Observer Program frequently asked questions

The Observer Program is open to members of the community who are interested in exploring careers in the health care field.

How old do I have to be to apply?

The Observer Program welcomes individuals 16 and older to apply.

What immunizations do I need to submit in order to apply?

The required immunizations includes chickenpox/varicella, MMR, Tdap, a negative tuberculosis test (Mantoux/skin test, QuantiFERON, or T-SPOT) within the past 12 months and flu (if during flu season). COVID-19 vaccine is strongly encouraged.

I applied but I do not have record all of the required immunizations. What should I do?

In order to be considered for placement, your application and all required immunizations must be turned in by the 10th of the month. If you do not have all of the required immunizations in by the 10th, please reapply the following month and send your complete immunizations.

What happens after I’ve applied and sent in the required immunizations?

We will confirm with you by email that your application is complete. After the 10th, we will start working on observer applicants and staff sponsor matches. If you don’t hear from us by the end of the month, this means we are at capacity and please apply again in subsequent months.

I applied last month but did not get placed. When I reapply, do I need to send my immunizations again?

Yes! When you reapply, please resend your immunizations as well. We do not process applications unless we receive immunizations from the applicant.

Can I observe more than once?

An observation is limited to one day for a maximum of eight hours. Individuals are limited to participating in the Observer Program (this includes sponsor known applicants) one time per semester and once in a particular discipline. We want new applicants to have the opportunity to observe.

How long are observations?

Observations are limited to one day for a maximum of 8 hours.

Can I observe an operation?

Per compliance/risk, there are departments that are excluded from having observation experiences. Those departments include:

• NICU, PICU, CVCC (intensive care units)
• Operating Room
• Psychological Services
• Child Abuse (MCRC)
• Critical Emergencies (Dr. Blue, resuscitation efforts, Level 1 Trauma Rooms)

Can I observe my family member who is an employee at Children’s Minnesota?

The observer cannot be related to their sponsor.

I am a current employee at Children’s Minnesota. Do I need to apply to observe a staff person at Children’s Minnesota?

The Observer Program is designed for non-employees. If a current employee wants to partake in an observation experience, they would need to get approval from their department director, manager and staff sponsor. They do not go through the Observer Program.