Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialist Fundamentals

This program prepares students to help children and their families in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, hospice and other health care settings. It is one of fewer than 10 academic programs in the country offering courses specific to child life.

• The bachelor’s degree program is for the student seeking a career as a child life specialist.

• To become a certified child life specialist, you must complete the academic requirements, four field experiences with healthy and hopitalized children, and pass the certification examination of the Child Life Council. UA graduates consistently achieve a 95- to 100-percent pass rate on the certification exam.

Our Faculty

• are talented, caring, highly qualified
• place a premium on personal attention and excellent advising
• work side-by-side with students to help turn aspirations into accomplishments

Akron Advantage

Real World Experience

To become a certified child life specialist, students must complete four field experiences and pass the Certification Examination of the Child Life Council. Level 1 field experience includes working with normally developing children in a nonmedical setting. Field level 2 (50 hours), 3 (128) and 4 (480 to 650 hours) experiences occur in a child life program at an approved pediatric facility under the supervision of academic and clinical certified child life specialists.

Recognized Excellence

The program is accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Family and Consumer Sciences Student Organizations

Interact with other students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:

• American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
• Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society
• Organization for Children's Health Care
• University Association for the Education of Young Children

Curriculum Guide

• Child Life Specialist — B.A.

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