Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate at UFV - University of the Fraser Valley - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-01

Program overview

The Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in child life and community health settings. This program equips graduates with the necessary skills to meet the professional requirements of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), enabling them to become eligible to write the Child Life Certification Exam. The program focuses on supporting children, youth, and families facing challenging life situations, providing a comprehensive understanding of child development, therapeutic play, and grief management. With a small cohort size, students benefit from a personalized learning environment that fosters collaboration and support.

Program structure

The Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate program is structured to provide a thorough educational experience over a duration of four semesters. The program is delivered in an online format, allowing for flexibility in learning. Key features of the program include:

A 600-hour internship that offers practical work experience and helps build industry contacts.
Preparation for the Child Life Certification Exam, leading to the designation of Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
A small cohort of a maximum of 12 students, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Students are responsible for their own transportation and any travel costs associated with the internship, which may require travel out-of-province or abroad to secure a placement. This program runs every two years, with the next intake scheduled for Fall 2026.

Featured Experiences

The Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

A comprehensive practicum that provides valuable work experience in real-world settings.
Opportunities to develop industry contacts through the internship component.
Preparation to meet the professional standards set by the Association of Child Life Professionals.
Focus on theories related to child life, therapeutic play, and child development.
Supportive learning environment due to the small cohort size.

Career Options

Graduates of the Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Healthcare Play Specialist: Works in healthcare settings to support children through play, helping them cope with medical procedures.
Hospital Play Specialist: Provides therapeutic play experiences for children in hospitals, aiding in their emotional and psychological well-being.
Child & Youth Bereavement Worker: Supports children and youth dealing with grief and loss, offering counseling and resources.
Patient Education & Support Coordinator: Educates patients and families about health-related issues, providing support and resources.
Child Life Therapist: Works in various settings, including international opportunities, to provide therapeutic support to children and families.

These roles highlight the diverse career paths available to graduates, emphasizing the program's relevance in both local and global contexts.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit UFV - University of the Fraser Valley official website

Last updated on 2025-08-01

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To qualify for admission to the Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate program at UFV as an international student, you must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements:

You must complete upper secondary qualifications that are equivalent to Canadian Grade 12. This may include:
- Form Six
- Five O-levels plus at least two A-levels
- GCE/General Certificate of Education

Program-Specific Requirements:

In addition to general requirements, each program has specific entrance requirements. For the Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate, you may need to take additional courses to upgrade your math, science, or other skills. This may be a requirement even if you are conditionally accepted into the program.

Note: Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the Academic Requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

To study at UFV, you must have a minimum level of English proficiency. Depending on your score, there are three levels of academic admission, two of which include English language upgrading.

Accepted English proficiency scores:

IELTS (Academic): score of 6.5 or higher with a minimum band score of 6.0
ILAC: 3.3 PW or higher
TOEFL (includes Home Edition): score of 88 or higher (iBT) with no section below 20
PTE: score of 61 with 60 in writing
Cambridge: Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - C
Cambridge: Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) - A
EIKEN: Grade 1
English 12 C+ (or recognized Canadian equivalent)
DET: score of 110 or higher

Note: UFV does not accept IELTS Indicator results for admission purposes. UFV is accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET) until further notice.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!