A postgraduate qualification in education will only be deemed as meeting the requirements to become a Child Life Therapist if the undergraduate degree can be shown to have included at least two years of study in child development.

At this time, there is no specific training offered by tertiary institutions in Australia to become a Child Life Therapist. Training is provided on the job once you are employed as Child Life Therapist to support the transition from the education to the healthcare setting and develop the necessary knowledge and skills to work in this role. This is the responsibility of the healthcare facility in which you are employed. ACLTA do facilitate professional development opportunities such as biennial conferences and webinars, which we encourage those looking to enter the profession to attend. Some overseas universities offer introductory courses such in Child Life which can help you to develop some foundational knowledge. ACLTA has reviewed the Child Life: Introduction to Theory and Practice course offered by the University of California, Santa Barbara and recommend this one - Link here

Employment, experience and/or postgraduate study that relates to working with children is an asset.

Many Child Life Therapists have years of experience and/or have completed extra study in relevant child related fields. This will make you a more desirable applicant for a Child Life Therapist role, as you will be able to draw on a solid foundation of background knowledge Volunteer at your local Children’s Hospital or Paediatric Ward. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the healthcare environment while supporting the work of your local hospital. You may find there are opportunities to support your local Child Life Therapists, or other vital services. Speak with your local hospital’s volunteer coordinator to find out more.

ACLTA do not organise placements, however if you are completing an Education degree, there may be an opportunity to undertake a practicum in a Child Life Therapy department. Please contact the Child Life Therapy department in your closest children’s hospital to check for opportunities.

There are a number of ways that you can find out about job vacancies:

• Sign up for job alerts from the relevant health department in your state · Like our Facebook page - jobs will often be advertised on this channel

• Check out this link on our website