Child Life Practicum

The child life practicum is an introductory experience designed to familiarize the student with the hospital environment, the child life profession and to gain experience working with hospitalized children. 

  • We offer the choice of a 4-week (every day), 8-week (3 days a week), or 12-week (2 days a week) practicum experience. 
  • Practicum students will have two main rotations and one extended shadow opportunity. They will be supervised by a different Certified Child Life Specialist for each rotation/extended shadow opportunity.  
  • Practicum students will be supported throughout their experience by Clinical Rotation Supervisors, as well as the Child Life Educator. Practicum students will meet weekly with their Clinical Rotation Supervisor and Child Life Educator. 
Application Requirements
Application Process
When Offered an Internship

Application Requirements

  • All candidates must be enrolled at a university during their student experience. Please do not submit an application if you are an independent student.
  • Completed Child Life Practicum Application Form
    • Verification of at least 50 completed hours working with children in a healthcare setting (hospital preferred).
    • Experience working with healthy children and teens.
    • Completion of at least four courses in their major including Child Development and Introduction to Child Life.
  • Transcript from college/university demonstrating 3.0 or higher GPA (unofficial accepted)  
  • Two (2) letters of reference with contact information (one from academic advisor/professor and one from another professional familiar with work with children/families).
    • No recommendations from friends or family will be accepted.

Child Life Practicum Application Process

All applications must be electronically submitted prior to the posted deadlines. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.

Please submit completed application and unofficial transcript together in one email. Letters can be emailed directly from references.

Please refer to format below:

  • Send to: ChildLifeStudProg@nationwidechildrens.org
  • Subject Line: FirstName_LastName_ChildLifePracticum
  • Document Names:
    • FirstName_LastName_ChildLifePracticumApplicationForm
    • FirstName_LastName_Transcript
    • FirstName_LastName_Reference Letter
  • Submission of an application does not guarantee the candidate will receive an interview or clinical placement.
  • Once applications are reviewed, interviews will be offered to the most qualified applicants.
    • Applicants are contacted by email with an interview offer.
    • Candidates are interviewed by two to three child life specialists.
  • Clinical experience opportunities vary per term and are determined by preceptor availability and other departmental needs.

For Those That Are Offered Student Experiences:

  • Students are processed through the Nationwide Children's Hospital student/employee route. Therefore, students are required to attend a full day of general orientation on the first day of their student experience.
  • No compensation or stipends are provided to students and they are responsible for making their own housing arrangements.
  • Must be enrolled at a university and an educational affiliation agreement between Nationwide Children’s and the university is required. Nationwide Children’s has educational affiliations with most major universities in Ohio. If an educational agreement is needed, you will be required to have the necessary paperwork completed between Nationwide Children’s and your university. You may not begin your student experience until this agreement is signed. Please note it can take several months for this to be completed if your university does not have an affiliation agreement. 
  • Students are required to provide proof that they are up-to-date on vaccinations.
  • Students that complete a practicum experience at Nationwide Children's Hospital will not be considered for an internship experience.