Welcome to Shadowing and Observerships with UCHealth

Thank you for your interest in Shadowing and Observerships at University of Colorado Hospital and Denver metro area clinics. Please read through our processes and be aware of deadlines. We are not able to facilitate experiences that are not completed and submitted on time.

UCHealth recognizes the value and interest in education and career exploration. Shadowing and Observerships may help you gain useful information about skills and/or education required for various health care paths such as nursing, medicine, hospital administration, radiology, PT/OT/ST, and other roles. Shadowing can also be included as part of a job interview to allow the potential staff person the opportunity to learn more about the environment in which they might be working. Shadowing and Obsererships are educational opportunities only and provide no hands-on experience. Participants will not engage with any patients or advise on any cases. Federal regulations prohibit participants in these programs from performing research. 

The University of Colorado Hospital Shadowing and Observership programs facilitate opportunities at the University of Colorado Hospital, Denver metro area Cancer Centers, Lone Tree Clinics, Cherry Creek Clinics, A.F. Williams Clinics, CU Sports Medicine Clinics, and Steadman Hawkins Clinics.

Only individuals 18 and older may participate in these programs at UCHealth facilities.

What is Shadowing?
Shadowing is a short-term experience allowing you to see first-hand occupations, procedures, and processes that interest you. Shadowing a physician, nurse, healthcare professional, or administrator means that you are following an individual as they engage with daily duties. You may watch how the individual interacts with patients, performs procedures, handles the daily schedule, and converses with coworkers.

Shadowing is intended for staff, clinicians, students, potential employees, and administrative professionals. Current employees of UCHealth who want exposure beyond their "scope of practice" may also find it valuable.
  • Shadowing is limited to 12 hours annually. These hours may be split into different experiences or used all at one time. If a potential shadower is looking for a longer opportunity, they should consider an Observership or volunteering. 
  • Shadowers must find their own Sponsor. You can do so by searching on www.uchealth.org for Doctors, Locations and Specialties.
  • Shadowing applications must be submitted and approved at least one week prior to each shadowing experience. 

For more information and to begin the Shadowing application: Click here


What is an Observership?
An Observership is a longer opportunity to watch and learn. There is an extensive application process designed to allow up to a 30-day consecutive time frame of observation annually. If you are already a professional, an Observership may be an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge processes and procedures. All forms and requirements for an Observership must be submitted and approved at least one month prior to the start of the experience.

  • Observers must find their own Sponsor. You can do so by searching on www.uchealth.org for Doctors, Locations and Specialties.

For more information and to begin the Observership application: Click here

Not sure which program is right for you? Please check the Educational Experience Algorithm for more information.