The externship program is open to students in good academic standing who have completed 57 credit hours. Priority for placements is given to students with no prior clinical experience and to students in their final two terms. No student may earn more than 10 credit hours toward their degree though externship placements.

Certain programs and sites have expressed an interest for students with special skills, such as foreign language proficiency, a specific scientific background, or exceptional writing ability. Students with the identified skills will be more likely to be placed at a site, although other candidates may be considered.