Music Therapists
Music Therapists plan and direct treatment programs using musical activities to help rehabilitate patients with physical or emotional disabilities, or mental illness.Therapists analyze the patient, consider the patients' musical interests, and set treatment objectives.
As part of a treatment program, therapists may instruct an individual or large group how to play a musical instrument.
Music Therapists also may encourage patients to sing, write songs, or listen to music to promote positive changes in physical or emotional health.
Therapists regularly evaluate the patient's progress and effectiveness of the treatment plan.
They work closely with the entire health care team, physicians, nurses, and psychologists when planning and modifying the patient's treatment program.
Music Therapists typically work in State psychiatric hospitals, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and correctional facilities.
Requirements
- Completion of a bachelor's or a master's degree in music therapy.
- 1200 hours of clinical training that includes a supervised internship.
- Board certification by the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
- Board certification renewal every five years.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to identify things that must be changed to achieve a goal.
- Emotional stability.
- Fingerprint clearance may be required by employer.
Wages
- Music Therapists Median hourly wage: $19.97
- Average annual wage: $41,945
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Music Therapists in 2002: 1,100
- Estimated number of Music Therapists in 2012: 1,200
- ? Estimated annual job openings: 40
Possible Career Paths for Music Therapists include becoming a :
- Recreational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Music Teacher Researcher Administrator
- Special Education Teacher