Therapist Credentials
This page is intended to give you a brief understanding of the various designations a Music Therapist in Ontario may have. If you require more information, please click the designation title and follow the link to the appropriate website.
Canadian Training Designations
Music therapy programs are offered at the university level and include intensive study in the areas of music, psychology, and the application of music therapy techniques with various client populations. Graduates achieve an Honours Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT) degree, a Master of Music Therapy (MMT) or a Master of Arts in Music Therapy (MA) degree from a university approved by the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT).
Professional Designations
The Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT) has strict guidelines and standards for professional competence. CAMT utilises the title of Music Therapist Accredited, MTA, to designate music therapists who have successfully completed the accreditation process. MTA is a registered Certification Mark with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, an agency of Industry Canada. CAMT has the exclusive right to certify a music therapist with the MTA certification mark when he/she successfully completes the accreditation process. Individuals with MTA status have undergone a thorough review of specific eligibility requirements that includes:
-
They are a member in good standing of CAMT
-
They have successfully completed a minimum bachelor of music therapy degree at a CAMT recognized institution
-
They have completed a 1000-hour clinical internship under the supervision of an accredited Music Therapist (MTA)
The credential MT-BC, Music Therapist – Board Certified, is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to identify music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice music therapy at the current level of the profession. The purpose of board certification in music therapy is to provide an objective national standard that can be used as a measure of professionalism by interested agencies, groups, and individuals. Canadian music therapists who completed their training after 2013 are required to complete the MT-BC exam prior to obtaining MTA status.
Additional Training Designations
Registered Psychotherapist | RP
Neurological Music Therapist | NMT, NMT/F
Austin Vocal Psychotherapist | AVPT
Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery | FAMI
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapist | NRMT
