Child Life: Hospitalized Child in England
- This program will next run in Summer 2008.
Wheelock was the first college in the United States to launch an educational program in Child Life — preparing professionals to help pediatric patients and their families understand medical procedures and minimize the stress of hospitalization. Since 1978 , the College has retained its renowned reputation for providing innovative and cutting-edge programs in the education of Child Life Specialists. The Hospitalized Child in England (HCE) is just one example of this innovation. HCE is the only international course offered by a U.S. higher education institution for professional development and education in Child Life.
Those who enroll in HCE spend five weeks with children and families receiving health care in London, England. They work with a hospital play specialist in a hospital to provide psychosocial support to the child and parents during the hospital stay. Through hands-on experience, seminars, and site visits, participants learn about the health care system in Britain and how it provides services to a diverse society.
Field Experience
An exciting part of the HCE experience is spending time in health care settings in England. The internship is approximately 30 hours a week for the five weeks the class. Students will immerse themselves in a foreign health care system and truly learn how a different culture applies the skills of the Child Life Specialist to children and families who need their support.
FAQs
Q: How many credits is this course?
A: HCE may be taken for either graduate or undergraduate credit.
Students can earn three graduate credits or four undergraduate credits.
Q: How many total hours is the internship?
A: Each student will spend approximately 150 hours in their
internship over the five weeks.
Q: Am I paid for my internship?
A: No, the internship is not a paid position.
Q: What is the deadline for application?
A: April 1. Applicants to the course will be notified of an
admissions decision two-three weeks after the application deadline.
This course cannot run if we do not have enough participants. Due to this fact, we must request that all applications be submitted by the deadline. If we do not receive an adequate number of applications, applicants will be notified of course cancellation within one week of the April 1 deadline.
Q: Do I need to be a Wheelock student to participate in this
course?
A: No, while this course is open to Wheelock undergraduate
and graduate students in Child Life, this opportunity is also open
all Child Life professionals.
Q: Do I need prior experience to qualify for admission to
this course?
A: Student applicants must have completed a 400 hour Child
Life internship to qualify for admission to HCE. Practicing Child Life
professionals need only submit an application packet (see below).
Q: Do I have to interview for admission to the course?
A: No interviews are required.
Q: What is the cost of this program?
A: Tuition is $2,295.00 for a three-credit course and $3,060.00
for a four-credit course. (Based on 2006 tuition rates; subject
to increase.)
Airfare will be from your point of origin to Heathrow or Gatwick airport and is not included in tuition. Additional approximate costs include (based on 2006 rates and subject to increase):
Residence hall: $1800.00 for a single room or $900.00 per person for a double room. Cooking and laundry facilities are available.
Daily transportation to hospital and for site visits: $450.00.
Students will be required to participate in a security check through the London host hospital; this process may cost in excess of $100.00.
Q: What will I need to submit if I apply to this course?
A: A graduate
program application, a 3-5 page essay, a copy of your resumé,
copies of your academic transcripts and three letters of reference.
After acceptance to the course applicants will also need documentation
of health clearance in the form of a letter from their physician proof
of immunization.
Participants accepted to the course will need to be prepared for a criminal background check, to be performed by the host hospital in London.
Applying to this Program.
All applicants - undergrad, grad and professional - please go to the Graduate Application web page.
If you have any questions about this course, other graduate programs at Wheelock College, or about applying to Wheelock College, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@wheelock.edu or call (617)879-2206 (toll-free (800)734-5212), or visit the Office of Graduate Admissions.
