An Examination of Factors Associated With Child Life Internship Acquisition

Child life community members have described the child life internship application and selection process as challenging, for unique reasons depending on one’s vantage point. However, little has yet been done to formally and systematically characterize the applicants and outcomes of the child life internship application process. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the demographic, educational, and training experiences of child life internship applicants while identifying predictive factors associated with successfully obtaining a child life internship. Across five internship cycles, a total of 147 participants completed online demographic, education and training, and internship application experience surveys. An overall success rate of 54.4% was seen. Significant predictors of success were found to be: graduate level education, completion of a healthcare-based child life practicum experience, having full-time Certified Child Life Specialist faculty advisor support during the application process, applying as an affiliated student, applying to a larger number of sites, younger age, and a higher grade point average. In addition, respondents indicated experiencing emotional, financial, and mental stress throughout the application process, independent of the outcomes of their efforts. Recognizing these observed predictive factors associated with child life internship acquisition, it is important for academic and clinical professionals and leaders to consider opportunities for data-driven process improvement for all parties involved. By attending to the identified pressure points and selection trends in this early component of the child life professional pathway, it may be possible to ensure a child life profession that is ever-evolving, increasingly stronger, and more enduring in the long term healthcare landscape.