Choosing a Certification Board for Music Therapy
If you want to practice music therapy, you must earn a degree from an accredited college or university and complete a clinical internship. After that, certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) is necessary in order to practice in any state that requires it.
The Certification Board for Music Therapists is a professional organization dedicated to the accreditation of programs that offer safe and competent music therapy services. As part of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, it has been fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
In order to become certified as a music therapist, you must complete either a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in music therapy from an accredited college or university and participate in a six-month supervised clinical internship. You may also need additional supplemental or specialized training courses related to this field of therapy.
Once you have fulfilled all the prerequisites to become a music therapist, you must take the CBMT exam and pass with an established percentage score points. Doing this ensures your eligibility to practice in both your home state as well as any country requiring certification.
Once you have graduated from your degree program, the next step is finding an employer willing to hire you. Your experience working with various patients must be impressive and you should have the ability to work in various settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers and private practices.
The most effective way to prepare for the music therapy certification exam is through study hard. Not only will this increase your chances of earning a high score on the test, but it’ll also give you more assurance and make you more ready to tackle any questions that come your way. The exam itself is an extensive assessment that tests your knowledge of theory and practice within music therapy.
This is an excellent chance to gain experience in the field and build connections with potential employers. You’ll have the chance to build your resume and discover if music therapy is the right career choice for you.
Once you’ve decided that music therapy is the career for you, you must find a certification board offering the exam that aligns with your career objectives and interests. The board that best suits your needs will depend on several factors such as your location and what types of clients you plan to serve.
To apply for the board’s certification exam, you must do so through their website. They will review your application and contact you with further instructions. Afterward, pay any applicable fees and take the exam.
The Board for Music Therapists is a non-profit certifying board that works to accredit music therapy training programs and uphold professional standards among music therapists. With over four decades of experience under its belt, the organization holds memberships in both the Institute for Credentialing & Accreditation (ICE) and National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
