Student Training Programs

WakeMed offers intern and practicum placement programs three times a year: January, May/June and September.  Application to these placements requires the completion of an application process that includes an interview (on-site preferred).

Practicum
A practicum placement is designed to introduce the student to the field of child life, as well as a variety of experiences facing children and adolescents in the healthcare setting. A Certified Child Life Specialist will supervise students while providing and assisting with individual and group activities with children, adolescents and families. Practicum students must have completed courses in child development and related field of study.  Students should have work and/or volunteer experience working with children. The students must also be affiliated with a university/educational institution. A practicum placement is highly recommended and often required for those considering a Child Life Specialist career.  Practicum students generally complete eight hours per week for a minimum total of 120 hours. 

To review the Child Life Practicum job description and application,   click here (pdf format). 

Internship
Comprehensive Child Life Internship opportunities are offered three times a year in January, May/June and September.  The internship placement is a 15-week, full-time training program designed for graduate and senior undergraduate students with majors in Child Life or closely related degree programs. Intern applicants should be pursuing a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist.  Postgraduate students must be affiliated with an educational institution.

Selection criteria includes:

• Relevant coursework that meets the requirements for Child Life Certification (More information is available at www.childlife.org)
• A strong background of previous experience working with children
• 120 hours of this experience must be completed within a child life program in a health care setting.

The Child Life Intern has an opportunity to provide supervised interventions that support children, adolescents and their families within the healthcare system.   Students will have the opportunity to provide medical play and procedural preparation, provide playroom programming, work with volunteers, develop charting skills, and participate in special events and hospital committees.  The student will complete an orientation process and participate in ongoing guidance and evaluation by the child life staff and supervisor. 

To review the Child Life Intern job description and application,   click here.

Child Life Resources

The following website and publications may be helpful if you would like more information on Child Life Services and the role it plays in healthcare throughout the United States.

• Child Life Council – www.childlife.org
• Thompson, R. and Stanford, G. Child Life in Hospitals: Theory and Practice. Charles C. Thomas Publishers, 1981.
• Official Documents of the Child Life Council. Bethesda, MD: CLC, 1990.
• Gaynard, L. et., Psychosocial Care of Children in Hospitals: A Clinical Practice Manual From the ACCH Child Life Research Project. Bethesda, MD: ACCH, 1990.