McMaster University - Faculty of Health Sciences

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Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care - Entry to Child Life Practice

McMaster University - Faculty of Health Sciences

Faculty:Faculty of Health Sciences
Degree:Master
Field of Study:Clinical Child Psychology
Maternal and Child Health
Length:2 Year(s)
Cost per year:*
National: $8,447
International: $30,990

Description:

The Master of Science in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care is the first program of its kind in Canada. It is a professional and practice-focused graduate degree. Students will learn about pediatric psychosocial assessment and interventions, critically examine ethical issues, and apply theoretical knowledge and patient and family-centred care principles to diverse pediatric clinical settings. Students will also understand the foundations of clinical research, engage in critical reflection, and incorporate the appraisal of evidence to improve reasoning and clinical decision-making skills.



Child Life specialists are members of pediatric interdisciplinary health care teams whose primary focus is on the developmental and emotional needs of children and their families. The program is designed to meet the learning needs for Canadian and international students as well as the healthcare system’s need for certified child life specialists with Master’s level training. Stream 1 of this program is only offered full-time and provides academic and clinical training (2 internships) to prepare students with knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviours to practice as entry level child life specialists.

Prerequisites:

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*77
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    Applicants are required to have an Honours bachelor's degree or the international equivalent from an accredited university, with a B+ average (77-79%, equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 grade point average) in the final year of undergraduate study. For those applying to Stream 1 of this program, which provides the academic and clinical preparation to enter the field of child life, applicants are also required to have a minimum of two undergraduate courses in child development. This course work must cover growth and development from birth to 18 years of age as a requirement for child life specialist certification eligibility through the Child Life Council (CLC).
    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 92] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 7.5]
    Application Notes : Applicants whose native language is not English will be required to submit an official copy of their TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English is required. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 92 overall with a minimum score of 22 for reading 24 for speaking, 24 for listening and 22 for writing. Students taking the IELTS are required to achieve a minimum score of 7.5 overall. Equivalent scores on other recognized tests may also be considered. Each of these scores are only valid for 2 years. Students who have completed an Academic ESL program through Canadian academic institutions may petition to have this considered in lieu of TOEFL. Applicants may be exempted from this requirement if they have completed a university degree at which English is the language of instruction.
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests
    • Work Experience
    Applicants are required to submit a current resume/cv, three confidential references, a Personal Statement, and 100 hours of volunteer work. Please visit the website for complete details.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on September 08, 2022