By Kaylee Alivo

Graduate students in the Master of Science in child life program at the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recently took part in an experiential field trip to Des Moines, designed to connect classroom learning to real-world practice. 

Led by Emily Mozena, professor of instruction and director of graduate studies for the MS in child life program, the trip is part of the course “Child Life: Child Development and Healthcare Interventions.” Students visited four organizations representing a variety of child life settings: ChildServe in Johnston, IA, Children’s Cancer Connection, Blank Children’s Hospital, and MercyOne Children’s Hospital. 

Mozena said the trip exposes students to different environments where Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) work, which helps them to visualize potential career paths. “Being able to see the facilities and meet directly with child life specialists enhances their understanding of future internship sites and career options,” she said. “It’s a firsthand look at programs—that’s very different from researching them online or learning about them in class.” 

During their visits, students learned more about the role of Certified Child Life Specialists, who support children and families through play, education, and emotional coping strategies in healthcare environments. They also gained a better understanding of how specialists use developmentally appropriate activities to help children feel more comfortable and confident during medical experiences. 

At each stop, students toured facilities, met with professionals, and gained a deeper appreciation for the scope of child life work in both hospital and community-based settings. Mozena added that these experiences also help students build confidence and professional connections across Iowa. 

For Katiri Hodgkinson, a fourth-year therapeutic recreation and first-year graduate student in the child life sub-track, the experience was both inspiring and motivating. “One thing that stood out to me was the amount of excitement in everyone, including the students, Emily, and the specialists we were visiting,” she said. “It was encouraging to see them so passionate about their work and the difference they are making.” 

Hodgkinson said visiting non-traditional programs such as ChildServe and Children’s Cancer Connection expanded her perspective on the field. “It was eye-opening to see how child life services are accepted and valued in community settings,” she said. “This experience made me even more excited to continue my education and pursue a career in child life.” 

This trip also reflects HSHP’s commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for professional success. “One important outcome of our graduate program is preparing students for the role of a Certified Child Life Specialist in hospital and community-based facilities,” Mozena said. “This trip allows them to see what that role looks like in action.”

The Des Moines field trip takes place each fall for incoming graduate students, with discussions underway to expand future opportunities to visit child life programs in the Chicago area.