Music Therapy Jobs in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, Missouri is home to an energetic music therapy community. This profession plays an integral role in healthcare and social services within the area, so the demand for qualified music therapists continues to grow.
As a music therapist, your skillset allows you to improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities by developing therapeutic relationships that incorporate arts, research, and music. You may work in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools or private practices and are licensed in most states to practice your profession.
Kansas University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in music therapy with concentrations in clinical and pediatric music therapy. The Bachelor of Music degree provides full preparation for entry into the profession and qualifies you to take the national certification exam.
Music therapy is an effective tool in aiding patients recover from COVID-19 and other illnesses or injuries, as well as rehabilitating those with chronic pain or other physical and mental disabilities. It has even been known to assist people of all ages deal with stress, anxiety and depression.
It is a fast-paced field that requires someone who can effectively communicate with patients and their families, create treatment plans, and implement activity interventions. You must have an in-depth understanding of medical and mental health needs of your patients so you can provide an engaging therapeutic experience that motivates them.
You must possess an in-depth knowledge of human behavior, an extensive foundation in music theory and history, as well as a passionate commitment to the profession of music therapy. Furthermore, you must be an enthusiastic team player with the desire to continuously learn and develop professionally.
As a music therapist, you must possess either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field and professional liability insurance. Furthermore, certification from the American Board of Music Therapy (ABMT) is mandatory.
Your duties as a Music Therapist involve working with patients and their families in the home hospice setting. You are accountable for providing patient care according to an interdisciplinary plan of care, assessing strengths and needs, and using music therapy to help patients reach their objectives. As part of the home hospice team, you provide support to patients, their family members, and care providers so treatments are optimized and outcomes improved.
Other duties involve working together with other healthcare professionals to guarantee that music therapy services are provided in the best interests of patients. You are expected to attend weekly meetings with staff members and attend professional conferences to stay abreast of current trends in this field.
Your faculty advisor will work with you throughout your academic career to help meet course requirements and direct you towards professional sequence admission. It is expected that you consult with them as needed, and each semester must submit a completed application for professional sequence admission.
According to recent job postings in Kansas City, Missouri, music therapists make an average salary of $23,614. With experience and skill level comes numerous opportunities for advancement and additional income.
