UCLA Health Shadowing Policy
UCLA Health Shadowing Policy Guidelines
UCLA Health shadowing opportunities are governed by the Clinical Observers and Shadowers Policy (HS 0360). Shadowing allows students to observe licensed UCLA Health professionals in clinical settings and is strictly observational—no hands-on care or clinical duties are permitted.
Shadowing Is Not Allowed Through Volunteer or Student Roles
Volunteers and students—including UCLA SRP students—may not shadow UCLA Health professionals as part of an existing volunteer, research, or student role, even if a clinician agrees to the request.
Informal or independently arranged shadowing is not permitted.
When Shadowing Is Permitted
Shadowing is permitted only through a UCLA Health or DGSOM formalized and approved shadowing program and must:
- Occur during program assigned and scheduled shadowing shifts
- Be department- or specialty-specific
- Require completion of all onboarding and clearance steps before observation begins
Some approved shadowing programs are listed as Clinical UCLA Health Sciences Assignments and manage their own recruitment and acceptance processes.
Volunteer Office and Shadowing
The Volunteer Office does not offer or arrange shadowing opportunities. Its role is limited to onboarding individuals who have already been accepted into an approved program.
Alternative Clinical Experiences (Not Shadowing)
Students seeking hands-on clinical exposure are encouraged to explore programs such as:
- Care Extenders Program
- General Student Volunteer Program
These programs provide valuable experience but are not considered approved shadowing programs under HS 0360.