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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Dance Movement Therapists.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Dance Movement Therapists.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 11%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Design music therapy experiences, using various musical elements to meet client's goals or objectives.
Design or provide music therapy experiences to address client needs, such as using music for self-care, adjusting to life changes, improving cognitive functioning, raising self-esteem, communicating, or controlling impulses.
Sing or play musical instruments, such as keyboard, guitar, or percussion instruments.
Before you set your sights on becoming a dance movement therapist, it's essential to have a solid understanding of what the role entails. Dance movement therapists use dance and movement as a psychotherapeutic tool to promote emotional, mental, physical, and social integration of individuals. They work with people of all ages and in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
To pursue a career as a dance movement therapist, you'll need to follow a specific educational path:
Bachelor's Degree: Start with a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, dance, or another human services field. While not all programs are dance-specific, having a strong foundation in dance can be beneficial.
Master's Degree: After completing your undergraduate education, you'll need to obtain a master's degree in dance movement therapy from an American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) approved program. This is where you'll receive specialized training in the integration of dance and therapeutic practices.
Internship Experience: As part of your master's program, you'll typically be required to complete an internship. This hands-on experience is crucial for gaining practical skills under supervision in a professional setting.
Becoming a registered dance movement therapist (R-DMT) involves several steps:
Pass the Board Certification Exam: After earning your master's degree and completing your internship, you'll be eligible to take the Board Certification Exam administered by the Dance Movement Therapy Certification Board (DMTCB). Passing this exam is necessary to become a Board Certified Dance Movement Therapist (BC-DMT).
State Licensure: Depending on the state where you intend to practice, you may also need to obtain state licensure. Requirements vary by state, so it’s important to research the specific requirements where you plan to work.
To maintain certification and stay current in the field, dance movement therapists are expected to engage in ongoing professional development:
Workshops and Conferences: Attend workshops, conferences, and other educational events hosted by professional organizations such as the ADTA.
Advanced Training: Consider pursuing advanced training or specialization in areas like trauma-informed therapy or working with specific populations.
In addition to formal education and certifications, successful dance movement therapists often possess the following skills and qualities:
Building a professional network is key for career advancement:
Join Professional Organizations: Become an active member of organizations like the ADTA to connect with peers and access resources.
Volunteer: Offer your services at community centers or non-profits to gain experience and make professional connections.
When ready to enter the job market, use the following strategies:
Utilize Online Job Boards: Look for openings on specialized job boards for therapists as well as general job search websites.
Leverage Your Network: Inform your mentors, colleagues, and connections that you're seeking employment opportunities.
By following these steps and dedicating yourself to continuous learning and networking within the community, you can build a fulfilling career as a dance movement therapist. Remember that patience and perseverance are key as you navigate through the educational requirements and certification process to reach your goal.
To become a dance movement therapist, you typically need:
To be certified, you must:
For more details on certification, visit the American Dance Therapy Association website.
Key skills include:
Yes, specializations include:
Career progression might look like this:
Common challenges include:
Job prospects can vary depending on:
For up-to-date information on job outlooks, check resources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Staying informed involves:
Remember that as a dance movement therapist, your career path may be unique to your interests, experiences, and the needs of the communities you serve. It's important to stay flexible and open to opportunities that come your way.