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Child Life Practicum Student Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$24.30 - $37.52/hr

Experience as a child life pre-internship/practicum student * Supervising volunteers while working with children and adolescents * Spanish speaking Essential Functions * Accurately assesses ...

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Child Life Practicum Student information

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How much do child life practicum student jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life practicum student in the United States is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a Child Life Practicum, and how do these prepare me for future roles?

As a Child Life Practicum Student, you'll gain exposure to a variety of real-world situations, such as observing certified Child Life Specialists, participating in therapeutic play sessions, and assisting with preparation and support for pediatric procedures. You'll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including nurses and social workers, to understand the emotional and developmental needs of children in healthcare settings. This hands-on experience helps you build foundational skills in communication, assessment, and intervention, all of which are crucial for advancing to internships and, ultimately, professional Child Life roles.

What is the difference between Child Life Practicum Student vs Child Life Intern?

AspectChild Life Practicum StudentChild Life Intern
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate student in child life, related field, or pursuing certificationTypically enrolled in child life internship program, often post-bachelor's or during graduate studies
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, or healthcare settings; supervised by certified child life specialistsSimilar settings; may have more responsibilities and direct patient interaction
Employer & Industry UsageEducational requirement for certification; part of training processRequired internship for certification eligibility; often a paid or unpaid position

The main difference between a Child Life Practicum Student and a Child Life Intern lies in their training stage and responsibilities. Practicum students are typically in the early stages of their education, gaining observation and basic experience, while interns are more advanced, performing more direct patient care under supervision. Both roles are essential for certification and work in similar healthcare environments.

What are Child Life Practicum Students?

Child Life Practicum Students are individuals who are completing a supervised, introductory educational experience in a hospital or healthcare setting to learn about the child life profession. They observe and assist certified Child Life Specialists as they support children and families coping with hospitalization, illness, or medical procedures. The practicum allows students to gain firsthand insight into the field, develop foundational skills, and determine if they wish to pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist. This experience is typically unpaid and is considered a prerequisite for more advanced internships in child life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Child Life Practicum Student, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Life Practicum Student, you need foundational knowledge of child development, psychology, and basic medical terminology, often supported by coursework in child life or related fields. Familiarity with documentation systems, play therapy tools, and hospital protocols is typically expected. Strong communication, empathy, and adaptability are vital soft skills for supporting children and families in stressful healthcare environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively easing patient anxiety, fostering trust, and ensuring positive developmental experiences in clinical settings.
More about Child Life Practicum Student jobs
What states have the most Child Life Practicum Student jobs? States with the most job openings for Child Life Practicum Student jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Child Life Practicum Student jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Child Life Practicum Student jobs are:
Child Life Practicum Student jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Life Practicum Student job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,809 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialist

Johns Hopkins Healthcare

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 882 rated healthcare providers

Job description

What Awaits You:
  • Opportunities for Career Growth - Build a meaningful career with access to professional development, mentorship, and advancement pathways.
  • Collaborative and Inclusive Environment - Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who value mutual respect, innovation, and teamwork.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package - Take advantage of a competitive and affordable benefits program that supports your health, financial security, and overall well-being.
  • $5,000 sign-on bonus

Job Summary:
  • Transform Lives: Provide compassionate psychosocial and developmental assessments and support to patients and their families during some of their most challenging times.
  • Empower Growth: Plan and deliver emotionally and developmentally enriching play experiences that help patients navigate healthcare challenges while promoting cognitive and emotional development.
  • Elevate Care Quality: Enhance patient outcomes through proactive participation, meticulous documentation, and seamless communication with a dedicated healthcare team.
  • Lead and Inspire: Mentor and supervise volunteers and Child Life practicum students, fostering the next generation of child life specialists.
  • Advocate for Development: Serve as a trusted resource on child development issues, ensuring every child's unique needs are understood and met.

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child Life, or a related field.
  • Completion of a Child Life internship (minimum 480 hours; 600 hours preferred) to equip you with hands-on skills.

Knowledge:
  • A deep understanding of child development theories and caregiving practices to nurture young minds.
  • Skilled in therapeutic play and psychological preparation, providing essential coping strategies that empower patients and families during medical experiences.
  • Familiarity with medical terminology and protocols, gained through practical training and hands-on experience.
  • Awareness of the Child Life Council Code of Ethics, ensuring the highest quality of care.

Skills:
  • Skillfully assess psychosocial and developmental strengths and risks of patients and families to create tailored intervention plans.
  • Lead group and individual activities that ignite creativity and self-expression, fostering a joyful and supportive environment.
  • Provide attentive care, monitoring needs and behaviors with dedication, ensuring that patients and their families feel valued and supported.
  • Master the art of documentation and develop strong verbal communication skills to advocate effectively for patients.
  • Possess basic supervisory skills and a commitment to cultural competence, enhancing interactions with diverse populations.
  • Exhibit exceptional time management and organizational prowess, ensuring smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.

Required Licensure, Certification, Etc.:
  • Obtain Child Life Council certification within the first year of employment and maintain active certification throughout your career. Continuous professional growth is a must!

Work Experience:
  • Bring one year of job experience or a Master's degree with related experience to enrich our team and make an impact.

Salary Range: Minimum 24.91/hour - Maximum 41.12/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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