The Child Life internship program at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is a concentrated, full-time placement where students gain practical, hands-on experience under the direction of a certified Child Life specialist. Students will build on their coursework and put theory into practice. The primary objective is to afford the student with an experience to gain enhanced knowledge of psychosocial care, demonstrate assessment and intervention skills, increase independence and become better prepared for an entry-level position.

Current Affiliated Schools

Students enrolled in the following schools are eligible to be considered for the internship program:

• Ohio University
• Texas State University
• Texas Women’s University for the Master’s program
• University of Alabama
• University of Central Florida
• University of Georgia
• Vanderbilt University

Internship Structure

The internship is a structured experience designed to meet the standards of the Child Life Certifying Commission and the Association for Child Life Professionals. Students must be prepared to adhere to the program outline. The internship session is:

• 16 weeks in length
• A minimum of 640 hours
• Includes day, evening, weekend and holiday shifts
• Available in Fall and Spring semesters only

Internship Prerequisites

To be considered for the internship program, submit the following: 

• Evaluation Report from the Eligibility Assessment
• Internship Readiness Common Application Fillable PDF
• Transcripts (may be unofficial)

Information on the requirements listed above can be found on the Association of Child Life Professionals website:  Internship Readiness Common Application. 

Along with submitting the required information and documents, students should possess certain qualities in working with patients and their families. To succeed in this experience, students must:

• Show a sincere interest and ability in working with patients and families within a medical setting
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to get along well with others
• Be committed to the profession of child life
• Be willing to learn from every experience

To be considered for a student internship placement at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer, please send your information to the e-mail address:

[email protected]

This hospital does adhere to the deadlines set forth by the ACLP.