Hiring Guidelines
These guidelines have been developed for use in any clinical area
The following guidelines from the MTABC indicate the minimum skills and qualifications a music therapist should posses.
- Must have completed a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. Graduates before 1990 must have a minimum of a diploma in music therapy.
- Current member in good standing with both the MTABC and/or the Canadian Association for Music Therapy (CAMT). Contact the MTABC for verification of membership standing.
- Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) credential from the CAMT or in process of application.
- Music therapy experience with, and knowledge about, the client population. Ability to play at least two musical instruments and a solid repertoire of music therapy techniques and interventions appropriate to your needs or those of your facility.
- Can articulate her or his music therapy philosophy, style, approach, program plans, and expected benefits of music therapy in a given setting.
- Is familiar with and abides by the bylaws, code of ethics and standards of practice of both MTABC and/or CAMT.
- Music therapists belong to the Health Sciences Association (HSA) union or BCGEU at facilities that fall under this paramedical bargaining unit. HSA holds the ‘certification’ for various hospitals and facilities; this certification (often referred to as “HSA cert”) has been granted by the Labour Relations Board (LRB) and means that they have the right to bargain in that facility for paramedical professionals.
- Facilities or settings that do not have HSA may hire a music therapist
on contract.
The following minimum rates
are set by the MTABC. Hourly contract rates are for direct intervention
time and can include preparation, charting, reports, attendance at care
conferences and other relevant meetings, and travel time. Wages are
based on HSA salary and the appropriate percentage in lieu of benefits
(i.e., dental, paid vacation time, education leave, tax, UIC, CPP, paid
sick time, pension, LTD, etc.).
Suggested minimum rates for music therapists in private practice:
Music therapists may adopt fees that vary slightly from these suggestions based on their educational background and years of experience.
Music Therapy: one hour contract: $50 / hour Music Therapy: more than one hour contract: $40 / hour