Volunteers 

Shadowing Opportunities

As a shadow visitor, you will have the opportunity to observe UNC Rehabilitation Services practitioners. Due to the high demand for shadow hours, we are limiting all experiences to three sessions per shadow visitor per calendar year. Shadow opportunities are for undergraduate students only.

How to request a shadow session:

Step 1: Complete the compliance requirement: UNC Health's Compliance Module. Once done with the compliance training, fill out the survey (you will see this at the end of the modules). 

Step 2: View the calendar  here  for available shadowing options. Identify up to three (3) dates/locations you would like to shadow. Please select dates/locations that have an actual slot as an option and do not have “busy” next to them (see screen shot below for an example of an available, open shadow slot).

Step 3: Send the following information via email to clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu

Subject line: “Shadow Request”

• Your first and last name
• Your telephone number
• Your email address
• A brief statement of intent
• The dates (no more than 3), times, and settings you selected based on designated slots that do not have “busy” next to them. As stated in Step 2, include slot title, date, and start/end times for each of your shadow slot requests (no more than 3). Please note that if a date on the calendar is blank, there are no available shadowing opportunities on that day. Please do not select dates more than 3 months out. Requests need to be made at least 4 weeks in advance of the 1^st shadow date. We process all requests on a first come, first serve basis and we will respond to confirm your request.

Step 4: You will receive an email from the Shadowing Program/Volunteer Services ( shadowingprogram@unchealth.unc.edu ) with requirements. They will prompt you to send:

• Compliance module attestation (completed in Step 1)
• Proof of flu vaccination (not required after April 1^st, 2026)

Please know all requirements need to be completed PRIOR to your shadow session and you will need to pick up an ID badge from Shadowing Program/Volunteer Services. A confirmation email will be sent when this is ready for pickup.

Please be aware that the team you select to shadow with may need to cancel and reschedule your appointment depending on the needs of the team and clients on caseloads.

Each team will try to give, but cannot guarantee, you at least 24 hours advanced notice if your session needs to be rescheduled. If we have to reschedule your shadow experience, we will not count that missed session against you. However, if you do not call or no show we will count the missed session as used.

Please review the list of  Shadow Locations and Instructions Upon Arrival.

• No cellphone use during patient observations.
• Everyone is required to review and follow the  hospital’s dress code policy.
• Please make sure to wear your shadow badge at shoulder height.

If you need to cancel, please give us 24 hours’ notice. To cancel or for additional information, please reach out to  clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu via email.

If you NO SHOW for a scheduled session, your future sessions will be cancelled, and you are ineligible to shadow within the same calendar year.

For verification of shadow hours, please complete this survey:  https://forms.office.com/r/bkYkKvM1cC  Once completed you will be able to print or save a copy of your response by clicking on the ellipsis in the top right corner of your screen.

For verification within PTCAS, please send to  clinicaledreq@unchealth.unc.edu