Shadowing

Most professional schools require that applicants complete shadowing or observation hours. Shadowing is an opportunity for you to find out if a career in the field you are interested in is a good fit for you. It also demonstrates a commitment to your chosen career.

Benefits of shadowing:

Develop your understanding of what a health provider’s typical day is like.
Determine your fit in the profession by observing the skills and attributes needed to succeed.
Explore different specialties and medical environments.
Provides experiences to discuss in your application and interview.

Shadowing Checklist and Guidelines

Shadowing Process

Prepare to Shadow

Shadowing requires pre-planning. When requesting a shadow, give providers ample time to respond to your request!

Identify a provider to shadow:

Start by asking a health professional that you know!
Ask family, teachers, professors, advisors, or Career Services for recommendations of health providers whom other students have shadowed in the past.
Talk with your peers about where they have completed positive shadowing experiences.
Contact hospitals or clinics directly to inquire whether they allow shadowing.

Request to shadow:

Reach out early - about one month in advance. It can take time to find someone who agrees to be shadowed and can fit you into their schedule.
Prepare a script to use when inquiring about shadowing.
- Share where you go to school, your health-related experiences, and your career goals.
- Express why you want to shadow.
  - Do you want to learn about a certain specialty area? Are you trying to determine which health field is right for you?
- Ask if they are willing to host you to shadow in a clinical environment and when is convenient for them.
- Attach your resume if you connect via email.
- Remember - this is a professional communication! Proofread your script before contacting the provider.

Before you shadow:

Ask the practitioner about what to expect, any ground rules, duration of the day, any special attire, etc.
Prepare questions about areas you want to learn more about.

Shadowing

You should arrive prepared for your shadowing experience. This is an opportunity to develop a professional connection, so you want to make a positive first impression!

What to wear:

Dress professionally and comfortably.
Wear business casual clothing (dress pants, nice shirt).
Wear close-toed shoes.

How to engage:

Arrive 10-15 minutes early and be respectful of everyone you meet.
Introduce yourself - lead with a handshake and introduce yourself.
Ask if there is a protocol you should follow if observing patients.
Bring a notebook to take notes about what you observe during the experience.
Ask questions when appropriate (not in front of patients).
Turn off your phone—or better yet, do not have it with you. No pictures—ever.

After Shadowing

After completing your shadowing experience, there are still steps to take!

Write a thank you note to the provider you shadowed, thanking them for their time.
Reflect on the experience, so you have notes to refer to:
- Is this field what you expected it to be? How so?
- What did you learn about being a professional in this field?
- What did you enjoy most about the experience? What did you enjoy least?
- How does this experience contribute to your understanding of this health field?
Track your observation hours! Some programs will request that you list this information on your application.