Shadowing, or observing an occupational therapist in practice, is an excellent way to learn about the profession and gain an understanding of the day-to-day experience in the field.
Additionally, observation hours are often a requirement for admission to entry-level occupational therapy (OT) programs. This article provides practical strategies for getting the most out of the shadowing experience.
Setting Up a Shadowing Experience
Many occupational therapy programs require between twenty and fifty hours of observational shadowing time as part of the application process. Even if observational time is not a requirement in your case, shadowing can demonstrate your interest and professionalism.
Additionally, you’ll develop a stronger understanding of the rewards and challenges of providing occupational therapy in different practice settings, which will help you to know if OT is a good fit for your career goals.
It is beneficial to shadow in at least two different practice settings, as OT can look very different across settings. For example, the service you see in a rehabilitation center will look quite different than pediatric OT in a school setting.
You can reach out to admissions for the OT program you plan to apply to for recommendations on potential facilities, especially if you live close by. If you don’t live near your intended school or you plan to apply to multiple programs, you can look to facilities in your community that provide occupational therapy:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Schools
- Private practice clinics
- Assisted living and memory care facilities
Review their websites for contact information. There will likely be an administrator, director, or practice owner whom you can email to inquire about shadowing. You can also call the facility to ask about the process and contact the right person for specific information.
What to Expect
During the shadowing experience, you can expect to observe occupational therapists working in the field. Ideally, you’ll have an opportunity to observe every aspect of a typical day in occupational therapy, including:
- Treatment sessions
- Documentation processes
- Collaboration with other occupational therapy practitioners and health care professionals
- Co-treatments with other services, such as physical therapy and speech therapy
Expect to learn and see a lot, which will lead to a lot of questions and a desire to know more about the focus of occupational therapy and how interventions and activities relate to goals. Typically, the occupational therapist you shadow will set aside time to answer your questions and provide additional insight.
What to Observe
Take the opportunity to observe any aspect of occupational therapy and what OTs do that you can, including how therapists manage busy schedules and keep up with documentation throughout the day.
Observe an evaluation and read the report to see how assessments are translated into goals and treatment plans. Observe how OTs use their clinical skills to determine the level of support each client needs and how they adapt activities to meet current levels of ability.
Additionally, observe the process of discharging a client or ending OT services and how the OT determines if ending care is safe and appropriate.
Also, observe the soft skills OTs use during everyday interactions with clients and their families or caregivers. Observe how they display compassion and empathy while respectfully sharing information and making sure everyone understands.
See how OTs in that setting or facility navigate challenges, such as unexpected schedule changes or a difficult treatment session.
All of these observations can help you determine if OT is the right profession for you, providing a realistic view of the rewards and challenges.
Acting Professionally
Shadowing an occupational therapist is likely the first step into the profession. Stand out and make a good impression in this experience by approaching it with a professional mindset. Communicate politely and professionally in your speech, written communication, and emails. Be mindful of time by being punctual. Demonstrate dependability by doing what you say you’re going to do on time.
Dress appropriately for the setting by choosing clean, conservative clothing that is in good repair (nothing too revealing and no exercise or leisure style clothing).
Even though shadowing is not employment, some companies and institutions may require a background check and completion of paperwork to demonstrate a commitment to honoring HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance.
Although this process may seem tedious, it is meant to protect clients and their privacy. As a professional, it is expected to comply respectfully and complete the necessary tasks.
You’ll likely have a lot of questions and want to know more about every session you observe. You can be mindful of everyone’s time and privacy by saving questions and clarifications for after sessions or during a designated time scheduled with the occupational therapist.
If appropriate, keep a notebook with you to jot down questions for discussion. When writing your questions, leave off names or any other identifying information to protect privacy.
Keep in mind that the therapists you shadow can provide you with a letter of recommendation when you apply to an occupational therapy program. Therefore, it is essential to act professionally, demonstrate your passion for occupational therapy, and begin developing these vital professional relationships.
Plus, you never know if the facility where you are observing will be a place to seek employment as an OT in the future. You can only help your chances by establishing a good reputation and keeping strong connections.
Reflecting on the Experience
Taking time to reflect on your shadowing experience is essential. You will get a sense of whether OT is right for you and what aspects of occupational therapy genuinely interest you.
Perhaps you thought you wanted to work in a specialty, but then found that you loved how OT works in an entirely different setting. You’ll also have a clearer perspective on what may be challenging for you or what skills you need to work on, such as time management or communication skills.
You can also use your shadowing experience as an advantage during the application process. In your statement, for example, you can highlight what you learned about occupational therapy and yourself during your observational hours. Speak to your strengths, what sparked your interest in you, and what you find rewarding about the profession.
Shadowing is a Valuable Experience
Whether you are shadowing an occupational therapist to learn more about the profession, to see if it may be a good fit for you, or to complete observational hours for application to an occupational therapy program, the experience will be rewarding and valuable.
Applying practical tips will help you get the most out of the experience and create lasting connections.
