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Indigenous Health Learning Lodge

Masters in Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care

Program at a Glance

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.

“Stream 1” – Entry to Child Life Practice is intended for those wishing to pursue a career as a Certified Child Life Specialist. This stream contains both academic coursework and over 700 hours of clinical education over a full-time, two-year program of study.

“Stream 2” – Advanced Skills in Pediatric Psychosocial Care is intended for those health care professionals who are looking to upgrade their skills and knowledge in pediatric care with a psychosocial focus. This stream can be taken part-time or full-time and is open to healthcare professionals from a variety of backgrounds (child life specialists, pediatricians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, etc.)

Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care Program Website: https://childlife.mcmaster.ca/

How to Apply

Admission requirements and application instructions for both streams are available on the Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care Program Website.

Stream 1: Entry to Child Life Practice: https://childlife.mcmaster.ca/prospective-students/entry-to-child-life-practice?tab=apply

Stream 1 applications for the 2023 admission cycle are currently open, applications close on February 13th, 2023.

Stream 2: Advanced Skills in Pediatric Psychosocial Care: https://childlife.mcmaster.ca/prospective-students/stream-2-advanced-skills-in-pediatric-psychosocial-care?tab=apply

Stream 2 applications for the 2023 admission cycle are currently open, applications close on April 2nd, 2023.

More Information

For more information on the MSc program please contact the IHLL office at IHLL@mcmaster.ca or contact the program directly.

Indigenous Applicants

Indigenous participation in the Child Life and Pediatric Psychosocial Care Program is important. To ensure equitable admissions we have a facilitated admissions process for First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants.  In accordance with the Self-Identification policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) applicants who wish to apply through this stream must complete the supplementary Self-identification Application. Information on the policy, application requirements and the online application can be found at: Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP)

Consideration will be given to Stream 1 Indigenous applicants who do not have child life volunteer hours. Those Indigenous applicants who satisfy all other Stream 1 admission requirements will be automatically invited to come for an interview. Interviews are not required for Stream 2 applicants. Indigenous applicants will be prioritized within this stream.

Completed Facilitated Indigenous Admissions Program (FIAP): Self-Identification Applications are due:

February 13th, 2023 for Stream 1

April 2nd, 2023 for Stream 2