*photo credit: Brendan Nogue Photography

I am one happy music therapist today because today I received my Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) designation! It has been quite a process and I’m excited to officially be done!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what this Canadian designation means I have included the details below according to the Canadian Association for Music Therapy:

“Accredited music therapists, MTA, complete a Bachelor or a Graduate Certificate in music therapy and a 1000-hour supervised clinical internship.

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 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.  Following the internship, the intern submits a written portfolio about their music therapy philosophy, internship experience, and case study.  Upon approval from the Accreditation Review Board, the intern is given the title Music Therapist Accredited, MTA.

Continuing Education: The education and development as therapists does not end with the completion of accreditation. MTA must maintain their credential every five years through the CAMT continuing education process. MTA thus are continually seeking to advance the theoretical and practical application of music therapy techniques.”