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 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.