Child life specialists often work in hospitals or other medical settings and are responsible for helping children with medical situations that could potentially impact their development. The provide support for families and engage in play, preperation, education, and self-expression activities with children to enhance coping.
A bachelor's or master's degree with an educational emphasis in human growth and development, human services, education, psychology or a related field is the minimum educational requirement. At East Tennessee State University, the designated degree program to academically prepare people who would like to become Certified Child Life Specialists is the B.S. in Human Services Child Life Specalist Group option. We also recommend the Family Studies minor to meet the minor requirement for the B.S. in Human Services.
In order to obtain the Child Life Specialist credential for employment, post-degree work and an exam is required. See Child Life Specialist Certificaton Credential for more information.
For more information about the B. S. in Human Services -Child Life Specialist, please contact
Dr. Mary Langenbrunner at firstname.lastname@example.org
See the following links for more information:
Child Life Council
A day in the life of a Child Life Specialist video
Child Life at Mission Hospital Asheville, NC
East Tennessee Children's Hospital Child Life
West Tennessee Healthcare Child Life Specialist