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Child Life Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$25.03 - $38.79/hr

Child Life internship endorsed by the Child Life Council. Experience PREFERRED Experience in a hospital setting working with pediatric patients and families Education/training REQUIRED: Bachelors ...

Bachelor's degree in child Life, Child Development, Education, Special Education, Family Studies or related field, and completion of a 480-hour child life internship under a Certified Child Life ...

Bachelor's degree in child Life, Child Development, Education, Special Education, Family Studies or related field, and completion of a 480-hour child life internship under a Certified Child Life ...

Bachelor's degree in child Life, Child Development, Education, Special Education, Family Studies or related field, and completion of a 480-hour child life internship under a Certified Child Life ...

Child Life Specialist

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$21.61 - $30.25/hr

Bachelor's degree in child Life, Child Development, Education, Special Education, Family Studies or related field, and completion of a 480-hour child life internship under a Certified Child Life ...

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Child Life Internship information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$18

$33

How much do child life internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life internship in Virginia is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a child life internship?

A Child Life Internship is a structured, hands-on training program for students or recent graduates pursuing a career as a Child Life Specialist. It provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in a hospital or clinical setting, working directly with children and families to help them cope with the stress of hospitalization and medical procedures. Interns learn valuable skills in therapeutic play, emotional support, and patient advocacy under the supervision of experienced Child Life professionals. This internship is often a required step before sitting for the Child Life Certification Exam.

What does a child life intern do?

During a Child Life Internship, you will typically be involved in planning and facilitating therapeutic play and educational activities for pediatric patients, supporting children and families during medical procedures, and collaborating closely with medical staff and Child Life Specialists. Interns are often assigned to different hospital units, giving you exposure to various patient populations and a range of clinical scenarios. You’ll also have structured supervision, regular feedback sessions, and opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, which help develop your skills in communication and patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child life intern?

To thrive as a Child Life Intern, you need foundational knowledge in child development, coursework in child life or related fields, and often completion of prerequisite clinical or volunteer experience. Familiarity with therapeutic play techniques, documentation systems, and sometimes CPR certification are typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively with children and families are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for supporting children’s emotional well-being and helping families cope with stress in healthcare settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Life jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Child Life jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Child Life Internship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Life Internship jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Child Life Internship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Child Life Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Child Life Internship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,857 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Certified Child Life Specialist - Children's Hospital of Richmond - Days

On-site


VCU Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 895 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$25.03 - $38.79/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Child Life Specialist compassionately and accurately delivers and documents developmentally specific psychosocial care to pediatric patients, their siblings and families ranging in age from birth to adulthood using an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care.Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)or eligible for certification within 6 months of VCUHS date of hire as a Child Life Specialist Child Passenger Safety Certification (CPST) must be obtained within 12 months of VCUHS date of hire as a Child Life Specialist Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Child Life Specialist Certification Current Child Passenger Safety Certification (CPST) CPR Certification Experience REQUIRED: Child Life internship endorsed by the Child Life Council. Experience PREFERRED Experience in a hospital setting working with pediatric patients and families Education/training REQUIRED: Bachelors Degree in, Early Childhood Education, Child Life, or a field directly related to children and families from an accredited program Education/training PREFERRED: Practicum in a child life department Independent action(s) required: Independent management of day-to-day interventions including patient and family interactions and education, patient advocacy, and multidisciplinary communication. Provides services independently as they relate to hands-on involvement and developmental care of pediatric patients' psychosocial needs. Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): Supervision of volunteers Additional position requirements: Weekend and holiday requirements as established by the department. Age Specific groups served: Neonatal, Pediatric, Adolescence, Adult Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate): Physical Lifting less than 20 lbs. Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Frequent bending, Walking (distance), Climbing (steps, ladder, other), Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive), Repetitive motion Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Compensation Range

$25.03 - $38.79

Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.


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