GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SHADOWING
- Shadowing is usually broken down into hours in which you observe an occupational therapist (OT) in their workplace. This is not only a requirement for OT schools but also so that you can learn more about the profession.
- The amount required by schools varies and you should consult the program you are interested in
- Usual maximum: 70-80 hours
- 2-3 settings are generally required (though this may vary depending on the program). This can include inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, pediatrics, geriatrics, etc..
- Dress professionally to all shadowing experiences unless otherwise noted!
POTENTIAL SHADOWING CONTACTS FOR UIC PRE-OT STUDENTS
UIC pre-OT students can generally shadow at these settings, though you must contact these places individually to see if they have room for an OT observer.
- Athletico Physical Therapy
- ATI Physical Therapy
- North Shore Pediatric Therapy
- Local hospitals
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GETTING SHADOWING EXPERIENCES
The following is recommended to do in order to contact a potential shadowing site:
- Conduct a UIC OT directory or Google search. Terms such as "occupational therapy", "Chicago", and "shadowing" should be in your Google search.
- Once you find a potential site, do research on the OT or facility you would like to shadow at (area of expertise, community involvement, interest, past and current projects).
- Email the OT or facility explaining that you would like to observe/shadow them if at all possible after explaining why you are interested in them or the facility (see email template below!).
EMAIL TEMPLATE TO SEND TO POTENTIAL SHADOWING SITES
Feel free to use this email template or modify it as need be!
Hello!
My name is <name> and I am currently a <grade level> at UIC on a pre-occupational therapy track. I was wondering if there was an opportunity for me to shadow an occupational therapist at <facility name> in the near future.
I've done observations before at <list of past facilities shadowed> but I am currently seeking additional observation hours. If this may be a possibility, it would be greatly appreciated if I would be able to get more information. Attached is my resume and CV.
Thanks so much!
Regards,
<Email signature such as:
John Smith
Kinesiology, Movement Science Concentration
Pre-Occupational Therapy
College of Applied Health Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago, 2019>
Hello!
My name is <name> and I am currently a <grade level> at UIC on a pre-occupational therapy track. I was wondering if there was an opportunity for me to shadow an occupational therapist at <facility name> in the near future.
I've done observations before at <list of past facilities shadowed> but I am currently seeking additional observation hours. If this may be a possibility, it would be greatly appreciated if I would be able to get more information. Attached is my resume and CV.
Thanks so much!
Regards,
<Email signature such as:
John Smith
Kinesiology, Movement Science Concentration
Pre-Occupational Therapy
College of Applied Health Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago, 2019>
TRACKING AND REMEMBERING SHADOWING EXPERIENCES
The following is highly recommended to create in order to keep track of your shadowing experiences. When applying to OT school via OTCAS, there is a section that requires you to put in your total hours of shadowing experience in certain settings. In addition, you can mention some of your shadowing experience in your personal statement!
- Create a spreadsheet on Excel or Google Docs that you can easily modify with every shadowing experience. Please the image to the right! (Note: OTCAS has an option to upload these sheets, but it is not required as of 2016. Signatures are usually not required for programs.)
- Create a shadowing journal where you can reflect on your experiences observing OTs! This can be a Word document or Google Doc where you can write down your thoughts about the experience and possibly answer the following questions:
- What did I see today?
- Did I ask any questions and what were the responses given to me by the OT?
- Did the OT say something that stuck out to me?
- What surprised you today?
- Have I learned anything in my undergrad career so far that I saw in action today?
- What tools did the OT use with their patients?
- Can I see myself in this setting as an OT?
- What kind of patients did I see today?
- Did I enjoy this experience?
- What setting was I at today?
- What did I see today?
HELPFUL ARTICLES
Please see these articles for more suggestions on securing shadowing hours: