WHAT IS A JOB SHADOW?
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A job shadow is a non-hands on observational experience. You'll spend limited time with a professional in the health care area of interest in order to see what their daily job is like.
Are there different kinds of Job Shadows? How many hours is a Job Shadow?
Most definitely! Please read below to understand the different kinds so you can fill out the correct forms. If you are unsure, please ask us! The following are some examples of different types of Job Shadows:
High School (4 hours or less): (click on 4 hour or less button at bottom of page for more information).
Adult, Dislocated Worker, or Career/Job Change (4 hours or less): (click on 4 hour or less button at bottom of page for more information, as not all organizations are offering shadows at this time).
4 hour or less job shadow experiences may be available for:
Extended Job Shadows (more than 8 hours, additional requirements apply): (click on extended shadow button at bottom of page for more information).
Most definitely! Please read below to understand the different kinds so you can fill out the correct forms. If you are unsure, please ask us! The following are some examples of different types of Job Shadows:
High School (4 hours or less): (click on 4 hour or less button at bottom of page for more information).
- For students interested in the healthcare field; the experience lasts 4 hours or less.
Adult, Dislocated Worker, or Career/Job Change (4 hours or less): (click on 4 hour or less button at bottom of page for more information, as not all organizations are offering shadows at this time).
4 hour or less job shadow experiences may be available for:
- An adult who is enrolled or considering enrolling in a higher education program (technical college, university, etc.) and wants to spend half a day with a healthcare professional. Some schools may make this a prerequisite, but each situation is reviewed as requirements and opportunities can greatly vary.
- An adult who has been dislocated from their job and is considering a healthcare career.
- An adult who is considering a career change, or even a position change within their field.
Extended Job Shadows (more than 8 hours, additional requirements apply): (click on extended shadow button at bottom of page for more information).
- Occasionally, higher education programs will require additional hours of job shadowing as a prerequisite to apply for their healthcare programs. Examples include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant. Requirements vary by school. To be considered for an extended job shadow, you'll need to fill out the application and provide all health requirements.
FAQ
Is a job shadow different than a clinical placement?
Do I need to provide immunization records prior to an individual job shadow?
My family member/neighbor/friend works at an area medical provider and they know someone who said I can just shadow them without going through this process. Is that OK?
If I follow all of these steps and turn in my job shadow application, am I guaranteed a placement? How long does it take to hear back once I turn in my information?
Can I do more than one job shadow experience?
I'm an adult student enrolled in an out of state or an online program. Am I able to do an extended job shadow experience?
- Definitely. Job shadows are observational experiences, most of them for 4 hours or less. Clinical placements are for students already enrolled in a higher educational program. Further information can be found on the Student Clinical Placements page.
Do I need to provide immunization records prior to an individual job shadow?
- Yes. For any individual job shadow experience, you will need to provide proof of current immunizations (including Covid-19) as well as a 2 Step TB test (followed-up annually), by completing a student health requirements form, which is then sent in with your application. The student health requirements form and application are provided later.
My family member/neighbor/friend works at an area medical provider and they know someone who said I can just shadow them without going through this process. Is that OK?
- No. Due to the high number of requests, the job shadow system was restructured. As mentioned before, high school students can now attend Virtual Career Experience Events, and in some cases, day long or camp experiences, in lieu of a one-on-one experience. Because of potential liability and insurance concerns, various forms/paperwork need to be completed. So while we appreciate the fact that someone offered to help you, everyone must follow the same process.
If I follow all of these steps and turn in my job shadow application, am I guaranteed a placement? How long does it take to hear back once I turn in my information?
- Unfortunately, job shadows are not, and cannot, be guaranteed. Area health providers do their best to accommodate reasonable requests, but it depends on staff availability, administrative direction, and other factors that can, and do change. Staff tries to respond within a three week period once a request is received. If it's been three weeks and you haven't heard back, feel free to inquire, but please, no earlier than three weeks.
Can I do more than one job shadow experience?
- While we'd like to accommodate every request, that is not possible, so we prefer you take some time to really research areas you are interested in and then narrow it down before selecting an area. Different organizations may have limits on the amount of hours that an individual can shadow, so please check with those you are interested in.
I'm an adult student enrolled in an out of state or an online program. Am I able to do an extended job shadow experience?
- It depends. We suggest you fill out the application and send it to a facility which offers the career area you need, but please note that the first priority of the FVHCA partners is to assist local students who are going to school in the area/state of Wisconsin. Often, students actually need a clinical placement and not a job shadow, so work with your school on best next steps related to your need.
Once you have identified which job shadow fits your needs based on the information above, click on the correct link below to begin the application process.