ABSTRACT
Within the continuum of arts and health practices, arts in healthcare has emerged as a profession over the past three decades following, and in relationship with, established professionalism in the creative arts therapies. Pioneering innovation in the field of arts in healthcare has led to the development of training, continuing education, and most recently, certification to support professionalization. Arts in healthcare has evolved over this time from a grassroots movement dedicated to humanizing the experience of healthcare to a defined profession that engages the arts to enhance individual and population health as well as the healthcare system and delivery of care. While the field has grown rapidly over the past three decades, it also faces significant challenges today, as it approaches the major hurdles of professionalization, including certification and the adoption of a code of ethics and standards of practice. This chapter will address key challenges and opportunities for the field, including its definition and identity, credentialing and certification, training, scope and standards of practice, and employment opportunities.
