Embedded Files
Peyton Manning Children's Hospital
Educational Opportunities
Internship Information
Internship Information
Applications are OPEN for Winter/Spring 2027 Internship cycle
Internship Overview
Child Life Internship Program
Child Life Internship Program
Our 17-week, 600-hour Child Life Internship provides a comprehensive, hands-on clinical experience designed to develop the essential skills of the child life profession. Through immersive learning opportunities, interns gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to transition from student to emerging child life professional.
Our program follows the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), including application deadlines and internship offer timelines.
Program Structure
Program Structure
Schedule subject to change.
Two 8-week clinical rotations in a variety of pediatric care settings, which may include:
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Surgery
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
Acute Care
Burn Unit
Hematology/Oncology
Emergency Department
One 1-week mini rotation that provides exposure to additional pediatric units beyond the intern’s primary rotations.
During Each Rotation, Interns Will:
During Each Rotation, Interns Will:
Learn common procedures and medical terminology specific to their assigned units
Participate in reflective journaling, educational in-services, and assigned readings
Observe child life specialists providing procedural preparation, diagnosis education, distraction, and emotional support
Develop an understanding of patient- and family-centered care within diverse clinical environments
Throughout the Internship, Interns Will Have Opportunities To:
Throughout the Internship, Interns Will Have Opportunities To:
Conduct child life assessments and apply child development and child life theories in clinical practice
Build therapeutic relationships through play, rapport-building, and family support
Observe and provide independent play opportunities and procedural support under supervision
Strengthen professional skills through journaling, educational activities, and ongoing feedback
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including:
Art Therapy
Music Therapy
School Program
Social Work
Palliative Care
Professional Growth
Professional Growth
By the completion of the internship, participants will have gained meaningful clinical experience, enhanced professional competencies, and a strong foundation for entering the child life profession.
Internship Requirements
Internship Requirements
Our internship program follows the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), including application deadlines and internship offer dates.
Our internship program follows the guidelines established by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), including application deadlines and internship offer dates.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be entering their junior or senior year of college, or have graduated with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Recommended Experience
Recommended Experience
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete one of the following experiences prior to September 4, 2026:
A minimum of 100 hours in a child life practicum within a hospital setting under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
OR
A minimum of 100 hours of volunteer experience with children in a hospital setting under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
How to Apply
How to Apply
Submit all required application materials together in one email.
Required Application Materials
Required Application Materials
Common ACLP Internship Application
Official ACLP Eligibility Assessment Report
Unofficial college transcripts
Email Instructions
Email Instructions
Subject Line:
First Name Last Name – Winter/Spring 2027 Internship Application
Submit Application To:
childlife@stvincent.org
Application Deadline
Application Deadline
Winter/Spring 2027 Session: September 4, 2026
Applications must be received by the deadline to be considered.
Important Information
Important Information
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or scored.
Applicants will not be contacted regarding missing materials.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Goals and Objectives
Become familiar with the Child Life profession, along with Child Life programs at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent.
Gain an understanding of the impact of hospitalization on the emotional and developmental needs of children.
Have the opportunity to interact with patients on a one-to-one basis and in group situations.
Provide an accepting, non-threatening environment to promote healthy interactions between child, staff, and family.
Become acquainted with the needs of hospitalized children and to recognize creative and flexible programming to meet those needs.
Develop the ability to implement the needs of hospitalized children and to recognize and creative flexible programming to meet those needs.
Be an advocate and spokesperson for children and families in their interaction with the health care system.
Prepare children for surgery and other medical experiences through the use of books, photo albums, teaching dolls, medical equipment, and play.
Gain a basic and practical working knowledge of medical procedures and terminology.
Develop an understanding of other disciplines working with Child Life in a hospital setting.
Strengthen ability to interact and relate to other professional and departmental members.
Develop an understanding of team effort in effecting positive experiences for hospitalized children.
Evaluate oneself under the guidance of experienced professionals, and to be measured by professional standards.
Begin transition from student to professional. Gain professional attitude, growth, maturity, and judgment.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse