Date of Award
3-27-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
School Name
College of Health Professions
Department
Health Professions
Major Advisor
Dr. Barbara Jackson
Abstract
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) are healthcare professionals trained to support the psychosocial and emotional needs of children and their families through hospitalization and other stressful experiences. Becoming a CCLS requires the completion of coursework, a 600-hour clinical internship, and certification through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). However, the transition from academic coursework to clinical internship can be challenging for students.
This qualitative study explores how child life academic programs prepare students for internship from the perspectives of students and new professionals. An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research design was used to examine the factors within academic programs that support internship readiness and the gaps in academic preparation. Semi-structured interviews collected the experiences of eleven emerging child life professionals. Open coding and thematic data analysis was used to analyze interview data. Four major themes emerged including: Tools for Success: Qualities of Students, Faculty and Programs, Putting Theory to Work: Active Learning Opportunities, The Art of Doing: Experiential Learning, and The Missing Pieces: Gaps and Opportunities for Academic Programs.
Recommended Citation
Vereschagin, Camille, "Understanding the Role of Academic Programs in Preparing Child Life Students for Internship – Perspectives of Students and New Professionals" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones. 193.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/tdc/193
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Higher Education Commons