A survey of factors associated with professional attrition among registered music therapists

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify the reasons given by music therapists for leaving the profession. A questionnaire was sent to 617 individuals whose registration (RMT) with NAMT and membership in the associatin had expired. Questionnaires from respondents who reported they were no longer working in the field of music therapy were used in this study (N = 133). Results indicate: RMT's work an average of 3.91 years before leaving; type of facilities where former RMT's worked or completed clinical training appear to have no influence on their decisions to leave; populations served as professionals or interns apparently do not influence RMT's decisions to leave; amount of fieldwork received during university training may be influential, however more information is needed; no single career area draws a majority of former RMT's, however, 24 % chose business careers; the majority of former RMT's have reportedly left the field permanently; "job market too limited" and "no oppotunities for promotion" received high ratings from former RMT's as reasons for leaving the field. The results of this study raise questions for those remaining in the field and prompt evaluation and improvements in the areas of education, training and employment.

Note: National-Association-for-Music-Therapy.

Keyword(s): RMT, attrition.

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