When I was a practicum student back in 2014, I was the first practicum student to test out doing a 200-hour practicum in 5 weeks. This meant that I worked 40 hours a week, just like the child life specialists I was observing. I didn’t miss a THING and it was the greatest experience. I was able to observe continued rapport, care, and support. Because of this experience, I advocated to create this same template once I became the practicum coordinator at the hospital I’m at now.

Below you’ll find a list of hospital sites that do offer shorter practicums – this is a huge benefit for students who have to move away for their practicum experience (a common thing for most pursuing the field). Doing a shorter practicum allows one to return back to work, school, or home quicker while still obtaining a really great experience! It also cuts down on the financial aspect of it as you’ll only have to pay for a month of rent rather than 3-4 months.

IF ANY CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS WOULD LIKE TIPS OR TRICKS FOR HOW TO PACK A LOT OF GREAT EXPERIENCES/ROTATIONS/INFORMATION INTO 5 SHORT WEEKS AND ACCUMULATE 200 HOURS FOR YOUR STUDENTS, PLEASE SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT CHILDLIFEWILDLIFE@GMAIL.COM