Undergraduate Certificate in Child Life
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The Child Life Undergraduate Certificate is designed for students who want to make a meaningful impact in pediatric healthcare and family support settings. Ideal for those pursuing careers in child life, healthcare, psychology, family sciences, or social work, this program is for students who are compassionate, resilient, and ready to advocate for the emotional and developmental needs of children facing medical or traumatic experiences.
Program Overview
The Child Life Undergraduate Certificate prepares students to become child-centered, compassion-driven professionals. This competitive program equips students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to support children and families in healthcare and crisis settings. With a strong foundation in child development, therapeutic play, and emotional support strategies, students completing the certificate will be prepared to pursue a Child Life internship following graduation and sit for the Child Life Professional Certification exam. Whether you're planning a career in hospitals, clinics, or community organizations, this certificate offers a powerful step toward a rewarding future in child and family advocacy. Please reach out to CAFEadvising@uky.edu if you have questions about this program.
The Child Life Undergraduate Certificate provides the academic requirements and practicum experience needed for certification. However, after completing this undergraduate certificate program and graduating from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree, a clinical internship must be completed, and a certification exam must be passed to become certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals as a Child Life Specialist.
Related Careers
Students seeking careers involving child development, hospital-based family support, pediatric healthcare, social work, therapeutic play, or related fields would benefit from this certificate.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
Through this certificate, students gain a deep understanding of child development and the psychosocial needs of children in stressful or traumatic life events and situations. You'll learn how to provide emotional support, use therapeutic play as a tool for healing, and communicate effectively with children and families during times of crisis. The program emphasizes empathy, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration—skills essential for working in pediatric healthcare and family support roles. Through both classroom learning and hands-on practicum experience, you'll be prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
How to Add this Certificate
Prospective students: Certificates are declared once you are a current University of Kentucky student.
Current students: You can add this certificate in myUK GPS. Under "My Program of Study" on the right side of the screen, click the link "Request a major/minor/certificate change". If you need help, contact your academic advisor.
You should talk with your academic advisor about how adding a program to your plan of study will impact graduation time and any graduation requirements of your major.
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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