Shadowing Roadmap
Gain Experience, Build Your Future
Why Do I Need to Shadow?
- Professional schools want to see genuine commitment and understanding of your chosen field. Shadowing demonstrates both by giving you firsthand insight into the day-to-day work and challenges. It also helps you figure out if the profession is truly a good fit.
- Keep shadowing and asking questions. The more you learn, the better informed your decision will be.
While shadowing requirements vary across pre-health fields, it remains a valuable tool for exploring your career path. Be sure to check what’s expected for your specific profession.
What Should I Expect When Shadowing?
- Shadowing is a continual process, and you should expect to complete multiple shadowing experiences during your undergraduate career.
- Each profession and professional school will have different shadowing expectations, so be sure to do your research for specific expectations.
- The shadowing coordinator or professional may ask you to complete a HIPPA training or present immunization records before allowing you to shadow.
How Do I Find Shadowing?
Networking
We encourage all pre-health students to begin their shadowing search within their own internal networks and connections. You can start this search by making a list of the practitioners you already know, maybe in your hometown, who may be willing to let you shadow them. We also encourage you to think about family, friends, or mentors who might know a healthcare practitioner they can connect you with.
Online Search
An online search is one tactic that allows you to search for and find local shadowing opportunities. Some healthcare providers, such as UNMC and Bryan, have shadowing programs and applications you can apply for. For others, you may have to reach out through their general contact information or the organization's Human Resources department.
Cold Calling
One way for students to connect with health professionals is cold calling. Cold calling can be a quick and efficient way to find shadowing opportunities.
What to mention in a cold call:
- Your name
- Your pre-health status at UNL
- Your interest in seeking shadowing opportunities
Sample Shadowing Email
Subject Line: [Pre-Health Designation] Student Interested in Shadowing
Dear Dr./Ms./Mrs./Mr._______________
My name is [your name], and I am currently a [year in school] at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. I am a [pre-health designation] student majoring in [major], and I am seeking out experiences that will introduce me to the field of ___________. I received your contact information from ___________, and I am reaching out to inquiry about a possible shadowing opportunity. I am hoping to learn more about the day to day work of a [health profession] and would love the opportunity to shadow you or another [health profession]. If you have any questions, you can contact me at [phone number] or [email].
I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
How Do I Prepare for Shadowing?
Preparations:
- Find the clinic/hospital/organization location ahead of time and know the building and room information
- Make a plan for finding parking
- Come with thoughtful questions for the professional
- Dress professionally. Business casual is usually the safest choice unless told otherwise. Ask ahead if there's a specific dress code - some hospitals or clinics may have their own policies.
- Be respectful of the patient, and stay silent unless otherwise instructed
What Do I Do After Shadowing?
Reflect:
- At the end of a shadowing experience, we encourage you to take some time to reflect on the experience.
- Questions to consider:
- What was your big takeaway from this experience?
- What surprised you about the work you observed? What didn't?
- Does this profession feel like it'll be a good fit for you? Why or why not?
- How has this experience shaped your desire to be a healthcare professional?
Record:
- Keep an organized record of your shadowing experiences
- Include the following:
- Name and profession of the person you shadowed
- The date and duration of your shadowing experience
- The contact information for the person you shadowed
- Any important notes from your reflection above. Include any impactful moments that impacted your goal to become a healthcare professional.
Where Have Students Shadowed Before?
- Lincoln Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
- Methodist Hospital
- Nebraska Cancer Specialists
- Tabitha Health
- UNMC College of Dentistry
What Else Should I Know?
Tips and Tricks!
Shadowing is a commitment!
- This is your chance to make a good first impression and build a lasting connection. We encourage you to approach shadowing experiences and all those you come in contact with (health professionals, administrative representatives, patients, etc.) with respect and professionalism.
Make the most of your time!
- We understand that students are busy and have to juggle all the aspects of being pre-health (shadowing, academics, work, extracurriculars, etc.) Academic breaks (fall, winter, spring and summer) can be great opportunities for students to complete immersive shadowing experiences.
Start early and keep going!
- It is never too early to begin shadowing. In most cases, more shadowing hours are always going to be better than less.
Shadowing should benefit YOU!
- Don't think of shadowing as a "box" to "check-off" for professional schools. Instead, get the most out of your shadowing experiences by coming prepared, staying engaged, asking important questions, and building connections.
Say thank you!
- Being gracious for the opportunity to shadow is always important. We encourage you to thank each person you shadowed as well as those who helped you coordinate the visit. A thank you note or email after your experience is always encouraged, and it can be a great way to sustain that relationship for later.
FAQs
How many shadowing hours should I strive to obtain?
Shadowing hour recommendations vary by profession and school. Research the schools you’re interested in and reach out with specific questions. You can also connect with an Explore Center Advisor or sign up for a Professional School Visit for any questions.
How can I keep track of my shadowing experiences?
Any safe document (Word, Excel, paper notebook, etc.) can be used to track these experiences. You can meet with an Explore Center advisor to learn about our Pre-Health Action Plans as a way of tracking experiences
Can I shadow professions outside of my intended health area?
Yes. Shadowing is an exploratory process that offers insight into healthcare careers. Most of your hours should be in your intended field, but it’s also encouraged to explore other areas as you decide what’s right for you.
Can I shadow the same person multiple times?
Yes. It is fine to shadow the same professional more than once. Just be sure to also shadow others in different settings (like clinics vs. hospitals) and specialties to get a broader view of the profession.
Can I shadow a family member?
Each profession and school has its own guidelines for who you can shadow. Research these or talk with an Explore Center advisor to stay informed.
In general, briefly shadowing a family member (1–2 times) is acceptable—as long as most of your shadowing is with other professionals.
If I don't have access to my own transportation, how can I shadow?
Lincoln has an encompassing public transportation system, and all UNL students get a free bus pass for city routes—more info is available at StarTran Bus - City of Lincoln
Students without a car can also begin their shadowing search close to campus. UNL's University Health Center is located on UNL's city campus and offers a shadowing program. You can also look for opportunities when you're home and have access to a vehicle. For more ideas, connect with an Explore Center advisor.
Current Students
Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.
Are you a non-UNL student looking for information about Pre-Health? Click here