The American Music Therapy Association has specific curriculum requirements including courses in research analysis, physiology, acoustics, psychology and music and therapy; currently there are 68 undergraduate and 25 graduate programs approved by the association across the nation. Upon completing the academic program at either the bachelor’s or master’s level, a 6-month internship is required at an AMTA approved clinical training site. Graduates must subsequently pass a comprehensive examination administered by an independent certifying body, the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), to earn the MT-BC credential which needs to be maintained by taking continuing education courses in Music Therapy and in related fields. Currently there are about 6000 certified music therapists in North America.