Music Therapy Equivalency Certificate

Program is Ideal For

Students with an undergraduate degree in music who want to become a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) without having to complete another full degree.

Successfully complete the coursework (minimum 3.0 GPA), including clinical training and an internship, as well as a proficiency exam, and you'll be verified by the Nazareth University music therapy program director to be eligible to take the Certification Board for Music Therapists certification exam and earn the Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) credential.
Music therapists are employed in a variety of settings, including general and psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies, schools, rehabilitation centers, elder care communities, and private practice agencies.
Nazareth music therapy graduates typically find employment in their chosen field within six months after graduation. Nazareth professors provide up-to-date advice on employment opportunities.

Prerequisite courses: These courses are required to meet the competencies necessary to qualify for the board-certification exam. You can take these courses at Nazareth University or elsewhere (including in your required prerequisite bachelor's degree in music). The student and Nazareth music therapy advisor will outline prerequisite requirements in the coursework agreement prior to final admission to the program.

Some equivalency students need some additional music coursework to meet the competencies for the program. These remedial classes also can be planned prior to final admission to the program.
A minimum of one year's residency (summer-to-summer) is required for certificate study to best supervise your clinical development. Students who need more time to achieve clinical competencies stay in residence longer. The final step — the internship — can be completed at any approved location around the country.

See steps to complete and submit your application on the How to Apply page.