Child Life Program Internship
The Child Life Department at Phoenix Children's hospital offers a rigorous, 600-hour, 15-week internship designed to prepare interns for a career as a child life specialist. The internship is aligned with the recommendations of the Association of Child Life Professionals and consists of three rotations in our inpatient and outpatient units.
Through hands-on clinical experiences under the supervision of experienced Certified Child Life Specialists, students will build critical thinking and clinical skills. Ongoing education, reflective activities, case studies, and projects are designed to prepare interns to sit for the Child Life certification exam. We accept both affiliated and non-affiliated applicants. Phoenix Children's Hospital offers Child Life internships during the fall and spring semesters. There is no summer internship offered. Phoenix Children's Hospital will not be hosting a Fall 2021 Child Life Internship.
Internship Applicant Requirements
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1: Degree |
A Bachelor’s (required) or Master’s (highly preferred) degree in any field of study - Bachelor’s degree must be completed before application deadline Minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for Bachelor’s degree OR Master’s degree (if in-progress or completed) |
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2: Practicum |
Completion of a 120 hour Child Life Practicum supervised by a Certified Child Life Specialist in a hospital setting At this time, practicum may be in progress as of the application deadline, and offers will be conditional upon successful completion of practicum |
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3: Coursework |
Graduate from an ACLP-endorsed degree program OR successfully complete 10 courses in content areas specified by the ACLP For more detailed information, visit the ACLP website: ACLP Coursework Guidelines for Certification |
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4: CPR Certification |
Current CPR certification from any certifying organization (i.e. Red Cross, American Heart Association, etc.) is required at time of application |
Required Application Materials
Please include all materials together in one envelope. Do not send items separately. Do not send extra/additional items.
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1. Application |
Completed Common Child Life Internship Application *applicants do NOT need to send the “verification of related experience hours” form found on page 17 of the common application |
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2. Cover Letter
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3. Resume
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4. ACLP Eligibility Assessment |
Must include coursework review If applicant is currently enrolled in required coursework at the time of applying but has not completed it yet, applicant must provide Confirmation of Child Life Course In-Progress form found on page 13 of the Common Child Life Internship Application for EACH in-progress course All courses must be completed before internship start date |
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5. College or University Transcripts
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Unofficial transcripts or photocopies of official transcripts ARE accepted Include transcripts for all degrees obtained or in-progress Transcripts must include cumulative GPA |
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6. Practicum Experience |
Include a completed “Verification of Child Life Practicum Experience Hours” form found on page 16 of the Common Child Life Internship Application AND practicum evaluation from program/site if available If applicant has completed more than one practicum, please include a completed “Verification of Child Life Practicum Experience Hours” form AND practicum evaluation as available from program/site for EACH practicum experience |
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7. CPR Certification
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Copy of current CPR certification card |
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8. Letters of Recommendation |
Two current (within the past year) letters of recommendation with at least one letter from someone who has observed you working directly with children AND the ACLP Child Life Internship Candidate Common Recommendation Form (page 19 and 20 of the common application) for each Letters can be addressed to “Phoenix Children’s Hospital Internship Committee” and should be in sealed, author-initialed envelopes |
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9. Essay Question |
What qualities do you possess or experiences have you had that distinguish you from other child life intern applicants? (maximum 200 words) |
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10. Application Fee |
$10 application fee Please make check or money order payable to “Phoenix Children’s Hospital Child Life Department” |
Phoenix Children’s Hospital follows the application, offer, and acceptance guidelines as specified by the ACLP. Applications must be postmarked by the deadline dates below. For more detailed information about internship dates/deadlines, please visit the ACLP Internship Deadlines webpage.
Association of Child Life Professionals Internship Offer and Acceptance Dates
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Internship Session |
Application Deadline |
Initial Offer Date |
Acceptance Date |
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Spring 2022 |
Sunday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
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Fall 2022 |
Tuesday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
| Spring 2023 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
After applications are received and reviewed, a candidate may be contacted to schedule an interview. Intern selection is based on academic preparation, knowledge of child development, professional experience with children, letters of recommendation, child life volunteer/practicum experiences, written communication skills, and interviews. Internships are highly competitive. If an applicant is not selected for interviews, our program will send notification via email during the selection window (between application deadline and initial offer date). We strongly recommend candidates apply to multiple sites/programs as we only select a maximum of two interns per semester.
Send completed application packets to:
Child Life Department
Phoenix Children's Hospital
1919 East Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Please direct any questions to CLinternship@phoenixchildrens.com