An externship provides an opportunity for students to enhance practical-based learning in the field of their interest. It is usually provided by partnerships between educational institutions and employers to provide students with practical experiences in their field of study.
A scenario of an externship differs depending on the organization that is offering the opportunity and the level of experience that an individual possesses. There are various benefits of enrolling in a healthcare program that has an externship included in the training.
1. Learn in a Professional Setting
An externship provides you with the opportunity to be in a professional setting where you can gain valuable insight into what to expect within the healthcare field. Students are expected to show up to work on time, keep a neat appearance, treat patients and co-workers respectfully, follow through on the responsibilities, and take the work seriously.
2. Teaches Responsibility
An externship gives students understanding about day-to-day activities and responsibilities of professionals in that field. At AIHT, throughout the externship clinical preceptor will evaluate the student monthly based on clinical evaluation criteria. At the end of the externship, the site preceptor will also evaluate the student on the overall performance based on the clinical evaluation criteria. In the middle of the externship, the faculty will meet with the clinical site supervisor/preceptor and will record the progress of student. The student will be notified by the externship faculty about their progress and any suggested recommendations.
3. Network with Healthcare Professionals
It helps to network and expand your circle of professional contacts for future opportunities. At your externship you have the opportunity to meet individuals who are currently working in the field you want to enter. It is important to make a good impression on the people you meet, and demonstrate your commitment through hard work. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear of job leads and other professionals’ opportunities.
4. Hands-On Training
A supervisor will work closely with students during their externship to ensure that everything you’ve learned in class in applied into real life situations. For example, if you enrolled in the Medical Assistant program, you would practice blood draws on other students, and learned how to do injections on medical dummies. These are important learning experiences. During your externship, you will have the opportunity to work with actual patients. For the first time, you will truly be using your new skills in the workplace.
5. Ask Questions
Questions are the best way to gain deeper understanding and develop productive solutions. Asking questions during your externship provides an opportunity to learn all aspects of a job from the people who are currently working in the field.
6. Gain Confidence
Last but not least, at the end of an externship, you can expect to gain confidence which is a huge part of any healthcare job. Confidence is built on accomplishment. Being able to work with patients every day is going to help build your confidence in your skills and abilities.
At AIHT we’re committed to preparing students to work as soon as they graduate, which is why externships are such a critical portion of our curriculum. To learn more about the externships and program information, schedule an appointment to visit the school.
