initiative to result from the University and hospital system’s Arts and Health Partnership, which began in 2013, the program will be co-administered through the School of Communication and Media with Christine Lemesianou serving as graduate program coordinator.

“The partnership between Atlantic Health System and Montclair State University has led to its first certificate program, which responds to an increasing demand among arts professionals searching for career development within the health care field, as well as medical professionals interested in exploring ways that the arts can be used in comprehensive health care and community wellness,” says College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis.

Students will explore special topics in arts and health such as advocacy, cultural diversity and communities, arts marketing, health literacy, and ethical issues in arts and health. Instructors will guide students in best practices for arts-based programs in community and health care settings in addition to the application of evidence-based methodologies to assess them.

“As the arts and health care continue to complement one another in new ways, there will be a growing demand for career education that reflects both of these aspects,” says Maria Lupo, manager of Healing Arts at Atlantic Health System. “Montclair State University’s College of the Arts has truly embraced this growing field, and we are proud to partner with it.”

The academic program for the certificate consists of five three-credit, graduate-level courses. Students will be able to complete the certificate program within a 12-month period. Students may also register for individual courses without pursuing the completion of the certificate program for continuing education credits.

Courses for the certificate program will be held on the Montclair State University campus where students will be instructed by College of the Arts faculty in conjunction with Atlantic Health System leadership and medical professionals. Coursework will also include online instruction as well as observation and fieldwork that will take place at Atlantic Health System facilities or other University-approved sites.

For more information, go to Arts and Health.