Becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist: Job Requirements

<p><table border="0"> <tr><td><img src="/cimages/multimages/2/adobestock_485565845.jpeg" alt="certified child specialist helping a little girl build a tower out of blocks" /></td></tr> </table> </p> <p>When children are seriously injured or face long-term hospital treatment, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Child_Life_Specialist_Job_Duties_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">child life specialists</a> help them understand and cope. </p> <p>Certified child life specialists have <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelors_Degrees_for_Child_Care_Professionals_Program_FAQs.html">bachelor's</a> and master's degrees, in addition to hands-on training through a clinical internship. </p> <p>On a daily basis, they work with children to explain procedures and make an extended hospitalization a little less overwhelming. </p> <p>If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, read on to find out about the specific education path you'll need to take. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatIsACertifiedChildLifeSpecialist">What Is a Certified Child Life Specialist?</h2> <p>Certified child life specialists go through extended <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Child_Life_Specialist_Certification_and_Training_FAQs.html">education and training</a> to ensure that they can help and support children. </p> <p>Because every child's situation and coping skills are different, certified child life specialists need to be flexible and adaptable. </p> <p>Their days are busy and can be emotionally taxing. Certified child life specialists are also resilient and empathetic. </p> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Certified child life therapists are certified through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). </p> <p>The ACLP also endorses child life education programs at both the bachelor's and master's degree levels. </p> <p>If you're following the path to certification, you want to make sure the programs you enroll in are ACLP-endorsed. </p> <p>ACLP-endorsed master's programs are designed to prepare you for the ACLP certification exam. </p> <p>If you don't get a master's degree, you still need at least 10 courses that follow the ACLP's education requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---Training">Training</h3> <p>The ACLP requires all candidates for certification to complete at least 600 hours of child life clinical internship training. </p> <p>This work must be completed under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist (CCLS). </p> <p>To qualify as a supervisor, a CCLS must have at least 4,000 hours of paid experience as a CCLS. </p> <p>The ACLP maintains a list of accredited internship programs on its website, as well as a directory you can search to find a program. </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>Once you've completed your coursework and internship, you're eligible to sit for the certification exam. </p> <p>If you pass, you'll become a CCLS and be ready to start your new career. </p> <p>While certification is technically voluntary, most major hospitals and clinics only hire certified child life specialists. </p> <p>Having and maintaining your certification might also open the door to supervisory positions and better pay. </p> <h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3> <p>In many ways, no two workdays are the same for a CCLS. Each day presents new challenges and new patients to support. </p> <p>On a typical day, a CCLS might provide any of the following interventions: </p> <ul><li>preparation for tests or procedures </li><li>distraction or support during procedures </li><li>education about diagnoses and treatments </li><li>therapeutic play </li><li>support for parents and siblings </li><li>emotional support </li><li>bereavement support </li><li>patient advocacy </li></ul><p>A CCLS really gets to know the patients in their care so they can ensure they have the best possible outcome from treatment. </p> <p>Child life specialists also work with other members of a child's medical team to coordinate plans and manage treatment. </p> <p>Some child life specialists work exclusively with children who have a specific medical condition or illness. </p> <h3 id="section---AverageSalaryAndWorkEnvironment">Average Salary and Work Environment</h3> <p>A CCLS can expect to earn around $60,380 per year on average. Most employers also provide health insurance and retirement benefits. </p> <p>The majority of certified child life therapists work in large hospitals, especially children's hospitals and specialty hospitals. </p> <p>The rest of them work in smaller clinics, hospice units, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities. </p> <p>There are also independent certified child life specialists who take on their own clients and visit in patient homes. </p> <p>Read below for a step-by-step about becoming a certified child life specialist. </p> <h2 id="section---Step1GetABachelorSDegreeInChildLife">Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree in Child Life</h2> <p>A bachelor's degree in child life is your first step towards a career as a certified child life specialist. </p> <p>The ACLP maintains a list of endorsed programs so you can find one that would best suit your needs if you want to go this route. </p> <p>You do have flexibility with your bachelor's degree. You can also pursue a degree in a related discipline, such as psychology or family studies. </p> <p>While you're studying for your bachelor's degree, volunteering at a local children's hospital is a great way to get experience. </p> <h2 id="section---Step2ServeAChildLifeClinicalInternship">Step 2: Serve a Child Life Clinical Internship</h2> <p>If you got a bachelor's degree in child life from an ACLP-endorsed program, you likely won't have to find your own internship. </p> <p>Otherwise, you can check the ACLP's directory to find an internship in your area that suits your needs. </p> <p>The ACLP requires at least 600 hours of supervised experience before you're eligible to sit for the certification exam. </p> <h2 id="section---Step3EarnAMasterSDegreeInChildLife">Step 3: Earn a Master's Degree in Child Life</h2> <p>To become a CCLS, the ACLP requires either a master's degree or at least 10 college courses on child life topics. </p> <p>A master's degree in child life is typically the easier route since these programs prepare you directly for the certification exam. </p> <p>You can find a list of ACLP-endorsed programs on the ACLP website. ACLP endorsement is mandatory at this stage of your education. </p> <h2 id="section---Step4SitForTheCertificationExam">Step 4: Sit for the Certification Exam</h2> <p>The ACLP has three deadlines to register for the certification exam: March 10, August 10, and October 27. </p> <p>The cost for the examination is $300 for ACLP members and $450 for non-members. </p> <p>Testing can be completed during the applicable testing window at any ISO Quality Testing (IQT) center. </p> <p>You have four hours to complete the timed certification exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. </p> <p>Once certified, add 'CCLS' after your name to designate your credentials. </p> <h2 id="section---Step5MaintainYourCertification">Step 5: Maintain Your Certification</h2> <p>Certification fees are due by January 31st in each of the first four years you hold your certification. </p> <p>If you fail to pay these fees, you'll lose your credential and have to start all over again, including taking another certification exam. </p> <p>In the fifth year, you're responsible for recertifying. You can recertify either by taking continuing education or by taking an exam. </p> <p>The cost of the exam is the same as the original certification. Recertifying through continuing education costs $120 ($220 for non-members). </p> <h2 id="section---LearnAboutBecomingACertifiedChildLifeSpecialistToday">Learn About Becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist Today</h2> <p>Contact <i>Best Accredited Colleges</i> today for more information on becoming a certified child life specialist.</p>