Office of Academic Affairs- Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. If I am seeking a placement within Bon Secours what should I do? If you are a graduate student seeking a placement within Bon Secours Richmond you are free to contact any area in which you want to be placed. Bon Secours Office of Academic Affairs does not find placements for students. If you are special needs students you may contact us with your circumstances and needed accommodations. If you are an undergraduate student your school should be finding placements for you already. If you are seeking shadowing experiences or internships you may also contact your areas of interest, we do not find placements.
  1. How many hours are allowed for shadowing?Bon Secours Richmond only allows 16 hours of shadowing per person, per year. The only exception is school requirement. Proof of this requirement is necessary.
  1. Can I be approved and then find somewhere to shadow or have a placement? You must have a preceptor before you can be approved for placement.
  1. What is the minimum age for shadowing? Any person that is under 16 years of age will not be allowed to shadow. Any person 16 years of age will need to provide proof of a need for shadowing through a school or a program for the shadowing experience before they are allowed to shadow. There are some areas that do not allow shadowing by anyone under 18.
  1. What if I am an employee?If you are an employee your student status is completely separate from your employee status. You will still need to meet compliance and get an approval badge from the Office of Academic Affairs. If you seek clinical placement your school will need to have an affiliation agreement with Bon Secours Richmond. You can find a list of affiliated schools on our website.
  1. Does Office of Academic Affairs handle Hampton Roads Placements or affiliation agreements? We do not handle any placements for Bon Secours Hampton Roads. Please contact Michael Porter at or information on Hampton Roads affiliation agreements.
  1. What is the turnaround time for student approvals?The turnaround time varies according to:
  • How quickly a student meets compliance
  • How quickly a preceptor confirms students placement
  • Incomplete/Improperly completed paperwork

It is important to read the instructions page on the paperwork in full and complete. There are no shortcuts and there is no expedited processing.