Child Life Therapist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Child life is a profession that offers psychosocial support for infants, children, youth and families experiencing stressful life events, particularly as they relate to health care experiences. Child life specialists provide opportunities for therapeutic and diversional play, prepare children for and assist children during medical tests and procedures through education, rehearsal, and coping skill development, and support families during hospitalization or challenging events. (Canadian Association of Child Life Leaders)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer any specialized educational programs leading to a career as a Child Life Specialist. Please view the links below for more information about training programs in North America. If you are a University of Manitoba student who would like assistance determining an education plan that suits your unique goals, speak with a Career Consultant.
Students interested in pursuing further education in Child Life may choose to first complete a related bachelor's degree at University of Manitoba. The departments listed below offer degrees and courses related to health and child development.
Exploring Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Canadian Association of Paediatric Health Centres
- Canadian Paediatric Society
- Canadian Children's Hospitals
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre Child Life Department
- Child Life Benefits Children in Hospital and their Gorwn Ups
- The Hospital for Sick Children Child Life Department
- Child Life Discover - newsletters from the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Child Life Therapy Article - Boston Children's Hospital