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Maryville University Certificate in Child Life Specialist online

Certificate from Maryville University

Maryville University Certificate in Child Life Specialist online

Learn how to create safe and welcoming environments to minimize trauma for children facing serious medical issues while addressing their needs and advocating for their care.

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Program type

Flexible dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

Free application

Apply for free today

About the program

  • Receive support from a dedicated team:

    Work closely with experienced professionals and certified practitioners who bring their experiences and knowledge from the clinical setting into the classroom.

  • Gain practical experience:

    Choose from an introductory field experience or a child life practicum for hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

  • Become a certified child life specialist:

    Prepare to sit for the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) exam from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

Curriculum

Learners enrolled in the child life certificate program will learn how to address children’s unique physical and emotional needs and challenges as young patients and their families face a serious medical diagnosis or hospitalization. The 13-course, 39-credit program also includes a field experience or a practicum that offers students the opportunity to prepare for the CCLS certification exam to become a certified child life specialist. 

During the program, you will learn how to:

  • Support young patients and their families:

    Provide care and stability in the treatment room and beyond, serving as an advocate to help patients and their families navigate a complex healthcare environment.

  • Provide a safe environment:

    Create safe settings for children as they acclimate to a new healthcare environment, developing age-appropriate play and learning activities to complement early learning within a therapeutic setting.

  • Build trusted relationships:

    Establish relationships with children, parents, and medical staff to authentically communicate concerns and questions to achieve the best solution for the patient.

  • Develop individualized care coordination strategies:

    Plan and implement tailored strategies for each patient across specialists, social workers, schools, and more.

Ready to advance your career?

Field placements

Maryville’s Certificate in Child Life Specialist online program provides learners with the opportunity to choose an introductory field experience or a child life practicum to have the opportunity to observe, learn, and engage with patients and their families in a variety of real-world settings. 

Maryville University’s dedicated support team works closely with learners to guide them during the practicum application process at every step. Learners are required to secure their own placements in the introductory experience program, and to secure their own child life practicum placements through an external application process. 

Learners may choose to enroll in an optional child life portfolio course for additional assistance with the CCLS certification and application process, including application review and guidance identifying potential practicum or internship programs.