About the NICU-MT

The National Institute for Infant & Child Medical Music Therapy is the result of a partnership between the Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

Premature infants are extremely fragile with many beginning their treatment at a basic survival level. Handling and interaction can be harmful to their care and must be carefully designed to promote the medical/developmental goals of treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), especially when adding non-essential stimuli such as music. Evidence-based music therapy treatment in this most critical setting is based on information about the needs of the infants, medical and developmental goals of NICU care, and music therapy protocols documented in refereed research literature. This 30-hour specialized training course awards a Certificate of specialized training and use of the initials NICU-MT, designating competency to practice evidence-based clinical services in this very critical and highly specialized environment. The National Institute for Infant & Child Medical Music Therapy maintains a list of individuals completing this training as a service to the medical community.

Mission Statement

The National Institute for Infant & Child Medical Music Therapy was formally established in 2005. Its mission is to provide an international focus on research, evidence-based clinical practice, and professional training in the efficacy of music therapy for enhancing and humanizing medical treatment of infants and children.

CMTE credits

The National Institute for Infant & Child Medical Music Therapy is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 30 Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. Credits awarded by CBMT are accepted by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare – FSU, #P-068 maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.