Child Life Services

Providing comfort and support to patients and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the internship?

Fall and Winter/Spring sessions

How many interns do you accept per session?

At this time, we accept one intern per session. By accepting only one intern per session, the Child Life Department at Rady Children’s can provide a high-quality educational experience for each intern.

How long is the internship?

The internship lasts 14 weeks. The intern is expected to participate 40 hours per week. By the end of the internship, the intern will have completed 560 hours, which is more than the minimum of 480 hours required by the Child Life Certifying Commission.

Is this a paid internship?

No. The intern is responsible for housing and living expenses during this time frame.

Is there a cost for the internship?

There is a $75 non-refundable fee for the semester. This fee covers your professional liability insurance, background check and drug screen.

How are interns selected?

All complete applications that are received by the deadline will be reviewed. The Internship Selection Committee will choose the top candidates for interviews. Internships are awarded to candidates based on experience, education and the interview.

Will I hear back after I submit my application?

All applicants who have submitted a complete application, received by the due date, will receive communication from us. If you have been selected for interview, you will be contacted by phone. If you have not been selected, you will receive a letter from us informing you that your application was received, but was not selected for further consideration.

Due to the high volume of applicants, we ask that you do not contact the Child Life Department directly in order to confirm receipt of your application. If you would like confirmation that your application was received, you can arrange it through the Postal Service or FedEx.

When will I know if I was selected for the internship position?

Rady Children’s Child Life Department follows the Child Life Council guidelines for notification. Dates are below:

Internship Offer and Acceptance Dates