The Child Life practicum experience at St. Louis Children's Hospital is designed to expose the practicum student to the Child Life profession through observation and supervised participation. The Practicum student is supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist and will have responsibilities that include:

  • shadowing Certified Child Life Specialists
  • observation of medical play
  • observation of preparation
  • observation of procedural support
  • supervising the Playroom & Teen Lounge
  • making bedside visits to patients
  • relevant assignments

Practicum Application Process

To apply for a practicum in our department, students must meet the following requirements:

  • 50 hours working with children in the healthcare setting (While all volunteering in a healthcare setting will be accepted, preference will be given to candidates completing their hours with a pediatric population.)
  • 50 hours working with well children
  • minimum of junior year status in bachelor degree program in Child Life or a related field
  • minimum of 5 courses in child development or related field

To submit application please include the following:

Save the above requirements in PDF file as "first name, last name.semester year.practicum application" (example: KellyShaw.Fall2021.practicumapplication.pdf) and submit the above requirements electronically to C[email protected]. 

Practicum Application Deadlines

Semester Application Deadlines Offer Deadlines Acceptance Deadlines
Spring Semester October 15 November 15 November 30
Summer Semester February 15 March 15 March 31