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Serious Medicine. Extraordinary Care.

For Child Life Students

Child Life Internship at The Nebraska Medical Center

The Nebraska Medical Center offers spring, summer and fall internships. The program provides students opportunities for the following experiences: planning and implementing recreational, therapeutic and educational activities for patients in the playroom and at bedside; preparing patients for medical procedures, and providing support during procedures; attending patient rounds, supervising Volunteers and learn to identify the role of various multidisciplinary team.

In addition to general pediatric illnesses, the patient population at The Nebraska Medical Center is largely comprised of solid organ transplant (including liver, small bowel, kidney), bone marrow transplant, hematology/oncology, cystic fibrosis, and GI (gastrointestinal) patients.

During the internship, students will spend 3 weeks with each specialist (for a total of 12 weeks) learning about different psychosocial needs of the different age groups, complete a series of modules on a variety of topics such as: preparation, distraction, bereavement, cultural diversity, solid organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, and early preschool education, as well as being exposed to referrals from adult units for interventions with children of adult patients. Upon completion of the internship, students will have completed 560 hours, working 40 hours over a period of 14 weeks.

In order to be considered for the child life internship, ALL applicants must have completed a 100-hour (minimum) child life practicum, under the supervision of a certified child life specialist. The practicum MUST BE COMPLETED at the time of the interviews.

Application Deadlines

  • Spring - September 5th
  • Summer - January 5th
  • Fall - May 5th

For more information regarding our internship program, please call (402)559-6775 or email, dwagers@nebraskamed.com.

Does the Nebraska Medical Center offer a Child Life practicum?

Yes. We offer practicum experiences to help prepare students for child life internships. The practicum is designed to help students.

  • Become comfortable in a hospital environment
  • Become familiar with typical diagnosis/treatments encountered in this setting
  • Observe a wide range of Child Life Services and interventions provided to patients and their families
  • Engage hospitalized children in play
  • Become an educated observer of hospitalized children’s play
  • Gain a greater understanding of the Child Life profession

Application Deadlines

  • Spring - September 5th
  • Summer - January 5th
  • Fall - May 5th