Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right health-care provider can be challenging. Whether you’re looking for a doctor, nurse, specialist, social worker, music therapist, or another health professional, there are many important factors to consider, such as:
- Are they properly credentialed for the role they are performing?
- Do they have experience relevant to your specific needs?
- Do you feel a sense of trust or rapport with them?
- And so on.
A great place to start is by confirming that the person you’re considering is appropriately credentialed. This means they are recognized and overseen by a professional association or regulating college that can vouch for the quality of their work and ensure they follow established guidelines and codes of conduct.
Music Therapy in Canada
The Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) is the national professional association responsible for certifying, and guiding music therapists in Canada. CAMT provides its members with a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Each province also has an affiliated provincial association that works in conjunction with CAMT for music therapists residing and working in that province. Therefore, CAMT serves as the sole national organization overseeing the profession and granting the designation of Certified Music Therapist (MTA).
To earn this designation, individuals must:
✅ Are a member in good standing of CAMT
✅ Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from a CAMT-recognized education program
✅ Complete a 1000-hour clinical internship under the supervision of a CAMT-approved MTA supervisor
✅ Pass the internationally recognized Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) exam
✅ Sign a Statement of Adherence to CAMT’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
To maintain their Certified MTA status, music therapists must:
✅ Remain members in good standing with CAMT
✅ Regularly participate in and report on ongoing professional development and continuing education
How the MTA Credential Helps You
These rigorous requirements for certification and continuing education ensure a consistent national standard for music therapy practice, regardless of provincial regulations. CAMT requires that all candidates for a music therapy position who are entrusted with carrying out a mandate to practice music therapy must be either a certified music therapist or in the process of certification. This ensures that the therapist is accountable to CAMT’s ethical and professional standards. Certification status can be easily verified using the Certified MTA Directory on the CAMT website.
JB Music Therapy’s Commitment
At JBMT, we are committed to upholding these standards. We hire only Certified Music Therapists (MTA) to ensure the highest level of care and professionalism in our services.