MTA vs. MT-BC

Music therapy and hand rehabilitationMTA stands for Certified Music Therapist (Accredited) and is the credential granted by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT) to an individual who has graduated from a CAMT approved education program, has successfully completed a supervised 1000-hour internship, and is a CAMT member in good standing.

MT-BC stands for Music Therapist – Board Certified and is the credential that is granted to individuals who have passed the board certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Although this exam is from the U.S., Canadian Music Therapists are eligible to write the exam in either Canada or the U.S.

There are three components to being certified as a MTA: 1) successful internship evaluation, 2) passing the CBMT exam, and 3) a signed statement of adherence.

Once you have your MTA certification, your first five-year continuing education cycle will begin. You will be required to accumulate 60 hours of continuing education credits in order to maintain your MTA, however the choice to maintain your MT-BC after the initial five-year period is entirely yours.
If someone has current MT-BC and MTA certifications, they can list both credentials after their name.

For more information about the MTA credential, visit: www.musictherapy.ca/about-camt-music-therapy/mta-credentials-members/

For more information about the MT-BC credential, visit: www.cbmt.org/about-certification/

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Membership Is Open To Anyone With An Interest In Music Therapy Who Lives In BC Or Beyond, Regardless Of Qualifications Or Experience.

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