Students are encouraged to watch the shadowing videos assembled by the Health Professions office and engage in available opportunities.
Planning for a Pre-Health Observation Experience
(for Wheaton College Students)
- Statement of Interest Form - LINK
- 2023 Health Professions Observation Onboarding (PDF)
- Steps to Getting the Most out of Your HP Shadowing Experience (PDF)
- Complete the Post Observation Reflection online Form - LINK
Instructions & Application for Clinical Observation at Northwestern Medicine (PDF)
Observing or what is frequently called “shadowing” can be a great way to gain experience regarding the nature of various careers in healthcare. The following list provides information on how one might gain shadowing experience in various locations. In some cases, students are required to find their own provider but complete the requirements listed on the site. In other cases, students can be assigned to a provider or area of the hospital to observe.
These experiences are only beneficial to the degree you personally invest. Once you’ve identified an individual to observe have a conversation about what you would hope to experience and ask any questions you may have. Understand that you may not be able to observe every interaction and the patient’s comfort is priority. You will need to sign a HIPAA form, agreeing not to share any patient information you learn or receive while shadowing.
Remember, there are many ways to gain experience in a healthcare setting, shadowing is only one. Think creatively about how you can learn more about various health professions, the healthcare environment and the experience of patients and their families.