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Healthcare Education

Mercy's ongoing commitment to healthcare education is key to supporting our healing ministry. Learn more about our programs and learning experiences:

Graduate Medical Education

Learn more about graduate medical education programs at Mercy:

Make a Meaningful Difference as a Mercy Pharmacy Technician

Connect to a career with purpose and help deliver compassionate care and excellent patient experiences to those we serve. Join a supportive team, where you can thrive in your career while supporting our healing ministry.

Student Shadow/Observe & Individual Learning Experiences

Experience a hands-on learning experince with Mercy's Student Experience programs. Learn more about student experiences at Mercy and apply. 
 

Child Life Practicum

The Child Life Program at Mercy Kids Hospital in St. Louis offers a child life practicum for individuals who are seeking to pursue the field of Child Life. The practicum is offered in Fall and Spring semesters. The Child Life program follows the due dates and deadlines the Association of Child Life Professionals deems for internships. The child life practicum is designed as an introductory, observational experience. Student will be introduced to evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation, and procedural support. Practicum hours offered are dependent on the educational requirements from your institution with a maximum of 120 hours. 

Practicum Prerequisites:

  • 100 hours of working with children, 50 hours preferred working with children in the healthcare setting
  • Junior year status in a bachelor’s degree program in Child Life or a related field OR Master’s student
  • Must be affiliated with a university 

Practicum Application Process:

  • Mercy Child Life Practicum Application
  • Academic Transcript: unofficial, web-based transcripts are accepted
  • Cover letter stating why you wish to complete your practicum at our hospital
  • Resume (1 page maximum)
  • One letter of recommendation

Email completed applications to:

[email protected]

Subject line: Initials, semester you are applying for, practicum

Example: CR, Spring 2025, Practicum

Due Dates: Our institute follows the ACLP guidelines for application deadlines, start days, and offer dates for internship and practicum. See below for dates.

Applications must be RECEIVED by deadline

NOTE: Mercy St. Louis does not currently have a Child Life Internship program.

Practicum Session

Application Deadlines

 Initial Offer Dates

 Fall

 March 15

 1st Tuesday of May

 Winter/Spring

 September 5

 2nd Tuesday of Oct.

 Summer

 January 5

 2nd Tuesday of Feb.

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