Kutenai Art Therapy Institute

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION
A Bachelor's degree: all official transcripts; 3 Psychology courses (5 recommended courses): Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Developmental Psychology, History of Psychology and Counseling Skills. Background in the Creative arts: proficiency in the visual arts is to be demonstrated in a portfolio. (10 images - slides, photos, digital images or video). Proficiency in English (spoken and written). Criminal record check. Three letters of reference. Résumé. Personal autobiography & statement of intent. Personal interview. (Preferred in person, but can be done as a teleconference call). Application fee: $50.00 for regular and distance students and $100.00 for prior learning assessment and for international students. Recommended: Previous work or volunteer experience in education, counseling, rehabilitation, psychiatry or social services. Art therapy workshop or group. Personal experience with therapy or art therapy (80 hours).
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)	top
All regular application requirements for admission are required. Students accepted with a PLAR are entitled to practice as professional art therapists upon graduation. However, it is important that all applicants applying to KATI under a PLAR are aware that both the Canadian Art Therapy Association and the provincial associations do require a degree (BA, BFA, BSW), plus the diploma from a recognized Art Therapy training program to become a Registered Art Therapist in Canada. Entering the program with a PLAR will affect the student's ability to become an Art Therapy Supervisor. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is assessment by valid and reliable means, and by qualified specialists, of what has been learned through non-formal education / training or experience. It is important to note that the key factor of a PLAR is to establish the learning that has occurred, rather than just the experience itself. It is the applicant's responsibility to produce documentation of evidence of learning that meets the entrance requirements to the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. This process may be used to establish a documented equivalency of a Bachelor's degree or the credits required in psychology courses. To evaluate prior learning and clinical work experience in order to establish a documented equivalency, applicants are requested to present documentation and material for the following categories as completely as possible. The following points are a guide for information to be included in the presentation. Areas for assessment include: Formal Education: What is not complete and why not? What is accomplished? Course work covering similar material; Informal education: workshops, conferences, general knowledge etc. Health factors and family situation Psychology courses Personal life experience Writing & research skills (courses, projects) Motivation, organization and discipline Art background and experience Therapeutic perspective and experience: personal work, groups/workshops, Therapeutic and communication skills Perseverance, response to challenges Employment: résumé, years of experience, hours of client work. Employment in clinical work can be considered: KATI has applied the three-for-one rule. Thus a four-year bachelor's degree could be considered the equivalent of 12 years of clinical work if the relevant skills and knowledge are evident. 3 references from supervisors and colleagues. The Executive Director and an instructor will review the application and interview the prospective candidate. The decision will be based upon the application, the interview and an assessment that the candidate has the capability to successfully complete the program. Students with a MA in a relevant field may choose to complete the program with a Post-Masters Certificate and not be required to complete a thesis.

kutenai_art_therapy@shaw.ca
Kutenai Art Therapy Institute
#201 - 601 Front Street
Nelson, BC V1L 4B6
phone 250-352-2264 fax 250-352-5911
toll free 1-800-580-6388

Last Updated: Jan. 28, 2009

Maureen Pollack Memorial Scholarship	top
This scholarship is awarded to a second year student as a $250.00 tuition credit. The criteria for this scholarship are kindness and compassion shown to fellow students, instructors and clients; an ability to solve problems in a respectful way; and contribution to a classroom atmosphere of cooperation and dignity.
Blake Parker Memorial Scholarship	top
The Blake Parker Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a first year student as a $250.00 tuition credit for entering second year. The student recognized for this award has shown one or all of the following characteristics: "craziness" beyond the line of duty, commitment to creative writing, humour and exceptional theoretical integration.