For Students and Professionals
Prerequisites for the program and the application process
Clinical experience options
We are committed to providing quality supervision and appropriate clinical opportunities based upon student goals and qualifications. We offer three options.
Fieldwork
This clinical option is designed for those students pursuing academic careers in fields unrelated to the Child Life profession, and who desire exposure to the hospital setting. Students accepted under this option may complete a maximum of ten hours per week, as agreed upon by the student and clinical supervisor at CHaD.
Students will be presented with opportunities to engage in normalization activities individually at the patient bedside, as well as in a group atmosphere. These students will assist in maintaining safe and appropriate play spaces for patients, while also providing support for special events such as our pet visitation program, holiday celebrations, donation acceptance, and community entertainment.
Practicum
This clinical option is designed for students pursuing academic careers in Child Life, or other related fields, and who are interested in gaining in-depth knowledge of the Child Life profession, as well as experiences facing children and adolescents in the healthcare setting. These students are expected to meet or exceed the minimum pre-requisites for this clinical experience. Students accepted under this option may complete between ten to thirty hours per week, as agreed upon by the student and clinical supervisor at CHaD.
In addition to the fieldwork opportunities, students performing the practicum option will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in acclimating children and families to the healthcare setting, identifying developmentally appropriate normalization activities, and comfort interacting with member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Based upon the student's demonstration of skills and knowledge, as determined by the clinical supervisor at CHaD, students may be presented with opportunities to provide preparation for non-invasive procedures, participate in specialty rounds, access to relevant medical records, and upkeep of Child Life kardex.
Internship
This clinical option is designed for students pursuing academic careers in Child Life or other related fields, interested in gaining advanced knowledge of the Child Life profession, with a goal of obtaining Child Life Certification, and working as a Child Life Specialist. These students are expected to meet or exceed the minimum prerequisites for this clinical experience. Students accepted under this option may complete a minimum of thirty hours, which must consist of three full days, as agreed upon by the student and clinical supervisor at CHaD.
In addition to the fieldwork and practicum opportunities, students performing the internship option will be responsible for assessing the developmental abilities, emotional & psychosocial needs, and overall adjustment of patients to their hospitalization and/or illness. Based upon these assessments, interns will identify and implement appropriate recreational, diversional, and therapeutic interventions. Interns will be required to learn the process of charting, and document relevant interventions in the medical record. Based on performance, internship students may be eligible to apply for a child life rotation within other areas of the hospital.
