A Bachelor's Degree is required as a prerequisite to the child life graduate degree. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in a field related to child life, however classes in psychology, child development, and family dynamics are particularly helpful for students applying to the graduate program. Applicants are expected to have completed coursework in statistics and math in preparation for research-related graduate courses.
Graduates with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in related fields -- counseling, psychology, education or social services -- are eligible for certification as a child life specialist without obtaining an additional degree. The certification is offered by the Child Life Counsel and the required coursework can be completed in about one year. Requirements also include 480 hours of clinical internship. Upon successful completion, the graduate can use the professional designation of Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
Students looking to apply to a graduate program in child life must be able to effectively communicate with children, other family members and health care professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team. They must be able to speak English fluently. Most graduate schools also require students to take the graduate record exam (GRE) before applying to a master's program for the child life specialist. The application process often involves a written essay and personal interview.
A child life specialist has the unique role of helping children cope with illness and hospitalization. They employ tools like role-playing to decrease anxiety surrounding medical procedures. The child life specialist provides support to the child in a nonthreatening way. Pain is often the outcome of encounters with other health care providers, however the child life specialist provides a sense of security to the patient. The specialist is also available to the families for emotional support during the child's illness.