The progression from completing the allied health program of study to becoming a professional within the industry is bridged by the externship. This externship is the time and place in which the student has the opportunity to begin building professional relationships and to show off his or her technical skills and unique talents in serving and working with others. It is a time when avoidable pitfalls should not interfere with various professional opportunities. To make the most of the extern-ship, students must be well prepared to take on new challenges, act responsibly, learn proactively, and develop themselves professionally, which are all major goals of Excelling in the Externship. The overall purpose of this book is to present to students the full picture of the externship experience. Readers will realize the value and purpose of the externship, will be prepared by being familiar with the expectations for all aspects of the journey, and will discover the benefits and opportunities that await them when they begin their careers with completion of a successful externship. They also will be given tips on the various pitfalls and mistakes to avoid in order to excel in the externship. Coverage of the externship from preterm to postterm is provided to guide the readers' focus and to help them maintain professionalism, responsibility, a positive attitude, and proactive learning throughout the process. The goal of this book is to prepare allied health ex-terns for a successful practical experience. In turn, this helps student-graduates to launch their careers with confidence, motivation, and meaningful experience. This also helps educational institutions send well-prepared students who intend to succeed to their partnering or affiliated offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and other facilities. Anyone entering into any of the allied health professions, especially Medical Assisting.