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Child Life Practicum Student Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 May 29, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Child Life Practicum Student job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,809 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Child Life Specialist | Pediatric | $5k Sign-On + Relo | certification support (up to 18 months)

Child Life Specialist | Pediatric | $5k Sign-On + Relo | certification support (up to 18 months)

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare

Tallahassee, FL

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

554th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) is a private, nonprofit community-based healthcare system that provides care to a 22-county region in North Florida and South Georgia. We are a career destination with over 6,000 colleagues who reflect the diversity of our community. 
TMH is the region's healthcare leader and top provider of advanced care with a 772-bed acute care hospital and the region's only:

  • Level II Trauma Center 
  • Primary Stroke Center 
  • Level III Neonatal Intensive Care 
  • Pediatric Intensive Care 
  • The most advanced cancer, heart and vascular, orthopedic & surgery programs in the Panhandle. 

Our system also includes a psychiatric hospital, multiple specialty care centers, six residency programs and more than 50 affiliated physician practices. 


Job Summary:

  • Provides psychosocial and developmental based assessment and support to both patients and their families.
  • Plans and provides emotionally and developmentally appropriate experiences to promote effective coping with health care and continued cognitive and emotional growth.
  • Enhances quality of patient care through participation, documentation, and communication with other members, volunteers, and child life interns/practicum students.
  • Serves as a resource and advocate on child development

Reports: Pediatric Nurse Manager

 

Supervises:Oversees the Volunteer Program for all departments in The Children’s Center. Supervises all student Interns to include multiple disciplines such as Art, Family & Child Life Sciences, Child Life Practicum, and Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment Program (COPE).


 Required Education:

  • Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Child Life. Preferred: Master's degree in Child Life or Human Development.

 

Required Experience:

  • Must have completed a full time (min 450 hours) internship in a qualified Child Life program in a pediatric facility, under the supervision and advisement of a Certified Child Life Specialist

 

Required Certification/License/Registry:

  • Must be certified as a Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Council or be eligible and obtain certification within 18 months of start date and maintain professional affiliations and license through the Child Life Council.

 

 

If you are interested in becoming a part of TMH’s legacy of quality & compassionate healthcare, we want to know you.

Please submit your application & resume TODAY!  We look forward to speaking with you.

 

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen, background check, reference verification, health assessment, and credential/license verification.


Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen, background check, reference verification, health assessment, and credential/license verification.


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