Health play specialist

Career path and progression

You could use your experience to work outside of a hospital setting, for example in a hospice or within a community paediatric team.

You could also become a:

• senior play specialist
• team leader
• play department manager

You might apply to train as a healthcare professional, like a children's nurse, child psychotherapist or counsellor.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• a desire to help people
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

You will need to find an experienced health play specialist, who is registered with the Society of Health Play Specialists, to act as your mentor during workplace training.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Psychology - Health play specialists need to understand how children think, feel, and respond to stressful situations like illness and hospital treatment. Knowledge of child development, emotional regulation, and how trauma affects behaviour helps them design play activities that genuinely support each child's wellbeing.
• Biology - Health play specialists work alongside doctors and nurses and need to understand the basics of how the body works, common childhood illnesses, and the effects of medical treatments. This helps them explain procedures to children in age-appropriate ways and tailor activities to a child's physical condition.
• Art and Design - Health play specialists plan and run art and craft activities to help children express their feelings and cope with being in hospital. Being able to design engaging, creative activities – from painting to model-making – is a core part of the daily work.
• Drama - Health play specialists use role play and imaginative play to help children understand and prepare for medical procedures. Techniques like puppetry, storytelling, and acting out scenarios help reduce anxiety and give children a sense of control.

Also relevant

• English Language - Health play specialists communicate with children of all ages, families, and medical professionals every day. They also maintain patient records and write up therapeutic assessments, so being able to communicate clearly – both verbally and in writing – is important.
• Sociology - Health play specialists work with children and families from diverse backgrounds and need to understand how factors like culture, family structure, and social circumstances affect a child's experience of illness and healthcare. This awareness helps them provide inclusive, sensitive support.
• Design and Technology - Health play specialists create and adapt toys, sensory resources, and play equipment to meet the specific needs of children with different conditions or disabilities. Practical skills in making and modifying things are useful when designing activities that are safe and accessible.
• Physical Education - Health play specialists sometimes use physical play and movement-based activities to support children's recovery and wellbeing. Understanding how physical activity benefits both body and mind helps them plan appropriate activities for children with varying levels of mobility.