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Child Life Specialist Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carle Health

Child Life Specialist

Urbana, IL

Candidates must have the completed 10 required courses as outlined by Association of Child Life Professionals along with a completed 600-hour Child Life Specialist internship completed & listed on ...

Carle Health

Child Life Specialist

Urbana, IL

Candidates must have the completed 10 required courses as outlined by Association of Child Life Professionals along with a completed 600-hour Child Life Specialist internship completed & listed on ...

UNC HEALTH

Child Life Specialist

Butner, NC · On-site

$23.24 - $33.41/hr

This includes 600 child life internship hours under the supervision of a certified child life specialist. Responsibilities: 1. Completes child life documentation per team guidelines. Manages daily ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE · On-site

Eligible for or currently certified as a Certified Child Life Specialist required 600-hour Child Life clinical internship Why Work at Nebraska Medicine? * Together. Extraordinary. Join a team that ...

Nebraska Medicine

Child Life Specialist

Omaha, NE

Eligible for or currently certified as a Certified Child Life Specialist required 600-hourChild Life clinical internship Why Work at Nebraska Medicine? * Together. Extraordinary. Join a team that ...

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How much do child life specialist internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for child life specialist internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Child Life Specialist Internship Opportunities?

A child life specialist internship involves providing support for children dealing with illness, hospitalization, or a disability. If you work as an intern, your duties vary depending on the details of the internship program. As an intern, you assist child life specialists as they provide age-appropriate coping strategies and activities for ill children and those undergoing medical procedures. You may gain experience with different groups by working as part of a rotation of interns. Interns often help children participate in activities and play. Your responsibilities often include interacting with the parents and siblings of the patient.

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

To thrive as a Child Life Specialist Intern, you need coursework or a degree in child development or a related field, plus experience with children in healthcare or educational settings. Familiarity with healthcare environments, charting/documentation systems, and play therapy techniques is beneficial. Strong communication, empathy, creativity, and the ability to build rapport with children and families are standout soft skills for this position. These skills are crucial for supporting the emotional well-being of pediatric patients and fostering a positive hospital experience.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a Child Life Specialist Internship?

During a Child Life Specialist Internship, you can expect to engage in a variety of hands-on experiences, such as facilitating therapeutic play activities, assisting with patient and family education, and supporting children during medical procedures. Interns often work closely with certified Child Life Specialists and interdisciplinary teams, gaining exposure to different pediatric units and patient populations. These experiences are structured to help you develop practical skills, enhance your understanding of psychosocial care, and prepare you for certification and future employment in the field.

What is a Child Life Specialist Internship?

A Child Life Specialist Internship is a structured, supervised program that provides students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in the field of child life. Interns work alongside certified Child Life Specialists in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, to support the emotional and developmental needs of children and families facing medical challenges. The internship is designed to help interns develop practical skills in therapeutic play, patient education, and coping strategies, all while adhering to child life principles. Completing an internship is often a required step toward becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).

Is a child life specialist in demand?

Child life specialists are in steady demand due to their specialized skills in helping children cope with healthcare experiences. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as hospitals and pediatric care facilities recognize the importance of psychosocial support for young patients.

What is the difference between Child Life Specialist Internship vs Child Life Specialist?

AspectChild Life Specialist InternshipChild Life Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's in child life, healthcare, or related field; some certifications may be in progressCertified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential required, which involves completing a CCLS internship and passing the exam
Work EnvironmentHospitals, pediatric units, clinics, or community settings, often as a training or learning roleFull-time professional role in similar healthcare settings, providing direct support to children and families
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare organizations, child life programs, often as a supervised internshipHospitals, healthcare facilities, pediatric units, with full responsibilities

The Child Life Specialist Internship is a training position for students or recent graduates gaining experience, while the Child Life Specialist is a certified professional providing ongoing support to children and families in healthcare settings.

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Child Life Specialist Internship jobs near you
Child Life Specialist, FT Days (55038)

Child Life Specialist, FT Days (55038)

El Paso Children's Hospital

El Paso, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

El Paso Children's Hospital rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

431st of 989 rated hospitals

Job description

Child Life Specialist, FT Days

El Paso Childrens Hospital - El Paso, TX 79905

Overview

Level Entry Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level 4 Year Degree Category Professional Services

Description

Ensures that comprehensive Child Life Services are provided to minimize the negative impact of a trauma, hospitalization, and illness by addressing the emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of patients and families. Includes working with all pediatric age patients by facilitating their socialization and positive adjustment to the hospital environment, promoting age appropriate activities to assure continued growth and development; preparing them for the necessary medical interventions through play and/or art; by encouraging the use of coping skills during stressful medical encounters and by fostering the patient's self expression, autonomy, sense of mastery and positive self esteem. Engages in opportunities to integrate Child Life Services within the community and at the national level to promote the profession of Child Life.

Qualifications

Work Experience:

  • Successful completion of Child Life Specialist Internship in a healthcare setting.

License/Registration/Certification:

  • Certification as a Child Life Specialist within 9 months of hire.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS).

Education and Training:

  • Bachelors degree in Child Development, Child Life, Psychology, or related field.

Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively within a team, across disciplines and with patient and families.
  • Ability to function independently, prioritize and manage time.
  • Analytical ability necessary in order to design therapeutic play programs, observe behaviors and assist students and volunteers in learning activities.
  • Advanced knowledge of basic practices in child development.

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