FAQ
What is state recognition?
According to CBMT, state recognition means that the state recognizes a particular profession (in this case, music therapy). This can be through creation of licensure, creation of a registry or inclusion of music therapy specific language by state department or division.
What is the difference between licensure and certification?
Certification is where an accrediting body recognizes an individual for having met predetermined qualifications. Licensure refers to laws that regulate a given occupation. State licensure requirements vary from state to state.
What are the benefits of state recognition or licensure?
Title Protection
Public Protection: against potential harm or misrepresentation from individuals not licensed and/or not practicing under the CBMT Scope of Practice
Possibly allowing for greater access to services through state agencies
Increased awareness of music therapy as a profession which can result in increased referrals, jobs and enrollment in educational programs
Increased access to funds from different private and public funding streams since many of these require state recognition
Provides additional validation of what music therapists do
Aligns music therapists with comparable professions
What professions are currenty liscenced in Maryland?
According to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; there are currently 23 licensing boards in Maryland. Some of the health relatedoccupations currently being licensed in Maryland include:
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Music Therapy
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Occupational Therapy
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Speech Therapy
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Physical Therapy
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Nursing
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Counselors/Social Workers/Psychologists
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Art Therapy
How many board certified music therapists are residing in Maryland?
According to CBMT, there are currently 162 board certified music therapists residing in Maryland. The State Task Force is in the process of creating a survey that will be sent to music therapists in the state in order to better ascertain where music therapists are living and working in the state of Maryland. This information will be used to assist in the effort towards state recognition.
Maryland State Task Force
The Maryland Music Therapy Task Force & Government Relations
Each year, more music therapists are contributing to the successful implementation of the AMTA and CBMT State Recognition Operational Plan. With the major goal of achieving state recognition for the music therapy profession and the MT-BC credential required for competent practice, this national initiative involves countless volunteer hours from state task forces across the country as they educate fellow music therapists, students, clients, facility administrators, state agencies and legislators about this need. It is exciting to see the increased participation of the grassroots community advocating for increased access to music therapy services by qualified professionals.
Tatyana Martin, LPMT, MT-BC
Liz Smith, LPMT, MT-BC
Sarah Monroe
CJ Shiloh LPMT, MT-BC
Mary D'Amato LPMT, MT-BC