Arts in Medicine and Health: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Arts in Medicine and Health integrates creative expression with clinical and community wellness strategies to foster healing, resilience, and holistic care. This interdisciplinary field prepares professionals to develop and lead arts-based initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and support mental, emotional, and physical well-being across diverse populations.
- Dance Therapy and Movement Practice: Explores how structured movement and dance can improve motor function, reduce stress, and support emotional regulation in clinical and rehabilitative settings.
- Literary Arts in Healthcare: Investigates the therapeutic power of writing, storytelling, and narrative expression to process trauma, build identity, and strengthen patient-provider communication.
- Music Therapy and Sound-Based Interventions: Focuses on the use of music to address cognitive, emotional, and physiological needs, including pain management and mood stabilization.
- Theatre and Performance for Healing: Applies improvisation, role-play, and theatrical techniques to build empathy, improve communication, and support psychological recovery in healthcare environments.
- Healthcare Systems and Policy: Examines the structure, delivery, and ethical frameworks of modern healthcare, with an emphasis on integrating arts programming into institutional models.
- Program Administration and Evaluation: Develops skills in planning, funding, managing, and assessing the impact of arts-integrated health initiatives across diverse settings.
- Public Health and Community Well-being: Addresses population-level health challenges through culturally responsive arts programming that promotes prevention, equity, and community engagement.
Arts in Medicine and Health Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Arts in Medicine and Health Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Arts in Medicine and Health degrees, including Medical and Health Services Managers and Community Health Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 626,570 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| Community Health Workers 21-1094 | $51,030 | $37,930 - $78,560 | 60,730 | $24.54 |
Arts in Medicine and Health Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $63,875 in Mississippi to $116,300 in District of Columbia—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 626,570 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Arts in Medicine and Health by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Arts in Medicine and Health programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Arts in Medicine and Health is found at Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 5 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Other Award
|
5 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Arts in Medicine and Health programs
How much can I earn with a Arts in Medicine and Health degree?
Salaries for Arts in Medicine and Health graduates vary by role and location. Medical and Health Services Managers earn a median of $117,960 annually, while Community Health Workers earn around $51,030. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $116,300 compared to $63,875 in Mississippi. Approximately 626,570 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Arts in Medicine and Health programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Arts in Medicine and Health degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ohio University (OHIO), Main Campus (5 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Arts in Medicine and Health degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical and Health Services Managers, Community Health Workers, . Related occupations employ approximately 626,570 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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