REGISTERED DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPIST (R-DMT) APPLICATION MATERIALS

**Application Update: the DMTCB is currently conducting an overhaul of the R-DMT applications and supporting forms. The new applications and forms will be available after November 1, 2025.

Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) acknowledges the attainment of a basic level of competence in dance/movement therapy, achieved by completing the dance/movement therapy education and training requirements. The R-DMT signifies both the first level of entry into the profession and the individual’s preparedness for employment as a dance/movement therapist within a clinical and/or educational setting.

How to apply for the R-DMT

Graduates of ADTA Approved program applicants:

Alternate Route Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) applicants:

  • Alternate Route students must notify the DMTCB when they begin taking dance/ movement therapy courses by filing a Letter of Intent Form.
  • Requirements for the R-DMT through Alternate Route include:
    • Dance or movement background and experience (does not have to include majoring in dance, or performance/choreographic experiences)
    • A master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited graduate institution
    • Completion of both the required general training and DMT coursework
      • Alternate Route students must take at minimum of 45 hours/3 semester credits of psychology coursework by the time they have taken a minimum of 60 hours/4 semester credits of DMT Theory and Practice courses. 
    • Fieldwork
    • BC-DMT supervise internship.
      • Alternate Route students must complete a specific amount of required coursework prior to starting their AR-R-DMT internship
  • Applications for Alternate Route are accepted once a year by January 15th
  • To apply: Follow the procedures outlined in the R-DMT Handbook and follow the AR-R-DMT Instructional Guide to apply for the AR-R-DMT.     

For additional information on Alternate Route Applications, please refer to the R-DMT Handbook.

Support Documentation for AR-R-DMT applicants

International applicants for the AR-R-DMT 

In addition to following the requirements for the AR-R-DMT application, international students must: 

  • Have their graduate degree (if it is from an international university) evaluated for USA equivalency. Any equivalency organization such as World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators is accepted.
  • All dance/movement therapy educators and supervisors must hold the BC-DMT (American) credential.
  • All application materials must be submitted in English.

Requirements after becoming an R-DMT:

All R-DMT are required to maintain the R-DMT status. If they do not maintain their R-DMT status, their R-DMT credential is considered to be lapsed and they will have to pay an additional fee and accrue additional CE hours to reinstate the credential. If the lapsed R-DMT continues to identify themselves as an R-DMT, they are also in violation of the ADTA Code of Ethics. 

  • ANNUAL CREDENTIAL RENEWAL: Certificants holding the R-DMT must renew their credential by paying the annual credential renewal fee through the Annual Credential Renewal Form which is sent out yearly in early summer. 
  • RECERTIFICATION: Every 5 years, Certificants are required to recertify by documenting that they have completed the required Continuing Education hours and paying the Recertification fee. NOTE:  a percentage of all DMTs who recertify are randomly selected to be audited.  

    ** Please be sure to retain all CE documentation for 5-years following the date you recertify.  You may delete them following that 5-year period.

  • Guidelines for R-DMT Continuing Education Categories