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Child Life Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yale New Haven Health

Child Life

New London, CT

Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...

Yale New Haven Health

Child Life

New London, CT

Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...

Yale New Haven Health

Child Life

New London, CT · On-site

Collaborates In The Development Of Age-Appropriate Pediatric Policies And Procedures. * 8. Networks With Other Child Life Therapists To Ensure Current Practices. * 9. Ensures Adequate Numbers Of Safe ...

UW Health

Child Life Specialist

Madison, WI · On-site

Provide age-appropriate information and administer appropriate child life therapies in conjunction with the patient's age, medical condition, and family/significant others. * Work with both ...

UNC HEALTH

Child Life Specialist

Butner, NC · On-site

$23.24 - $33.41/hr

Qualified candidates will work directly with the Mental Health Team Therapy Services Managers at ... This includes 600 child life internship hours under the supervision of a certified child life ...

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How much do child life therapy jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for child life therapy in the United States is $85,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do child life specialists make the most money?

Child life specialists tend to earn higher salaries in large hospitals, academic medical centers, and specialized pediatric facilities, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the healthcare environment.

How does a Child Life Therapist typically collaborate with medical staff to support pediatric patients during hospital stays?

Child Life Therapists work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to create a supportive environment for pediatric patients. They often participate in interdisciplinary rounds, share insights on a child's emotional state, and develop individualized coping plans for procedures or treatments. By acting as a liaison between the patient, family, and medical team, Child Life Therapists ensure that each child’s emotional and developmental needs are addressed, reducing anxiety and promoting positive healthcare experiences.

Is a child life specialist a high demand job?

Child life specialists are in moderate demand, especially in hospitals and pediatric healthcare settings, as they support children and families through medical experiences. Employment opportunities can vary by region and healthcare facility, with a growing emphasis on psychosocial support for pediatric patients. Certification and specialized training can enhance job prospects in this field.

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

AspectChild Life TherapyChild Life Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in child life, psychology, or related field; certification often through Child Life CouncilSame as Child Life Therapy, often certified through Child Life Council
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, pediatric units, and healthcare settingsHospitals, pediatric clinics, educational settings, and community programs
Industry UsageUsed interchangeably with Child Life Specialist in many settingsPrimary term for professionals providing child life services

Child Life Therapy and Child Life Specialist roles often overlap, with both requiring similar credentials and working in healthcare environments to support children's emotional well-being. The main difference is that Child Life Therapy emphasizes therapeutic interventions, while Child Life Specialist is the more common job title used across various settings.

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

To thrive as a Child Life Therapist, you need a solid background in child development, psychology, and therapeutic play, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in Child Life or a related field, along with Child Life Specialist (CCLS) certification. Familiarity with assessment tools, medical terminology, and hospital information systems is typically required in clinical settings. Outstanding communication, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence help build trust with children and families during stressful medical experiences. These skills are essential for reducing anxiety, promoting healthy coping, and supporting positive outcomes for pediatric patients and their families.

What is the highest paying therapy job?

Child Life Therapists typically earn higher salaries compared to other therapy roles due to specialized training in pediatric healthcare and hospital settings. Advanced positions such as Clinical Child Psychologists or Pediatric Psychiatrists generally have higher compensation, often requiring advanced degrees and licensure. Salary varies based on experience, location, and work environment, with hospital-based roles tending to pay more than outpatient or community settings.

What can I do with a child life specialist degree?

A child life specialist degree prepares individuals to support children and families in healthcare settings by providing emotional support, education, and coping strategies. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, or community programs, often requiring certification such as the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. The role involves strong communication skills, understanding child development, and the ability to create a supportive environment for children facing medical challenges.

What is child life therapy?

Child life therapy is a specialized field within healthcare that focuses on supporting children and their families as they navigate medical experiences, such as hospitalizations, procedures, or chronic illnesses. Child life specialists use play, education, and therapeutic activities to help children cope with stress, express their feelings, and understand what to expect during their medical care. Their goal is to reduce anxiety, promote healthy development, and improve the overall patient and family experience in healthcare settings.
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Child Life Therapy jobs near you
Lead Child Life Specialist, Child Life Therapies

Lead Child Life Specialist, Child Life Therapies

Norton Healthcare

Louisville, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Norton Healthcare rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 183 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

256th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Responsibilities
The role of the Lead Child Life Therapist is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate psychosocial patient/family needs for patients aged neonatal to 17 years (Neonates, Pediatric, Adolescent). The Child Life Therapist provides psychosocial support to meet the needs of the patients and families; plans and coordinates activities designed to further the social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the child within the inpatient and outpatient setting, utilizing age appropriate principles of growth and development; acts an advocate for the patients and families. The Lead is also responsible for day to day department operations, coordinating the schedule and adjusting as needed, managing supplies for the department within budget and performs other related duties.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Certified Child Life Specialist: Must obtain Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential within 12 months of hire

What Norton Healthcare employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Norton Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Norton Healthcare is a not-for-profit hospital and health care system and is Louisville's second largest employer, with more than 18,000 employees, over 1,700 employed medical providers and approximately 2,000 total physicians on its medical staff. The system includes six hospitals (five in Louisville and one in Madison, Indiana) with 1,993 licensed beds, eight outpatient centers, 18 Norton Immediate Care Centers, eight Norton Prompt Care at Walgreens clinics and an expanded telehealth program. It provides care at more than 340 locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Louisville, KY, US

Year founded

1988

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