Student Opportunities
Child life specialists are trained in teaching children and adolescents about medical procedures in a developmentally appropriate manner to promote optimum development, maintain normal living patterns, and minimize psychological trauma.
Recognizing the importance of investing in the field of child life, we currently offer two educational opportunities for students pursuing a career in child life.
Apply for Our Practicum and Internship Opportunities
The Child Life Department will offer a 600 hour, full-time, unpaid internship during the 2026 fall semester. We accept both affiliated or un-affiliated/independent students. Students are supervised by Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) and participate in rigorous hands-on clinical and academic training.
Apply
Please submit your completed ACLP internship readiness common application to childlife@mhs.net. Include your name in the subject line.
We will stop accepting applications after 75 completed applications are received, or, at the deadline of March 13, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST.
Our practicum program is a largely observational experience for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a child life specialist. Practicum students will have the opportunity to shadow child life specialists, gain exposure to common procedures, interact with patients and families, and facilitate therapeutic play activities.
The practicum is designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of child life practice through observation of the daily work of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
Apply
Please check back for updates regarding our practicum offerings.
