E-Book of Articles - World Federation of Music Therapy

Accreditation
Wheeler, Barbara: WMFT Proceedings of the Education Symposium
AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION: STANDARDS FOR
EDUCATION AND CLINICAL TRAINING
An Overview of the NAMT Model
Marilyn Sandness
NAMT-approved academic programs must be accredited by the
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), which is a "professional"
accreditation agency responsible for the accreditation of all music curricula
in higher education in the U.S.
Faculty
"Faculty authorization" is required for directing/teaching in
undergraduate programs. Eligibility includes the MT-BC (or RMT previously);
Master's degree in music therapy or related field with a minimum of 12 sem.
hrs. of graduate music therapy course work; and a minimum of 5040 hrs. of
paid, documented clinical experience. For directing/teaching in graduate
programs, all of the above are required plus a doctorate or five years
experience as an authorized teacher of music therapy undergraduates.
(Exceptions are made for teaching the introductory course and clinical
practica, which require the MT-BC or RMT; and an exception for psychology
of music).
The music therapy program director must be employed full-time as
defined by the degree-granting institution; two full-time authorized faculty
are required if both degree programs are offered.
Curricula
Baccalaureate Degree - Music Therapy Principles/Psychology of
Music/Practicum/Internship comprise a minimum 16% (20 Sem. Hrs. or 30
Qt. Hrs.); Music courses comprise a minimum 45% (54 Sem. Hrs. or 81 Qt.
Hrs.); Behavioral/Health/Natural Sciences comprise a minimum 16% (20
Sem. Hrs. or 30 Qt. Hrs.) and must include courses in abnormal psychology,
exceptional children, and human anatomy/physiology. Study of research
and statistical methods are required (may be included in the Psychology of
Music). The above courses should be evaluated in relation to the list of
NAMT Professional Competencies to determine how/where the
competencies are being addressed in the course curriculum. Master's
Degree - Candidates must have completed an undergraduate music therapy
degree or "equivalency" program and a six-month approved clinical
internship. The normal requirement is 30 Sem. Hrs. (45 Qt. Hrs.); one-half
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