How can I become a Music Therapist and what does the job entail

Music therapists work with patients by encouraging them to play, listen or move to music as part of a rehabilitation program. They can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, retirement homes or mental health centers. To become a music therapist, one must typically have a bachelor's degree in music therapy and pass a certification exam to become a Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC).

Required EducationBachelor's degree

Other RequirementsMT-BC certification

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)*12% for all recreational therapists

Median Annual Salary (2016)**$39,607

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com

Elijah, I'm a registered nurse, but while completing my Bachelor's I took An introductory course in Music therapy And what I learned was the entry level degree was a bachelor's, the work consists of utilizing music to stimulate a response. Whether by allowing expression through playing (say for an autistic child)or stimulation through listening for a patient who, say suffered at stroke. What I thought was challenging about the program was the Therapist had to be well versed in many aspects of music: ie voice, various instruments, reading music etc.