1. Membership Requirements

 

Professional Membership with ANZATA reflects a high level of training for Arts Therapists and is now recognised by Government, some Private Health Funds, Public and Private Hospitals, other Allied Health Professionals and the NSW and WA Arbitration Commission.

There are several pathways to professional registration as an Arts Therapist with ANZATA which are detailed in the next section.

ANZATA recognises training programmes from approved courses offered by particular Universities and Colleges in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore listed  below (Option A.1). These training programmes comprise a minimum two year Masters Degree with a component of 750 supervised clinical hours placement within the mental health arena.

Professional membership of ANZATA is also open to International Arts Therapists who are registered, or eligible for registration in their country of study (Options A.2&3).

ANZATA is also welcomes applications for a pathway to professional membership for those who have completed non-approved courses (Option A.4).

As ANZATA represents practitioners of all arts therapy modalities there is category of professional membership for individuals who have completed an equivalent Masters degree in any arts modality which complies with the training standards of ANZATA (Option A.5).

ANZATA has another professional membership category for those who can demonstrate their contribution to the field of Arts Therapy and have specific training and education that supports their application. These are known as Affiliate members (Option A.6).

All professional members have voting rights and can use the nominals AThR, except for Affiliate members who can put ANZATA Affiliate Member after their name. Note: A fee of $80 is payable before an application for Professional Registration may be approved. This is a non-refundable processing fee only, and does not form part of the annual membership subscription, which is payable only after the application is approved. All current Trainee members of ANZATA are exempt from this fee.

Other categories of membership are available to those who are not eligible for professional membership and are listed below.

 

2. Membership Categories

 

A. PROFESSIONAL

Option 1
Australian, New Zealand and Singapore Masters Graduates in Art or Arts Therapy from the following institutions: La Trobe University VIC; University of Western Sydney NSW; University of Queensland; Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, New Zealand; LASALLE College of Arts, Singapore; Melbourne Insititute of Expression and Creative Therapies (MIECAT).

Option 2
Graduates from a course that is approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) or the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) that reflects the ANZATA training standard.

Option 3
Those who hold an overseas equivalent qualification recognised by the Art Therapy Association in that country, active members of BAAT, CATA, AATA are granted  membership.

Option 4
Graduates of any Masters level creative arts therapy programme that can demonstrate that they have worked in the field for a minimum of five years under supervision. This application is to be supported by two ANZATA professional members as referees and reviewed by a designated sub committee to ascertain if the level of professional knowledge and practice complies with ANZATA standards.

Option 5
Graduates who have trained in other arts modalities (eg dramatherapy dance/movement therapy) with an equivalent Masters degree that complies with the training standards of ANZATA. This application is to be supported by two ANZATA professional members as referees and reviewed by a designated sub committee.

 

B. ASSOCIATE
This applies to those who are interested in arts therapy and who support the purposes and objectives of the Association. Such members may not vote, hold office or serve on committees, but are eligible to participate in all other activities and receive all publications.

C. TRAINEE
These members are currently enrolled in one of the institutions listed in Option A.1 above and support the purposes and objectives of the Association. Membership requires a copy of their student card or some other form of identification such as enrolment form, or statement from the institution. These members may not vote or hold office, but may serve as Trainee Representatives on the Committee, be involved in other activities, and receive all publications.

D. STUDENT
Individuals who are currently enrolled in the study of a related field, with an interest in arts therapy and who support the purposes and objectives of the Association may become members. This requires a current statement or identification card from the particular institution confirming status. These members may not vote, hold office or serve on committees, but can be involved in other activities and receive publications.

E. CONTRIBUTING
This is open to individuals, organisations, institutions or foundations wishing to contribute annually and who support the purposes and objectives of the Association. These members may not vote, hold office or serve on committees, but are eligible to be involved in the other activities and receive publications.

F. REGIONAL/INTEREST GROUPS
The formation of regional and interest groups is encouraged as an essential form of networking because of Australia's geographical size. These groups eventually become affiliated with ANZATA and have a voice through the Regional Co-ordinator.

 

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