Become a Music Therapist
How Do I Become a Music Therapist?
Certified music therapists (MTAs) must complete a minimum Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate or Masters Degree in music therapy from an approved post-secondary institution and a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship. Upon completion of their internship, graduates must pass the Certification Board of Music Therapists Exam. After they pass their exam they must apply for their MTA certification, signifying they are qualified to work in the field and will adhere to the CAMT Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
In Alberta, music therapists must also apply to become members of the Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA). ACTA is the precursor organization to the College of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (CCTA) which will serve as our provincial regulatory body.
University Education: University coursework consists of supervised clinical fieldwork placements and the academic study in the areas of music therapy research, music, and psychology.
Internship: Following the completion of a university degree in music therapy, the music therapist-in-training completes a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship. During the internship, the music therapy intern consolidates their knowledge and skills in music therapy, develops competence with one or more clinical populations and gradually assumes the full range of responsibilities of a professional music therapist. Upon successful completion of an internship, graduates are eligible to take the Certification Board of Music Therapists Exam. Upon passing this exam, interns can apply for MTA Certification signifying they are qualified to work in the field and will adhere to the CAMT Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Continuing Education: The education and development as therapists does not end with the completion of accreditation. MTAs must maintain their credential every five years through the CAMT continuing education process. MTAs thus are continually seeking to advance the theoretical and practical application of music therapy techniques.
Where can I train to become a certified music therapist (MTA) in Canada?
Currently, there are six approved music therapy training programs in Canada- located in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, Quebec, and two in Ontario. There is currently no music therapy training program in Alberta. For more information on the training programs, click here.
I still have questions about becoming a music therapist. Who can I contact?
If you have any further questions about music therapy training please contact our Continuing Education/Professional Development Director at education@mtaa.ca.
Canadian Music Therapy Training Programs
For more information about Music Therapy training and/or certification processes in Canada, please visit the Canadian Association of Music Therapists website www.musictherapy.ca or contact education@mtaa.ca