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We are currently accepting applications for our practicum experience. We follow ACLP guidelines for application submission (see below for dates). Please submit your application to childlifepracticum@chp.edu.
Child Life Practicum Application (PDF)
A practicum is a pre-internship experience for students who are looking for an opportunity to learn more about the Child Life field and role of a Child Life Specialist within a hospital setting. The practicum allows the student to become familiar with children’s reactions to the hospital environment, develop their observation and interaction skills with patients, families and staff and practice activity planning based on developmental knowledge.
Applicants must:
*We understand Covid has limited the ability to acquire hours.*
Child life student practicum placements are assigned according to the three-semester calendar cycle. Application forms for each semester must be received in accordance with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) recommended internship application and offer dates:
Fall: March 15 Winter/Spring: September 5 Summer: January 5
Students will receive notification about interview scheduling and placement possibilities before the following offer deadlines:
Fall: Second Tuesday of May Winter/Spring: Second Tuesday in October Summer: Second Tuesday in February
Students will give written notification of acceptance or declination to Practicum Coordinator by:
Fall: Following Wednesday Winter/Spring: Following Wednesday Summer: Following Wednesday
Practicum placements are offered to candidates who demonstrate a strong knowledge of child development and dedication to the betterment of the lives of hospitalized children and their families. We accept on average two students per semester. We only allow for one educational experience at our facility. A student who completes a practicum at CHP will not be allowed to complete their internship at CHP.
The design of the practicum is based on the standards of practice set forth by the ACLP. The practicum experience offers an opportunity to become more familiar with the basics of a child life program as well as learning to interact with hospitalized children and their families.
Students are assigned to placements where they will be supervised by a certified child life specialist. Weekly supervision meetings are facilitated by the practicum coordinators.
The semester schedule is subject to change and will be discussed during the interview process.
Throughout the practicum experience, students will complete assignments including journal reflections, psychosocial assessments, chart notes, therapeutic activity plans, and a case study.
Students are responsible for making their own arrangements for housing and meals. For your convenience, a refrigerator and microwave may be available to you. The hospital complex and surrounding area offer many possibilities for meals. Parking can be provided at zero cost to the student, if needed.
For questions regarding the practicum program please contact program coordinator childlifepracticum@chp.edu.
Children's Hospital's main campus is located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Our main hospital address is:
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh One Children’s Hospital Way 4401 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15224
In addition to the main hospital, Children's has many convenient locations in other neighborhoods throughout the greater Pittsburgh region.
With myCHP, you can request appointments, review test results, and more.
For questions about a hospital bill call:
To pay your bill online, please visit UPMC's online bill payment system.
Interested in giving to Children's Hospital? Support the hospital by making a donation online, joining our Heroes in Healing monthly donor program, or visiting our site to learn about the other ways you can give back.