To apply for a music therapy internship position at University of Iowa Health Care, please complete the application and submit materials by the November 22nd deadline.
The University of Iowa Health Care National Roster Music Therapy internship accepts up to two interns each year. The internship start date is February 1, 2027 with completion in early August 2027. Entry-level requirements include strong vocal skills with ability to accompany self on guitar, ukulele, and piano, and an understanding of goal-based music therapy to meet specific patient needs.
Interns are exposed to patients of all ages with varying needs while receiving close supervision designed to encourage growth in the therapeutic, documentation, organization, and interpersonal skills necessary for future employment. They work closely with interdisciplinary team members.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing the student’s therapeutic use of live music.
Interns have the opportunity to develop skills in both group and individual settings with one primary supervisor in the following settings:
- Inpatient psychiatry, including pediatric, adult, geriatric, and medical psychiatry units
- Partial hospitalization programs for mood disorders and eating disorders
Interns will gain shadowing experience with two additional music therapists in:
- Supportive and Palliative Care, including adult and pediatrics
- Pediatrics, including neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care and oncology
The music therapy program at UI Health Care works within a bio-psychosocial philosophy of care. We address the biomedical needs of our patients by implementing music therapy interventions designed to maximize their psychosocial functioning. Across the age span, we focus on:
- promoting healthy coping skills
- decreasing pain and anxiety
- elevating mood
- supporting family members and caregivers
- facilitating the expression of emotions
- promoting developmental progress
- normalizing the hospital environment
For more details about this internship, please see the fact sheet.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.