Home
Careers
Child Life Internship

Child Life Internship

Child Life Program Join Talent Network Benefits Discover Reno

Child Life Internship at Renown

Spring 2026 Internship – Applications Now Open Until September 5th, 2025!

Spring 2026 internship is slated to begin in January and will extend for 15-weeks and successful completion of internship curriculum, learning experiences, and 600 clinical hours.

How to Apply:

Complete the Internship Readiness Common Application and download the application after it is filled out. Candidates will start the Eligibility Assessment as part of the application.
Email the completed application to Amanda.Cleary@renown.org
The ACLP Internship Readiness Common Application will be reviewed by the child life team and candidates will be contacted for interviews in concordance with the CLCC dates, as outlined on the ACLP website.
You will receive courtesy receipt of application. Offer date is October 16th, 2025.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: September 5th, 2025
Offer Date: October 16th, 2025 (Applicants will receive a courtesy receipt of their application)
Internship Start Date: January 2026
Duration: 15 weeks (includes 600 clinical hours and required curriculum completion)

Prerequisites:

Education: Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in child development, or a closely related field, and have completed or be in progress with the core 10 required courses for certification by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
Experience: Applicants must have experience working with children and families in healthcare or non-healthcare settings and this should be expanded on within the Internship Readiness Common Application.
Coursework: All coursework required for certification, including a course taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist, must be completed by the start of internship.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

Strong foundation in child development
Effective communication skills
Flexibility and adaptability
Ability to advocate for their own learning needs

Internship learning opportunities include:

Providing developmentally appropriate explanations of the healthcare setting
Preparing children and families for stressful events in various units
Offering coping strategies and support
Facilitating expressive outlets through play and therapeutic activities

In addition to direct clinical work, interns will have the opportunity to engage in special events, donations, and educational programming, ensuring they leave the internship as job-ready child life specialists.

The program follows the ACLP curriculum modules and includes assignments, reflective journaling, and ongoing feedback and support to maximize each intern's growth and development throughout their experience.

Related News

Respiratory Therapist in Patient Room at Renown Health

Careers

What It’s Really Like to Grow Your Career at Renown

As a People First organization, Renown Health stands out as one of the few health systems offering structured career development programs for high-performing team members. These initiatives are designed to support employees in learning, growing, and thriving in their healthcare careers.

Employee, Laci Castleman smiles near fence

Degrees of Dedication: Laci's Story of Career Growth at Renown

When Laci Castleman joined Renown Health in 2014 as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), she could have never imagined how far her career journey would take her. Through Renown’s education benefits, Laci took advantage of tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment to advance her skills, not just by one degree, but three degrees—leading to a unique hybrid role she enjoys today.

Renown Child Life Specialist supporting young patient during hospital stay

Celebrating Child Life Month at Renown Health

March is Child Life Month, a time to recognize the critical work of Child Life Specialists who help kids and families during hospital stays. Being in the hospital can feel scary, but Child Life Specialists make the experience easier by offering support, play, and education to help children understand what’s happening.