Education · 1 of 4
The path
One national credential gates the whole field: board certification. Everything else leads to it.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Play an instrument well, sing, and take biology and psychology. Guitar, piano and voice are the three working tools of the job.
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Approved degree program
4 years
A bachelor's degree in music therapy from a program approved by the American Music Therapy Association. You audition on your instrument to get in.
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Clinical internship
About 6 months
Supervised clinical training in a hospital, school or care setting. It is required, it is full time, and it is frequently unpaid.
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Board exam
One exam
Pass the exam from the CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists) to earn the MT-BC (Music Therapist, Board Certified) credential.
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Work, and keep the credential alive
Ongoing
Board certification lasts 5 years and renews on 100 continuing education credits.