Working with seriously ill and hospitalized children and adolescents, and their families is what graduates of the child life major do. When a student completes the degree requirements,  he or she takes the child life certifying exam to become a child life specialist. Child life specialists typically work in hospital settings but may also work in other health care settings like community clinics, dentist offices, mental health clinics, and physician offices.  Some specific responsibilities of a child life specialist include teaching children ways to cope with painful medical procedures, helping children understand their diagnosis in an age appropriate manner, supporting families during stressful situations, and promoting play and normal childhood development in the healthcare setting. A child life specialist is an integral member of the healthcare team working to improve outcomes for the hospitalized child by advocating for the child’s unique needs. Students gain valuable hands on experience while completing a practicum in a hospital and another practicum in the Child Development Laboratory. Seniors complete a semester long internship in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a child life specialist.