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. It will serve as the vehicle by which a student will build on their coursework and put theory into practice. The primary objective is to afford the student with experiences to gain enhanced knowledge of psychosocial care, demonstrate assessment and intervention skills, increase independence, and be better prepared for an entry-level position.

Current Affiliated Schools

Students applying for an internship should be enrolled in one of the following schools in order to be eligible for consideration:

• College of Charleston
• Ohio University
• Texas State University
• Texas Women’s University-Master’s Program
• University of Alabama
• University of Central Florida
• University of Georgia
• University of New Hampshire
• 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 an internship at our hospital, we require the following to be submitted: 

• Evaluation Report from the Eligibility Assessment
• Internship Readiness Common Application Fillable PDF
• Unofficial Transcripts

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. Student candidates must display a sincere interest and ability in working with patients and families within a medical setting as well as demonstrating flexibility, initiative, enthusiasm, and the ability to get along well with others. A commitment to the profession of child life and a willingness to learn from every experience is imperative to the success of the student experience. 

For consideration 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.