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Longy - MHTP Summer Institute Module 5: Alterations in Health | Care of the Dying | Clinical Practicum


Registration is closed for this Module 5 class.

****UPDATE AUGUST 13****

Due to restrictions from COVID-19, this Module 5 will be held via videoconference,, which you can attend from your own home computer. See what you need to attend MHTP videoconference modules.

This is part of the MHTP core curriculum. Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 must be completed before taking this Module. Additionally, a minimum of seven months must elapse between the student's first Module and the date of Module 5. For more details, learn more about registering for classes.

Introduction to Clinical Practicum & Care of the Dying (9 hours)

This is an introduction to, and experience of, clinical work in a nursing home, hospice, or hospital setting. Students will be oriented to clinical work in a healthcare facility, and will learn about infection control, safety, healthcare institution policies, advance care directives, Do Not Resuscitate orders, ethics, legal documents, confidentiality policies, insurance issues, patient privileges, and issues for healthcare choices. This will help a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) understand end-of-life choices made by patient families. 

The second session of this class continues with exploration of palliative care issues, including expectations of the dying, survivors, and medical staff. A critical part of this class is discussion of issues students might have with care of the dying, including grief, signs and symptoms of approaching death, gifts the dying may offer, and coping with stress, loss, and death. Appropriate musical repertoire will be reviewed.

Alterations in Health (5 hours)

This is an introduction to major diseases and injuries, symptoms, and treatments, as well as commonly used medications and how they affect the body, mind, and behavior, and awareness of a patient. This knowledge helps a CMP understand a patient’s response to therapeutic music, and helps with selection of appropriate music for that patient and patient condition.

Clinical Practicum (6 hours)

In this critical session, during the COVID-19 restrictions each student will sing or play for individuals and record those experiences prior to class both virtually and in their homes with in-class discussion of the recordings. During class students will virtually play for patients in a clinical setting under supervision of the Teacher, Area Coordinator, and/or an experienced CMP. There will be opportunities for post-clinical discussion and evaluation.

Pre-work for Module 5

  • Students are required to watch "Being Mortal."

  • You will also be given a quiz to get you thinking about discussion points ahead of the class. It is at the discretion of the teacher whether to require that you complete and return the quiz to the teacher one week prior to the first day of class.

  • Contact the Area Coordinator (information below) regarding any immunizations or other preparations needed for the clinical practicum at this location. 

  • And, as always, keep up with your reading. Read the required book from the Module 5 list in the MHTP Handbook.

Important considerations for module registration

A student must register for each Module at least one month in advance of the Module date. There is a $30 late fee for registrations and tuition payments after the one month deadline, except for first-time registrations. Please also note that MHTP classes are limited to 15 students so that our Teachers can best serve our students. Submitting an application well in advance of the scheduled Modules will ensure your place in the program.

Questions about registering for this Module 5? Contact the Cambridge, MA Area Coordinator:
Aline Benoit
aline.benoit@longy.edu