Music Therapy Internship

Apply for an Internship

Thank you for your interest in VNA Home Health & Hospice as your prospective internship experience. This page includes information about the VNA and the Music Therapy program to assist you in making an informed choice for your internship. Please read the information below carefully, then click Apply Online Today below to submit an application online.

Join the VNA’s Music Therapy Internship Program

Located in sunny Vero Beach, Florida, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of the Treasure Coast is a non-profit organization that provides compassionate, innovative care to residents of Indian River County. The VNA includes home health, hospice, private care and community health services. At the VNA, music therapy is considered a core member of the hospice interdisciplinary team, providing music therapy services to those at end-of-life. The music therapist also works with the bereavement department and provides community programing through a variety of partnerships with local organizations.

Entry Level Requirements

The intern will need to have experiences at the undergraduate and/or graduate (basic) level so that these competencies can be practiced, nurtured, fostered and matured. The intern must be comfortable with their main accompaniment instrument to focus all attention on the client and family.

Professional Qualities

It is expected that the intern display mature professional qualities. Examples of qualities:

 

• • The intern will be able to follow direction, accept suggestions, seek assistance and guidance and maintain a pleasant and professional attitude toward clients, staff, and other professionals

• • Ability to meet deadlines without prompting

• • Demonstrate knowledge of and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds

• • Treat all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation

• • Dress according to the guidelines set forth at the VNA of business casual

• • Ability to demonstrate professional writing and communication skills

• • Ability to present in-services professional and effectively

Clinical Foundations

In addition, interns will be expected to have basic therapeutic skills as required by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Interns should display maturity, openness and a basic comfort with persons with terminal illness, as well as with those who are experiencing strong emotions. Students must have a desire to develop skills in building professional relationships and positive boundaries with both staff members and patients.

Internship Experience

The music therapy internship is offered twice per year, start dates in summer and fall with flexibility based on student’s needs. Applications are due approximately four months prior to start date. The internship will require a minimum of 1040 hours with an expected 40hr/week schedule. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Special events may require weekend hours. You will be allotted one day every month (total of six days) for sick or vacation time.

The interns experience will mainly be focused within hospice care provided to patients and families by the VNA. The intern will have the opportunity to co-lead and lead various community music therapy groups provided by the VNA. Throughout the duration of the internship, the intern will receive, at minimum, one hour of 1:1 supervision as well as four hours of observation and feedback. The interns will have the opportunity to shadow and work alongside: social workers, chaplains, home health aides, registered nurses, physicians, bereavement counselors and a professional grant writer. Close supervision is provided initially, increasing independence based on the intern’s abilities. Interns will build the tools they need to be able to work as professional music therapists, create new positions and obtain funding.

Important Facts to Know

 

• • There is a $6,000 stipend

• • Food and housing are not provided. Interns are responsible for establishing and paying for their own food and housing.

• • Interns need to have their own car, auto insurance, and a valid drivers license. Interns are reimbursed for mileage at the maximum IRS rate.

• • The interns will have access to the VNA music therapy program’s inventory including but not limited to: keyboards, guitar, auto-harp, Q-chord, reverie harp, MacBook Pro, I-Pad, printed songbooks, electronic library of sheet music, and copies of JMT and Music Therapy Perspectives. Each intern will also receive a Samsung tablet for documenting, an iPad for sheet music and other music applications and cell phone for work related purposes.

Application Checklist

Thank you for taking the time to apply to our AMTA National Roster Internship program. We are very excited about our program, and welcome the opportunity to work with emerging music therapy clinicians. Please review the following checklist before sending your application:

 

1. 1. Apply online through the link below. Be sure to fill out the application in full.

1. 1. Include a letter of eligibility and recommendation from your AMTA University Music Therapy Director.

1. 1. Include letters of recommendation from your practicum supervisor and personal/employment reference.

1. 1. Include with your application a current resume detailing all academic, professional, and relevant personal information.

1. 1. Official transcripts from your university.

1. 1. A video (DVD or link to web version) recording of yourself playing 3 hospice appropriate songs and one song of your selection on your primary instrument (if your primary instrument is one other than voice, piano, or guitar). For your hospice repertoire, include 2 songs sung with guitar accompaniment and one sung with piano. Please describe why you chose the songs and how you would or have used them with a hospice patient. Along with the 3 songs, please include a brief summary about yourself and why you would like to work in hospice.If accepted for this internship, you will be required to undergo a health & drug screening, TB Gold, and criminal background check. Interns must have a valid US Driver’s license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation. A legal affiliation agreement between your University and VNA will also be required. Interns must provide documentation of liability insurance carried through their University or privately.

A personal interview is an additional part of the application process. You will be required to demonstrate your clinical and musical skills during the interview. If you are unable to attend a personal interview due to distance, then a Skype/Teams/Zoom interview will be conducted, during which you will be asked to demonstrate your skills. Feel free to call 772-924-5656 or email lmeeks@vnatc.com with any questions you may have. Learn more about VNA Music Therapy