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Children's National Hospital offers a child life practicum program to students who are interested in becoming a certified child life specialist (CCLS) and have academic training in the fields of child life, child development, early childhood education, psychology or another related discipline. Please note that an affiliation agreement must be established and signed by both Children's National and your university/institution.

The child life practicum program at Children's National provides students with an opportunity to shadow child life specialists and to learn from the various members of the Child Life and Integrative Care Services team. Students will also help facilitate the normal growth and development of pediatric patients through the provision of supervised, developmentally appropriate play opportunities.

The practicum program is offered three times a year (fall, winter/spring and summer).

Program Details

Practicum Calendar

Requirements to Apply

How to Apply

Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How many practicum students are accepted each semester?

What does a practicum student's schedule look like?

Can students choose which units/areas of the hospital they go to for each rotation?

What types of assignments will practicum students need to complete?

How do I know if my university will be willing to sign an affiliation agreement?

Do practicum students get paid?

Do you provide housing for practicum students?