Music Therapists – who qualifies to practice music therapy?
Written by Jamie Rowitsch, Registered Music Therapist
When you come to Queensland Paediatric Allied Health (QPAH) for your Gold Coast music therapy session, you can rest assured that your music therapist has had extensive training in music, psychology, ethics, research, and counseling. When you blend the words music and therapy it can become confusing if the person working with you has not worked to become a Registered Music Therapist (RMT). Luckily, all the music therapists at QPAH are RMT’s and additionally have training in Neurologic Music Therapy.
We have outlined below the three steps to becoming a Registered Music Therapist (RMT).
- After completing a relevant undergraduate degree you will need to complete an Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA™) accredited tertiary course (either with The University of Melbourne – Master of Music Therapy; or Western Sydney University – Master of Creative Music Therapy). You may also apply for registration based on equivalent qualifications from overseas. The process for entry to these Masters programs requires an audition and interview. For specific requirements, please visit the websites of these tertiary institutions.
- Apply for registration or re-registration. This step consists mostly of submitting information about your education, professional accomplishments, experience, and/or professional development participation.
- Agree to practice within the AMTA Competency Standards, Mandatory Declarations, and Code of Ethics.
AMTA Competency Standards cover music skills, psychosocial knowledge, clinical knowledge, music therapy knowledge, and music therapy skills. Mandatory Declarations ensure the registered music therapist is following the standards set by the AMTA. Code of Ethics guidelines outline the way that music therapists must carry out their duties in an ethical manner including continuing professional development, adhering to a National Police Check upon registration, and meeting recency of practice requirements.
Are you curious and would like to explore more information including access to the full AMTA Code of Ethics or AMTA Competency Standards? Please visit the AMTA website: https://www.austmta.org.au/about-us/how-to-become-an-rmt/
Register for music therapy services and programs today, call (07) 5647 6120 or email info@qpah.com.au. The RMTs providing services at our Gold Coast music therapy clinic are happy to take inquiries from schools for work experience placements or from perspective Master of Music Therapy students who are required to observe an RMT at work as part of the intake process.