---
title: Tips for Finding the Right Clinical Externship for You
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/tips-for-finding-the-right-clinical-externship-for-you/"
type: post
date_published: 2013-02-13
date_modified: 2013-02-13
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 413
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/tips-for-finding-the-right-clinical-externship-for-you/"
categories:
  - AZC Healthcare Programs
topic:
  - Uncategorized
---

# Tips for Finding the Right Clinical Externship for You

Careers in the healthcare field are among the list of
[growing](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/) occupations in the United States.
As many of those who have enrolled in a health training program or have
researched training programs in their search for a new career know, many such
programs require an externship as part of your hands-on training. When it comes
time to take the next step in your education and find a clinical externship to
help you gain some real-world experience before diving into the job market, be
sure to keep these helpful tips in mind:

- **Research and learn about the various externship requirements**. How many
  hours will you need to complete? Is the externship a full-time,
  forty-hour-per-week experience? Finding the answers to these questions up
  front will help you be prepared to make arrangements prior to going out on
  externship, leading to a successful and less stressful transition.

- **Talk to your Career Services Advisor**. In order to be prepared, find out
  what types of externships and sites your college is affiliated with. This will
  give you a better understanding of the different environments you might be
  exposed to. Talk to your advisor about any healthcare organizations you have
  an interest in.

- **Ask family, friends, or contacts you have in the medical field for suggestions**
  . You might be surprised at how small the medical field really is and how
  important networking can be. Every externship depends on the individual to
  make the experience as valuable as possible, but receiving feedback from those
  around you can be informative and insightful.

- **Inquire at local doctors’ offices and nonprofits**. Some not-for-profit
  organizations operate clinics that provide free or reduced-price healthcare
  services. As it is not uncommon for these clinics to be understaffed, they
  often welcome healthcare students in search of externship hours to lend a
  hand. If you are curious about a type of practice or particular office, sit in
  the waiting room and observe. You can get a feel for the flow of the office
  and how the staff interacts with each other and patients. This will help
  determine if the office is the right fit for you.

To learn more about the requirements for the clinical externship as part of our
[health training programs](https://www.arizonacollege.edu/all-programs/) at
Arizona College, contact us at 602-222-9300 to connect with our Career Services
department.

---

_Information in this blog post is accurate as of February 13, 2013._

**Categories:** AZC Healthcare Programs