The role of an NHS Art Therapist is a unique and highly rewarding position within the healthcare sector. Art therapists play a crucial role in helping patients express emotions, cope with trauma, and improve mental wellbeing through creative processes. Working within the NHS offers a chance to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives while benefiting from structured career progression, comprehensive training opportunities, and a competitive salary. Typically, NHS Art Therapists in the UK can expect to earn between £28,000 and £42,000 annually, depending on experience and seniority, with further benefits including pension schemes and professional development opportunities.
If you’re aiming to secure a position in this sector, having a professionally crafted CV is critical. Your CV is your first impression—it tells hiring managers not only about your qualifications but also about your passion, creativity, and commitment to patient care. Using a targeted cv template designed specifically for NHS Art Therapist roles can dramatically improve your chances of landing an interview.
Understanding the Job Description of an NHS Art Therapist
Before writing your CV, it’s essential to fully understand the expectations of the role. The core responsibilities include:
Delivering art therapy sessions tailored to individual or group needs.
Developing therapeutic plans and assessing patient progress.
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, social workers, and healthcare assistants.
Maintaining detailed records in line with NHS standards.
Engaging in professional development and supervision.
Employers look for candidates with a blend of clinical skills, creativity, and interpersonal aptitude. Highlighting these qualities on your CV can set you apart from other applicants.
Why a Strong CV Matters
Your CV serves as a snapshot of your professional story. A strong CV for an NHS Art Therapist should showcase your education, qualifications, relevant experience, and unique skills. It’s not just about listing jobs; it’s about telling a compelling story of how your background prepares you to excel in this role. By using a cv example, you can structure your information clearly, highlight achievements, and ensure your CV is optimised for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), which many NHS employers use.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your NHS Art Therapist CV
1. Personal Details and Contact Information
Start with your full name, professional title (Art Therapist), and contact information including phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. If you have a professional portfolio showcasing your work, include a link—it’s a great way to demonstrate creativity and experience.
2. Professional Summary
Your professional summary should be a short, impactful paragraph (3–4 sentences) summarising your experience, qualifications, and key skills. Focus on your ability to deliver patient-centred therapy, collaborate with healthcare teams, and use art as a therapeutic tool. For example:
“Compassionate and creative NHS Art Therapist with over five years of experience delivering patient-centred therapy in hospital and community settings. Skilled in developing therapeutic plans, facilitating individual and group sessions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient wellbeing.”
3. Key Skills
List core competencies relevant to the role. This section should include both technical and soft skills:
Clinical assessment and treatment planning
Group and individual therapy facilitation
Mental health support and emotional counselling
Patient documentation and reporting
Collaboration with healthcare teams
Knowledge of art therapy techniques and tools
4. Education and Professional Qualifications
Include all relevant academic achievements, particularly those specific to art therapy or healthcare. Highlight any special certifications, workshops, or additional training relevant to the NHS environment. Example:
MA in Art Therapy, University of Hertfordshire, 2020
HCPC Registered Art Therapist, Health & Care Professions Council
Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care, 2022
5. Professional Experience
Detail your previous roles in reverse chronological order. Emphasise achievements rather than just duties. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible. Example:
Art Therapist – St Thomas’ Hospital, London
January 2021 – Present
Designed and facilitated weekly group art therapy sessions for 20+ patients, resulting in measurable improvements in patient mood and engagement.
Collaborated with psychologists and nurses to develop tailored therapy plans.
Maintained accurate patient records in accordance with NHS standards.
6. Volunteering and Additional Experience
If you’re a recent graduate or changing careers, include volunteer work, internships, or placements relevant to mental health or art therapy. This demonstrates initiative, passion, and practical experience.
7. Professional Memberships and Development
Highlight memberships with professional organisations, such as the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), and any recent workshops or courses attended.
CV Structure for Maximum Impact
To create a CV that stands out:
Keep it clear and concise (2 pages for most applicants, up to 3 for senior roles).
Use a clean, professional layout with consistent headings.
Include a mix of bullet points and short paragraphs for readability.
Ensure keywords from the NHS job description are integrated naturally.
Avoid overloading with irrelevant personal details.
Advice for Graduates
For newly qualified art therapists:
Focus on placements, internships, and volunteer experience.
Emphasise transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and creativity.
Include academic achievements and projects demonstrating therapeutic application.
Use a cv template tailored for NHS entry-level positions.
Advice for Mid-Level Professionals
If you have 5–10 years of experience:
Highlight career progression and key achievements in each role.
Include examples of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Showcase leadership experience in small teams or projects.
Quantify your impact wherever possible (e.g., improved patient engagement by 30%).
Advice for Senior Management
For those in leadership or head of department roles:
Emphasise strategic contributions to art therapy programs.
Include budget management, staff supervision, and program development experience.
Highlight involvement in policy, training, and mentorship.
Demonstrate measurable outcomes and improvements in patient care.
General Tips for Writing an NHS Art Therapist CV
Tailor your CV for each application, reflecting the specific job description.
Use positive, confident language to convey competence and passion.
Proofread carefully—spelling or grammar mistakes can undermine professionalism.
Keep the tone professional yet approachable; creativity should shine through without being informal.
Do’s and Don’ts on Your CV
Do:
Use a professional cv template to structure your information.
Include measurable achievements and examples of impact.
Focus on patient-centred outcomes and teamwork.
Keep your CV concise, clear, and visually appealing.
Don’t:
Include irrelevant personal details.
Use jargon without explanation.
Overload your CV with too many skills or tasks—quality over quantity.
Submit the same CV for multiple applications without tailoring it.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Creating an interview-winning NHS Art Therapist CV is about more than just listing your qualifications—it’s about presenting a compelling story that shows you are the ideal candidate. Whether you are a graduate starting out, a mid-level professional, or a senior leader, a well-structured, optimised CV can open doors to rewarding NHS opportunities. Using a cv example ensures your application meets the expectations of hiring managers and passes ATS screening.
If you’re serious about landing your dream NHS Art Therapist role, don’t leave your CV or LinkedIn profile to chance. Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn professionally reviewed and optimised by an expert career coach with over 25 years of experience. Take the next step in your career with confidence and clarity: Book an appointment.
