How to cite using APA in the Health Sciences

If you are quoting work that contains embedded citations-- e.g. citations included in the part you are quoting-- then you must include the citations in your quotation. They do not need to be included as a reference list entry.

However, if the citations appear at the end of the material you are quoting, it is recommended that end the quote before the citations, omitting them. A reader will be able locate those same ideas by following the work that you do cite.

Examples

Quoting Embedded Citations

Amongst other training, nurses "can prepare for a career in the ER by building a strong foundation in critical thinking, stress management, and fast-paced environments through their education (Nilsson, 2015), and by seeking experience in acute care settings" (Bennani et al., 2020, p.254). 

Note: You would include Bennani et al. in your reference list and not Nilsson.

Omitting Citations at the End of a Quotation

Original 

Simulation training allows dental students to safely practice procedures and receive feedback in a controlled environment before treating real patients (Foucault et al, 2019; Pérusse et al, 2014).

Omitted

Of the many benefits dental students can derive from simulation training, the most important is that it allows them " to safely practice procedures and receive feedback in a controlled environment before treating real patients" (Smith et al., 2023, p.43).

Note: By following the Smith et al. citation, the reader would be redirected to the exact location of your quote and see the original authors.

If your source includes a direct quotation from another work and you would like to use the same direct quotation in your own work, it is best to cite the original. If this is not possible, then cite the secondary work (e.g. the one that quotes the original) and include it in the reference list.

In addition to this occasion, sometimes you may come across material you would like to use that includes a direct quotation for another reason. In either case, you may have to change the double quotation marks to single ones.

Short Quotations

For direct quotations with less than 40 words, use double quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quote. Replace the original double quotation marks with single quotation marks.

Example

Original

Oncology nurses develop close bonds with their patients by providing essential care and becoming "pillars of strength" throughout the cancer journey.

Formatted

"Oncology nurses develop close bonds with their patients by providing essential care and becoming 'pillars of strength' throughout the cancer journey. (Pereira, 2024, p.12)

Block Quotations

For direct quotations with 40 words or more, format as the block quotation as normal; do not use double quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quote. Leave double quotation marks for the original quote found within the block quote.

Example

Original

The availability of self-administered HPV tests empowers women to take control of their cervical health.  Unlike traditional Pap smears, these "anywhere, anytime" tests can be completed in the privacy of a woman's own home. This flexibility can significantly increase screening rates, particularly among those who might have previously avoided routine checkups due to scheduling difficulties or embarrassment. (p. 123)

Formatted

As Li et al. (2022) point out, take-home tests offer a more convenient option:

The availability of self-administered HPV tests empowers women to take control of their cervical health.  Unlike traditional Pap smears, these "anywhere, anytime" tests can be completed in the privacy of a woman's own home. This flexibility can significantly increase screening rates, particularly among those who might have previously avoided routine checkups due to scheduling difficulties or embarrassment. (p. 123)

Information on this page was adapted from "Chapter 8: Works Credited in the Text", in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), as well as the APA webpage, "In-Text Citations".