Child Life Practicum
The Child Life Practicum at Swedish Medical center is designed to prepare individuals for a future in the field of Child Life. The 12 - 15 week (with a minimum of 100 hours) practicum provides students an opportunity to become familiar with the role and responsibilities of a Child Life Specialists. The practicum allows for students to gain experience in working with children in the hospital, providing developmental play and support for patients and the opportunity to shadow Child Life Specialists during interventions. Swedish Child Life Specialists work in multiple areas of the hospital that serve pediatric patients including Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Sedations, Radiology and Pediatric Surgery. The Child Life Program at Swedish Medical Center DOES NOT offer a Child Life internship.
Practicum Goals
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Increased familiarity with the hospital environment
- Increased independence in providing therapeutic and developmentally supportive play with patients.
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Understanding of developmental stressors and issues for infants, children, teens and families in the hospital setting.
- Provides opportunities for students to observe and explore the following theory and interventions related to child life practice:
- Child Life assessments
- Developmental theory integration
- Therapeutic play intervention
- Rapport building
- Prepare the practicum student for future clinical practice
Prerequisites
To be considered for Swedish Medical Center’s Child Life practicum program, individuals must have or be seeking a Bachelor’s degree (minimum of a junior status) either in Child Life or a related field. Applicants must also have a minimum of 75 documented hours volunteering with in a pediatric health care setting or related.
Application Process
The following are required elements of the Swedish Child Life Practicum application
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Completed Swedish Child Life Practicum Application
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Current Resume
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Signed verification of completed 75 hours of volunteering in a pediatric health care setting or related by volunteer supervisor.
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Two professional letters of recommendation
Applications must be fully completed and postmarked by application deadline. No late submission will be accepted.
Completed Applications should be sent to:
Swedish Medical Center
Child Life – 9EAST Pediatrics
Att: Child Life Practicum
747 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
Application Deadlines
Spring Session: Application due Jan. 15 - Notification by Feb. 15
Fall Session: Application due Aug. 1 - Notification by Sept. 1
If you have any questions, give us a call.