college essay about volunteering at a hospital

Essay on Hospital Volunteering

Students are often asked to write an essay on Hospital Volunteering in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Hospital Volunteering

What is hospital volunteering.

Hospital volunteering means giving your time to help in a hospital without getting paid. People of different ages, including students, can do this. Volunteers do many tasks like guiding visitors, helping at the information desk, or spending time with patients.

Benefits of Volunteering

When you volunteer, you learn new skills and meet new people. It feels good to help others. You can also see what working in healthcare is like. This can help you decide on a future job.

How to Become a Volunteer

To start, find a hospital and ask about their volunteer program. They will tell you what you need to do. Usually, you fill out a form and go to a training session. Then you can begin helping out.

250 Words Essay on Hospital Volunteering

Hospital volunteering means giving your time freely to help out in a hospital. People of different ages can do this, including students. Volunteers do not get paid, but they learn a lot and can make patients feel better.

The Jobs of a Volunteer

In a hospital, volunteers can do many things. They might guide visitors, bring food to patients, or give out toys to children who are staying in the hospital. They are not doctors or nurses, so they don’t do medical tasks. Instead, they help with simple but important jobs.

Why Volunteer?

People volunteer in hospitals for many reasons. Some want to help others and make them smile. Others might want to learn about hospitals because they dream of becoming doctors or nurses one day. Volunteering also teaches important skills like talking to different people and being responsible.

Volunteering is good for both the helper and the person being helped. Patients often feel happier when someone visits them. Volunteers can feel proud because they are making a difference. Plus, they can make new friends and learn new things.

How to Start Volunteering

If you want to volunteer, you can talk to your school counselor or look for a local hospital’s volunteer office. They will tell you what you need to do. Remember, you’re giving your time to make someone’s day better, and that’s a wonderful thing to do.

500 Words Essay on Hospital Volunteering

Introduction to hospital volunteering.

Volunteering at a hospital means giving your time to help without getting paid. It’s like being a helper who wants to make things better for patients and the people who work there. People of different ages, from teenagers to those who are retired, can volunteer. They do simple tasks like guiding visitors, bringing food to patients, or just talking and spending time with them.

Why People Volunteer in Hospitals

People choose to volunteer in hospitals for many reasons. Some want to help others and make them feel good. Others might want to learn about working in healthcare because they think about becoming doctors or nurses in the future. It also helps volunteers feel happy because they know they are doing something good for others.

Types of Work Volunteers Do

In hospitals, volunteers can do many jobs. They might welcome new patients and show them where to go. They can also help in the gift shop or bring books and magazines to patients to read. Sometimes, volunteers work with kids in the hospital, playing games or doing crafts to make their stay a little happier.

When you volunteer at a hospital, you learn a lot. You see how a hospital works and meet people from different jobs like nurses, doctors, and therapists. It’s a good chance to learn new skills, like how to talk to sick people and make them feel better. Volunteering can also be a good thing to talk about when applying for college or a job because it shows you like to help and work hard.

To become a volunteer, you first need to find a hospital that needs helpers. You can look online or ask at hospitals near you. Then you fill out a form and sometimes go to a meeting to learn about the rules of volunteering. Hospitals want to make sure everyone is safe, so they might ask for a health check or a background check.

Challenges Volunteers Might Face

Volunteering can sometimes be tough. Hospitals are places where people are sick or hurt, so it can be sad or scary at times. Volunteers need to be kind and strong to help patients feel better. It’s also important to listen and follow the rules because hospitals are places where keeping everyone safe is the top priority.

Volunteering at a hospital is a special way to help others. It’s not always easy, but it is very rewarding. You get to see the difference you make in people’s lives, learn new things, and maybe even find a path for your future career. If you have time and want to do something meaningful, hospital volunteering could be a great choice. It’s a way to show care and give back to the community, making the world a little better, one smile at a time.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Benefits of Volunteering — Why Volunteer at a Hospital: Personal and Professional Benefits

Why Volunteer at a Hospital: Personal and Professional Benefits

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Published: Sep 12, 2023

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Here's what volunteering at a hospital is really like. And why you should do it.

Have you ever considered volunteering at a hospital? It's an important job that's often overlooked.

[rebelmouse-image 19534869 dam="1" original_size="750x500" caption="Photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via WikiCommons." expand=1] Photo by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via WikiCommons.

When you think about the work done at hospitals and other care facilities, visions of doctors and nurses are probably first to come to mind. While these healthcare professionals do some of the most important work on the planet (and that's no overstatement), volunteers are an integral part of the hospital's ecosystem as well.

Volunteers greet visitors, run groups, provide support to patients, wash and change linens, clean rooms, restock supplies and help ensure that the hospital is running cleanly and smoothly so that those providing medical care can focus on the patient's physical health and continued well-being.

In short, volunteers are vital. They form real and lasting connections with patients, and help them get better in a clean, comforting environment.

We talked to three people to get their take on what it's like to work in care facilities, the challenges they've faced, and what the work they did taught them about themselves (and it taught them a lot). Read on to find out more.

Alia read to kids at her local hospital. It made her realize the difference a bedtime story could make.

[rebelmouse-image 19534870 dam="1" original_size="750x563" caption="Photo by Juhan Sonin via Flickr ." expand=1] Photo by Juhan Sonin via Flickr .

When she gave birth at 17, Alia was grateful that her child was strong and healthy. At the same time, she realized that other new parents weren't living that same experience.

"The idea that other families didn't have that really pained me," she writes in an email. I wanted to help them."

Alia would put her son to bed and then, when he was asleep and safely being looked after, drive to Fresno Children's Hospital, where she'd read bedtime stories to children who didn't have company and couldn't sleep at night. She expected the work to make her emotional, but was not at all prepared for the impact it ended up having on her.

"I would cry in my car after all of my shifts," she explains. "I wasn't equipped for the emotional weight of children with poor health. I have the utmost respect for people who can bear that weight comfortably."

It also taught her just how needed volunteers are. They're the people who fill in the gaps in care, fostering close connections with patients who are going through some of the hardest days and nights of their lives.

"I wish people knew how much need there is," she writes. "Walking those empty halls at night, you look into rooms and see people who are scared, lonely, and bored. A few more people in the hall making their way to connect with patients is a huge difference."

"I found the experience rewarding in a lot of capacities. The largest is probably the degree to which it taught me about myself. I valued my son and his health so much. I learned about my emotional limits. And I felt good because I was helping others."

Author Chuck Miceli helped people living in a long-term care facilities express themselves.

[rebelmouse-image 19534871 dam="1" original_size="750x500" caption="Photo by Elien Dumon on Unsplash " expand=1] Photo by Elien Dumon on Unsplash

He co-coordinated a weekly Poetry group for patients and residents at the Southington Care Center, a rehabilitation and health care facility in Southington Connecticut.

In the group, the residents of the center were encouraged to write and share their own poetry, bring in poems that they enjoyed by their favorite authors, or just sit and listen to the work written by people who also lived there. For many, it was a watershed moment in their recovery. It provided a sense of purpose for one resident in particular — allowing her to see that she was still valued and needed.

"A friend of mine approached me to say that a mutual friend from our church, Joan LaRose, was at the facility," Chuck writes. "I hadn't seen her in years. Now, she was suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease and could not lift her head from her chest, but she still expended the time and effort to write poetry."

"I visited Joan and asked to see her poems. Rather than being bitter or remorseful, they were exceptionally uplifting and beautiful. That motivated me to see if others at the facility might also want to get involved, which prompted the creation of the poetry group."

The group eventually grew and Joan's poems were collected and published in a book that keeps her memory alive. The poetry group is something Chuck reflects on as one of the most positive experiences of his life. It's a reminder of the indomitableness of the human spirit.

"Walking into a nursing or health care facilities can be an intimidating and depressing experience because it is so easy to assume the hopelessness of people's situations," he explains. "It is easy to see what is missing: the physicality, the youthfulness, the mobility, the energy. It is what we don't see, however, that is most important: the potential, the desire to be useful, the lifetime of experience and wisdom, the yearning to be involved."

"Tapping into what's possible instead of being debilitated by what's missing is at once the greatest challenge and the greatest reward."

Jeaninne Escallier Kato, a teacher and writer, volunteered at hospitals during two points in her life. It taught her to think on her feet and let go of her ego.

[rebelmouse-image 19534872 dam="1" original_size="750x563" caption="Photo by Lenny DiFranza via Flickr ." expand=1] Photo by Lenny DiFranza via Flickr .

"I have volunteered in hospitals twice in my life," notes Jeaninne. "My volunteer duties included: distributing food and books, feeding patients, teaching and reading to children, managing the play room and holding babies."

"It is all about patient care and compassion. When I was given the task to teach a bedridden child with extreme mental disabilities, I didn't feel like I could handle my emotions. Over time, I let my compassionate nature take over and began to feel the bonds of a strong relationship. That child was so appreciative of my time and attention once a week for three hours, I couldn't wait to get my Saturday hug."

"There's nothing like the feeling of making others comfortable and giving relief. It's another form of love. My advice to those who are considering this line of work is you have to take your ego out of everything because you will be asked to do some very disagreeable tasks."

"Don't do it for you, do it for others. You will soon learn your merit, which resides in the care and love you give freely, because it always comes back two-fold."

Caring for others in need is something we should all make more of an effort to focus on.

Providing comfort to those going through medical difficulties is one of the best ways to help make the world, a brighter, safer, happier place.

So, if you've been thinking of volunteering at a hospital, but had reservation, now might be the time to reconsider. You have no idea how much your efforts will mean to the patients you meet.

Clorox is committed to providing a gentle yet powerful clean, which is why they've partnered with Upworthy to promote those same traits in people, actions and ideas. Cleaning up and strength are important aspects of many of our social good stories. Check out the rest in the campaign to read more.

The oldest whales on the planet are more ancient than 'Moby-Dick' and have the harpoons to prove it

Wow... just wow..

Under the sea...

You're probably familiar with the literary classic "Moby-Dick."

But in case you're not, here's the gist: Moby Dick is the name of a huge albino sperm whale.

(Get your mind outta the gutter.)

OK, technically, the narrator Ishmael survives. So it's actually a happy ending (kind of)!

Illustration from an early edition of Moby-Dick

Image from Wikimedia Commons .

Basically, it's a famous book about revenge and obsession that was published back in 1851, and it's really, really long.

It's chock-full of beautiful passages and dense symbolism and deep thematic resonance and all those good things that earned it a top spot in the musty canon of important literature.

There's also a lot of mundane descriptions about the whaling trade as well (like, a lot ). That's because it came out back when commercial whaling was still a thing we did.

A non-albino mother and baby sperm whale.

Photo by Gabriel Barathieu/ Wikipedia .

In fact, humans used to hunt more than 50,000 whales each year to use for oil, meat, baleen, and oil. (Yes, I wrote oil twice.) Then, in 1946, the International Whaling Commission stepped in and said "Hey, wait a minute, guys. There's only a few handful of these majestic creatures left in the entire world, so maybe we should try to not kill them anymore?"

And even then, commercial whaling was still legal in some parts of the world until as recently as 1986 .

Tail in the water.

Whale's tail pale ale GIF via GoPro/YouTube

And yet by some miracle, there are whales who were born before "Moby-Dick" was published that are still alive today.

What are the odds of that? Honestly it's hard to calculate since we can't exactly swim up to a bowhead and say, "Hey, how old are you?" and expect a response. (Also that's a rude question — jeez. )

Thanks to some thoughtful collaboration between researchers and traditional Inupiat whalers (who are still allowed to hunt for survival), scientists have used amino acids in the eyes of whales and harpoon fragments lodged in their carcasses to determine the age of these enormous animals — and they found at least three bowhead whales who were living prior to 1850.

Granted those are bowheads, not sperm whales like the fictional Moby Dick, (and none of them are albino, I think), but still. Pretty amazing, huh?

This bowhead is presumably in adolescence, given its apparent underwater moping.

GIF via National Geographic .

This is a particularly remarkable feat considering that the entire species was dwindling near extinction.

Barring these few centenarian leviathans, most of the whales still kickin' it today are between 20 and 70 years old. That's because most whale populations were reduced to 10% or less of their numbers between the 18th and 20th centuries , thanks to a few over-eager hunters (and by a few, I mean all of them).

Today, sperm whales are considered one of the most populous species of massive marine mammals ; bowheads, on the other hand, are still in trouble, despite a 20% increase in population since the mid-1980s . Makes those few elderly bowheads that much more impressive, huh?

Southern Right Whales hangin' with a paddleboarder in the Great Australian Bight.

GIF via Jaimen Hudson .

Unfortunately, just as things are looking up, these wonderful whales are in trouble once again.

We might not need to worry our real-life Captain Ahabs anymore, but our big aquatic buddies are still being threatened by industrialization — namely, from oil drilling in the Arctic and the Great Australian Bight .

In the off-chance that companies like Shell and BP manage not to spill millions of gallons of harmful crude oil into the water, the act of drilling alone is likely to maim or kill millions of animals , and the supposedly-safer sonic blasting will blow out their eardrums or worse .

This influx of industrialization also affects their migratory patterns — threatening not only the humans who depend on them, but also the entire marine ecosystem.

And I mean, c'mon — who would want to hurt this adorable face?

Image from Pixabay.

Whales might be large and long-living. But they still need our help to survive.

If you want another whale to make it to his two-hundred-and-eleventy-first birthday (which you should because I hear they throw great parties), then sign this petition to protect the waters from Big Oil and other industrial threats.

I guarantee Moby Dick will appreciate it.

This article originally appeared on 11.04.15

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Eye-opening video shows how a simple train delay is experienced by someone with autism

Reminder: you never know what someone else is going through..

"Diverted" educational video shared through the Too Much Information Campaign.

Everyone who lives with autism experiences it somewhat differently. You'll often hear physicians and advocates refer to the spectrum that exists for those who are autistic, pointing to a wide range of symptoms and skills.

But one thing many autistic people experience is sensory processing issues .

For autistic people, processing the world around them when it comes to sight, smell, or touch can be challenging, as their senses are often over- or under-sensitive. Certain situations — like meandering through a congested mall or enduring the nonstop blasting of police sirens — can quickly become unbearable.

This reality is brought to life in a new video by the U.K.'s National Autistic Society (NAS).

The eye-opening PSA takes viewers into the mind of a autistic woman as she thinks about struggling to stay composed in a crowded, noisy train.

It's worth a watch:

The PSA hit especially close to home for 22-year-old actress and star of the video Saskia Lupin, who is autistic herself. "Overall I feel confused," she said , of abrupt changes to her routine. "Like I can't do anything and all sense of rationality is lost."

She's not alone.

According to a study cited in NAS' press release, 75% of autistic people say unexpected changes make them feel socially isolated. What's more, 67% reported seeing or hearing negative reactions from the public when they try to calm themselves down in such situations — from eyerolls and stares to unwelcome, hurtful comments.

The new PSA aims to improve that last figure in particular.

It's part of the organization's Too Much Information campaign — an initiative to build empathy and understanding in allistic (i.e., not autistic) people for those on the spectrum.

Campaign by National Autistic Society created to share the autistic experience to the world.

Photo from Pixabay

"It isn't that the public sets out to be judgmental towards autistic people," Mark Lever, chief executive of the NAS, said in a statement in 2016 . It's just that, often, the public doesn't "see" the autism.

"They see a 'strange' man pacing back and forth in a shopping center," Lever explained, "or a 'naughty' girl having a tantrum on a bus, and don't know how to respond."

Well, now we do.

Instead of staring, rolling your eyes, or thinking judgmental thoughts about the young person's parents, remember: You have no idea what that stranger on the train is going through.

“We can't make the trains run on time," said Lever. But even the simplest, smallest things — like remembering not to stare and giving a person some space and compassion if they need it — can make a big difference.

This article originally appeared on 03.28.18

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Pet cockatiel is obsessed with singing 'September' by Earth, Wind and Fire

Kiki remembers the 21st night of september all. the. time. and it's actually quite impressive..

Apparently, "September" is all the rage with cockatiels.

“Do you remember…the 21st night of September?” has been one of the most iconic song openings of the past 45 years, as the R&B hit by Earth, Wind and Fire perpetually serves as a catchy favorite for dance clubs, movie scenes and TikTok clips alike.

However, "September" has also gained wild popularity among an unlikely group— pet cockatiels.

One cockatiel in particular has taken a shining to the song to the point of obsession, to the combined delight and chagrin of his owner. You see, Kiki doesn’t just like listening to the song, he sings and dances to it. Loudly. Over and over. At uncomfortable hours of the morning.

Kiki’s owner has shared multiple examples of her pet bird reveling in his favorite song, and it’s hilarious every time.

@kiki.tiel Send help plz wheres the off button on parrot #fyp #foryou #bird #cockatiel #parrotsoftiktok #birdsoftiktok

"Kiki…it's 7 o'clock in the morning…" Yeah, Kiki does not care. Kiki is feelin' the groove.

This isn't just a one-off and it's also not just a random song. Here we can see that Kiki recognizes it and sings it when his owner plays it. (Just after pooing on her leg— the reality of having a bird, in case these videos make you want one).

@kiki.tiel Babywipes handy at all hours 🫡 #bird #cockatiel #fyp #foryou #september #parrot

But Kiki doesn't even need anyone else around in order to sing his favorite song. Here he is singing and dancing all by himself when his owner left the room and left her camera running to see what he would do.

@kiki.tiel Partying without me :( #cockatielsoftiktok #birds #fyp #for you

As cute and hilarious as this is, it surely gets old after a while, right? It's one thing to watch in a video—it's got to be entirely another to hear it all the time at home.

It's also not just a Kiki quirk. Apparently, "September" is a "thing" among cockatiels. Other cockatiels have been known to love it and sing it, though not quite as well as Kiki does.

Someone on Reddit asked why so many cockatiels love the song —one person even said it was basically the cockatiel national anthem at this point. No one knows exactly why, but this explanation by Reddit user nattiecakes is as good an explanation as any:

" Yeah, cockatiels genuinely like the song in a way they don’t universally take to many other songs. My cockatiel is 17 and early in life basically seemed to max out his harddrive space learning a little bit of La Cucaracha, The Flintstones theme, the phrase 'pretty bird,' and this horrible alarm clock sound that is similar to the hungry baby cockatiel sound. We thought we could not get him to learn anything else because they do have some limits.

Then 'September' came. Every cockatiel loved it. We decided to see if our cockatiel loved it.

I sh*t y’all not, within a DAY he whistled the first three notes, which is really all that matters. He hasn’t been able to learn more, but he loves it.

Now our African grey whistles it to him constantly. He used to reliably whistle La Cucaracha to our cockatiel when our cockatiel would get angry and upset, and our cockatiel would start singing instead and forget he’d been upset. But almost immediately our grey switched to using 'September' 90% of the time. Like, it’s so plain even to our grey that 'September' is the song to unlock a cockatiel’s better nature. I think the grey likes it a lot too, but he has many other songs he likes better.

As for why cockatiels like this song so much… all I can guess is it really resonates with their cheery vibe. I think the inside of a cockatiel’s mind is usually like a disco."

Rock on, Kiki. Just maybe not so early in the morning.

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These two tricks will clear your stuffy nose instantly

Both tricks take less than two minutes.

How to clear a stuffy nose instantly.

With cold season upon us, there's no better time to learn a couple of awesome and easy tricks that will clear up the dreaded and annoying stuffy nose.

Prevention magazine created a short video showing two easy ways to get you breathing free again no matter how stuffed up you might be.

Both tricks take less than two minutes and are certainly worth trying out when it feels like that runny nose might never go away.

Watch the YouTube video below:

This article first appeared on 9.8.17.

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A brave fan asks Patrick Stewart a question he doesn't usually get and is given a beautiful answer

Patrick stewart often talks about his childhood and the torment his father put him and his mother through..

Patrick Stewart often talks about his childhood and the torment his father put him and his mother through. However, how he answered this vulnerable and brave fan's question is one of the most eloquent, passionate responses about domestic violence I've ever seen.

WARNING: At 2:40, he's going to break your heart a little.

You can read more about Heather Skye's hug with Captain Picard at her blog .

This article originally appeared on 06.26.13.

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A juice company dumped orange peels in a national park. Here's what it looks like now.

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August 1, 2022

How To Share Your Volunteer Experience With Colleges & Scholarship Officials

Written by: Paige Mast

Volunteering is an essential factor that helps you stand out on college and scholarship applications. 

Volunteering helps you learn so many different things like teamwork, leadership, and compassion. Plus, you’re not just “learning” these things when you’re volunteering — you’re BECOMING these things! Articulating your personal development through volunteering is a great way to stand out in a sea of applications.

It is important to remember that volunteering is not just about the hours; it is also the experience. When you use the Givefinity app, you can enter all your stories, experiences, and hours to easily create a compelling Volunteer Report! 

Why is volunteering important for college applications?

This Tik Tok from Collegewise discusses why volunteering is important for juniors and seniors in high school, as well as current college students. 

In this video, she says, “Colleges aren’t impressed by how many hours you’re volunteering.” At first, that was puzzling to hear! Sure, the amount of time spent volunteering is important… but what is most important is why you spent that time volunteering. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself when volunteering:

• What is the backstory? Why did you decide to volunteer in that specific area?
• How much did this experience impact you? Others?
• WHY was it so impactful?

Keep these questions in mind when you apply for colleges and scholarships. Remember, it is about what you experienced, not how many hours you worked. 

How to write about your volunteer experience for college

College applications are a crucial point in your college career — the beginning! 

When applying to your chosen college, you need to know a lot of information. More than the number of hours, you’ll need to know specific details about your volunteering activities. Whenever you are at a volunteer activity be sure to take pictures, journal, or even capture videos. The Givefinity app is helpful with this because you can log all of the information needed into the app! 

When colleges look at your documents, they do not want to read that you just volunteered and that was it. They want to know who, what, where, and how:

• Who did you volunteer with? Did you go with others? Who made you decide this was an experience you wanted? Who did you meet? Who impacted you the most?
• What did you do? What did you learn? What do you wish you could do more of? 
• Where did you go? Where else can you volunteer?
• How did you find this volunteering organization or opportunity? How did you feel before and after? How did this affect you in the short term and long term? 

It is important to remember to tell a story about how it was not a “me experience” but a “them experience” (this is why we love our Givefinity hashtag # BetterMeBetterWe ). Although your volunteer experiences have to do with YOU, it is mainly about what you did for OTHERS. 

Don’t forget: this is a mutual experience for both you and the people impacted by your efforts. Share how your volunteer work is helping others, as well as how you learned and developed personally. 

Tips for writing about volunteering

When you sit down to write your essays, look back at pictures, videos, and notes you captured over the years. It can be hard to remember details when you’ve been volunteering with several organizations over a long period of time. 

The Givefinity app will help ease that difficulty when writing! When using the app, you can put those pictures and notes right into your volunteer hour log.

As you walk down volunteer-memory-lane and look for essay inspiration, here are our top tips:

• Share what you felt at a specific moment. Sentimental details are crucial! It never hurts to write about a moment you felt was tender when volunteering. 
• All volunteer work is important, no matter how small! Any experience could be significant enough to mention, even if it seems like a blip on your volunteering report. However, if it is a shorter experience, be sure to emphasize why it is important. 
• Make a connection to your volunteer work and desired area of study. Tell a story that shows how your volunteer efforts have helped you hone in on something you love! Even if a volunteer opportunity does not align with your work, major, minor, etc., perhaps you still learned something that helped you on your journey. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! When you write essays, it is important to ask for help. Submitting an essay to a scholarship or college application representative means you should be entering your best work. Always solicit feedback and criticism on your essay from peers, parents, teachers, and others.

What to emphasize when writing your essay

It is important to remember some of these important points when writing an essay, such as:

• The name of the organization
• How often or when did you volunteer with them? Was it per day, week, or month? How many hours did you volunteer?
• Why do you volunteer with them? What made you choose that organization? 
• Is this for school, work, etc.?
• Did you take any leadership roles?

If you already know your major and are volunteering before college, try to align the volunteer work with that major. It is also important to mention any learning opportunities and what you’ve already gained through that experience. 

How to share your volunteering experience with college or scholarship officials

In this day and age, it is easy to find any kind of scholarship. You can even get a scholarship or money by making a prom outfit out of duct tape! So, with volunteering, be sure to choose activities that help you stand out. 

When looking for scholarships, it is as simple as searching for “scholarships for volunteering”. Many common applications ask on the application about any activities done, like volunteering! Remember to put down experience that lines up with your potential degree first.

The Givefinity app is helpful when sharing volunteering experiences. When you use the app, you can share these volunteering hours with yourself or others of importance. So make your life a little easier — download the Givefinity app today and get ahead of the ball on tracking your volunteer hours!

Paige Mast is the author of the Some Random Gal blog and is currently a student at Middle Tennessee State University. Check out her blog to learn about college & life lessons through her eyes.

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Is Volunteering At A Hospital Worth It? (Major Pros & Cons)

You’re looking to give time back to your community and help others. But with so many options, what’s the best way?

Is volunteering at a hospital worth it?

Hospital volunteering is definitely worth it if you’re interested in healthcare careers. Doing so will help give you a clearer idea of what the roles of physicians, nurses and other clinical and administrative staff are like. But hospital volunteering isn’t great for everyone. Depending on your circumstances, there could be better ways to give back.

We’ll go deeper in this article.

Here’s what else you’ll learn:

• Who hospital volunteering is best for (and who it isn’t)
• What the pros and cons are
• If it helps with future opportunities
• What other people say about hospital volunteering
• How to get started

As a med student who understands the value of hospital volunteering, I know how important answering each of these questions can be.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go.

Pros and Cons of volunteering at a hospital

Obviously each of these benefits and drawbacks depends on the volunteering role itself. Some programs offer exceptional support, training and opportunity to develop new skills. Others aren’t so “hands on” and supportive.

The benefits you get from hospital volunteering are mainly down to what you make of it. Approach the role with professionalism and enthusiasm, and good things could come your way.

But there’s no promise!

You can’t expect that every program will give you clinical experience, help you learn new things or able you to “meaningfully” give back.

So it pays to think about the question first before applying and wasting your ( and volunteer departments ) time and effort.

Who is hospital volunteering best for?

Hospital volunteering can be great for people looking to learn more about healthcare and the day-to-day activities of nurses, physicians, medical assistants etc.

For those people, a low-level commitment (just a couple hours per week) is a good trade-off for gaining better insight into what life is like working at a hospital or clinic.

Especially when you consider the cost of medical education and how much could be wasted making the wrong decision!

Suddenly not getting paid doesn’t seem so much of a con.

Here’s who else hospital volunteering can be suitable for:

• People with a flexible schedule : who can work around other commitments
• Retirees looking to make friends/learn new skills : most programs offer training/orientation
• High school students, teens or pre-meds : looking to work out if working in healthcare could be for them
• General public looking to give back : helping support patient care can be very rewarding

On the flip side, hospital volunteering might not be a good idea if you’re broke, put-off by the hospital/clinical environment or have zero interest in helping sick individuals or their families. Or if you’re particularly squeamish .

In that case you’re much better off doing something else!

Does volunteering at a hospital look good?

Volunteering work is essential in helping put together a competitive med school (or similar) application. Hospital-based volunteering even more so, given the clinical setting.

Related : Do Medical Schools Actually Verify Activities? (7 Important Answers)

For those not interested in med it can still look great. Especially to potential employers who see you’re willing to offer up your time, learn new things and take on responsibilities.

How good it looks obviously depends on how well you’re able to explain or write about your volunteer experience in cover letters or interviews. Hitting on the benefits above (responsibility, training, commitment etc.) can really help with that.

If you’re going for a job in healthcare (pharmacy tech, EMT, phlebetomy etc) it can be a massive help. It’ll show:

• Familiarity with a hospital environment
• Experience dealing with patients
• Proven capabilities being part of a healthcare team
• Professionalism and compliance

The list goes on…

One thing that can help your hospital volunteering look even better for these roles (especially if it was a clerical/administrative role and not overly focused on patients) is networking .

Getting to know physicians, nurses, pharmacists etc. can be extremely valuable in gaining other, career-relevant experience. Especially in things like shadowing and research .

It also helps in getting those letters of recommendation (LOR’s).

How much do hospital volunteers get paid?

Most volunteer programs are unpaid. It’s very rare to find a paying gig given the number of people who are willing to give up their time for free.

A definite con if you’re experiencing financial issues.

Even if hospital volunteering can be a stepping-stone to paid clinical/health work further down the line.

Are hospital volunteers annoying?

Due to its link into full-time education or work, hospital volunteers can sometimes seem annoying.

Compared to volunteers committing their time purely for altruistic purposes (to help the community/patients etc.), students doing it solely for recommendations or to “tick a box” can seem irritating.

As can people who don’t apply themselves in the role, only causing more work for others in having to be managed, trained etc.

Here’s how best to not be annoying:

• Use your iniative: apply your skills, don’t wait to be asked
• Be positive: don’t complain about being there just to “meet a prerequisite”
• Show up and meet the commitment: don’t waste people’s time
• Don’t expect anything: just because you volunteered doesn’t mean the hospital (or its staff) owes you anything

Being a volunteer involves just as much of a commitment for a hospital to you (training, support etc.) as it does you for them.

Don’t take the opportunity for granted.

Volunteering at a hospital: Reddit’s opinion

Having discussed the finer points of whether hospital volunteering might be worth it, let’s take a look at what actual volunteers have to say.

Reddit is always a good place to head to get honest, unbiased opinions.

Hospital volunteering isn’t as meaningful as actually working in the field (especially with a certificate/degree), but it has value. ferdous12345 ADMITTED-MD/PhD

I had 750+ hours (and a sweet pin) at my main hospital when I applied and that was viewed as significant. I was actually a bit sad to leave when I started medical school. sopernova23 RESIDENT

I really love my hospital volunteering position. Yes, some of the work might be “cookie cutter,” but at the end of the day, I get to be apart of someone’s experience. I get to have the opportunity to make someone feel like a person who is valued, even if just for a few minutes sjm880

I volunteered at a hospital and after a while they asked me to train other volunteers as the lead volunteer in my department. Good leadership opportunity in addition to clinical experience. navcmb MS2

My hospital volunteering experiences provided  really, really  important patient interaction stories in my interviews. Really glad I did it. TomRiddle__ MS2

The consensus is overwhelming. Hospital volunteering is definitely worth it if healthcare (and helping others) is something you’re interested in!

How to make the most of hospital volunteering

If you’ve read this article and think this is something for you, here are a couple of tips that can help:

• Try and volunteer in ER (or other clinical wards) if you’re a pre-med : the extra experience can help!
• Come up with ideas/events to help those around you : to help make others’ jobs easier (ask for permission first)
• Put people’s needs first : you’re there to serve others (not the other way around)
• Take the time to engage patients, staff and those around you : there’s no knowing where these interactions can lead
• Don’t let one experience dictate your general view : your volunteer program might not be ideal but it’s important to remain open-minded!

That last point is particularly important.

Not all hospital volunteering jobs will be exciting or interesting. But it’s important not to judge an entire industry (or several careers) based off one experience.

Hospital volunteer jobs

Finally, how do you find these volunteer programs?

The best way is to look for hospitals/clinics in your area and read about the volunteer programs they offer. Then check you fit the eligibility (they’re not open for everyone) and fill out an application.

Click here to see opportunities near you.

Hospital volunteering can be a great way to give back, meet new people and learn new skills. But it’s not for everyone!

Hopefully this article has helped clear up who best can benefit and who else might be better off doing other things.

If you enjoyed this post, you might find the following articles useful:

• How To Volunteer At A Children’s Hospital (Explained For Beginners)

Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more .

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Volunteering Essay

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Disclaimer: This paper has been submitted by a student. This is not a sample of the work written by professional academic writers.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of StudySaurus.

Topic: From what frequent activity do you derive your joy? Why is this activity meaningful to you and how does it shape your perspective on life?

My Volunteer Experience

I personally enjoy helping people with other problem they have because I always try to picture myself in another person’s shoes. I don’t enjoy watching people suffer or being unable to do certain things because I feel that it is every human’s responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s day by just providing my assistance is very important to me because I can help bring ease to people. Volunteering to help others is where I derive my greatest joy from.

In the past few years, my volunteering experiences has allowed me to gain new perspectives on life. For example, when I volunteered at my local hospital, Nassau University Medical Center, in the summer of 2014, I was able to realize why I was such a valuable asset to a hospital as a volunteer. When I originally signed up to volunteer at the hospital, it was because I had to meet a service requirement for my school’s honor society, the Scholar Service Institute. However, after my first week of volunteering, I started to develop a love for helping people.

I realized that in the hospital, volunteers are very much needed because a hospital is a community of people working together to ensure the lives of hundreds of people. In that community of the working people, you have people such as pharmacists, who work hard to make sure that every patient gets their correct medication. However, for the pharmacists to deliver that medication to the different floors of the hospital is very time-consuming, but as a volunteer I was able to ease their job by delivering the medications to all the different floors of the hospital. Reflecting on this experience still brings me joy because I was able to help imperative people of a hospital efficiently get their job done and help patients get better with proper medication.

Another experience of volunteering is the bake sale my friends and I organized on Valentine’s Day of 2016 for Make-A-Wish foundation. We held a bake sale at the parish of our school, St. Mary’s Church. I feel that this experience was one of the most joyful volunteering experiences I was able to have. I felt that my friends and I could aid children of terminal diseases such as Lymphoma by helping them to experience some joy in their life. With the help of the funds of the $334 we raised at our bake sale, Make-A-Wish was able to grant the wishes of these ill children.

Whenever I volunteer, I never think of the personal benefits I will get. I always consider how others will benefit from my assistance. The pleasure of knowing that my assistance in the lives of others can make a difference is all the convincing I need to get out and volunteer.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, hospital volunteer opportunities for high school students: a guide.

Extracurriculars

Interested in pursuing a career in medicine? If you are, being a hospital volunteer in high school is a fantastic way to test out the profession. If you're not interested in pursuing a career in medicine but still want to volunteer, that's great too!

Being a hospital volunteer is very rewarding, but it's also a lot of hard work. How can you become a hospital volunteer? Why should you volunteer at a hospital? What are the main duties of a hospital volunteer? I'll answer these questions and more in this guide.

What Are the Major Duties of a Hospital Volunteer?

Hospitals often have specific "jobs" set aside for volunteers, and you can request your job preference. You likely will stick with that one job and won't rotate duties. When you begin, you'll have an orientation and be trained for your position which is why you most likely won't rotate.

Here are the main types of hospital volunteer opportunities for high school students:

• Greeter/Concierge/Information Desk/Customer Service: Greet patients and visitors to the hospital and help them find their destinations.
• Clerical Assistant: Assist with filing, typing, and answering phones.
• Mail/Magazine Cart/Flower/Balloon Delivery: Assist with sorting and delivering these items to patients.
• Dish Washer: Help clean dishes and utensils from patients and visitors.
• Patient Care Assistant: Assist patients to make them as comfortable as possible. For example, you might be getting extra pillows for patients or delivering meals.

For most hospitals, you'll be expected to commit to volunteering for at least 50 hours per year . Shifts are typically 4 hours (though this may vary by hospital). Expect to work once every other week (though, again, this may vary by hospital).

Depending on how many volunteers the hospital has you may or may not be working with other volunteers. If your hospital is low on volunteers, you'll likely be working alone. If your hospital has a lot of volunteers, you'll probably be working with other volunteers.

What Won't You Be Doing as a Hospital Volunteer?

As a volunteer, you won't be doing any actual medical procedures or advising patients. You'll simply be there to help with more basic tasks (such as delivering things and helping visitors and patients find their way around the hospital).

How Do You Find Hospital Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students?

To become a hospital volunteer, you should first conduct a quick Google Search for the hospitals in your area by searching, "[Town Name] Hospitals." After identifying your local hospitals, locate each hospital's volunteer program by Google searching, "[Hospital Name] volunteer." This should bring you to a page for the hospital's volunteer program.

If you're having trouble finding the information online, ask your high school guidance counselor for assistance. They likely can connect you with either the hospital or with another student who worked as a hospital volunteer (who can tell you how to apply).

Each hospital may have slightly different requirements to become a volunteer, but here are the most common requirements I've seen. To become a volunteer, all applicants (regardless of age) must:

• Submit an online application
• Do an interview with the volunteer manager
• Get a TB test (some also require a flu shot)
• Attend a volunteer orientation
• Complete all forms
• Submit to a background check
• Some hospitals also require you to pay for a volunteer uniform, which costs $15-30

For potential volunteers under 18, you may also have to:

• Be over age 15
• Secure parental consent to volunteer
• Submit a letter of recommendation from your high school guidance counselor, principal, or teacher
• Commit to completing 50 hours of volunteer work in a year.

If you're wondering why there are so many steps and requirements, it's because you'll essentially become an unpaid employee of the hospital. You'll be interacting with their patients, and they want to make sure you'll be a good representation of the hospital.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Hospital Volunteer in High School?

If you're interested in a career in medicine, being a hospital volunteer will give you a good idea of how working in a hospital will feel. However, it may not give you the best insight into your specific job of interest (i.e. doctor, nurse) since you're not going to be doing hands-on medical work. The most hands-on activities you'll likely be doing are helping patients find pillows to make them comfortable, turning the TV on for them, reading to them, or pushing them around in a wheelchair.

If you're interested in getting better insight into your specific job, you should consider job shadowing a doctor . You can also consider attending a summer medical program or doing a medical internship . However, you should know that you likely won't be able to get much hands-on medical experience until you're in college. Some high school summer medical programs offer some hands-on training, but it's rare.

While being a hospital volunteer is hard work, it has many benefits. You'll meet like-minded and generous people who are donating their time to help others. As I said before, while you may not get great insights into medicine, you'll get insight into the hospital environment and see if it's a place where you could potentially work down the road.

Volunteering at a hospital is also a great experience for your college applications, especially if you're interested in a career in medicine. Being a hospital volunteer shows colleges that you're serious about pursuing a career in medicine since you've already dedicated time to working in a hospital. Also, it's a free extracurricular experience that won't cost you anything other than time (and potentially the cost of a uniform or TB test).

Overall, volunteering at a hospital can be a great experience, and I'd recommend trying it if you're interested in a career in medicine or want to spend time helping others.

What's Next?

Interested in learning about other great extracurricular opportunities? Learn more about job shadowing , joining Model UN , and joining the high school newspaper .

Interested in learning about other medical experiences? Learn about 59 medical programs for high school students.

Learn how to write about extracurriculars for your college application!

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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Why I Want To Volunteer At Hospital (Essay Sample)

Why i want to volunteer at hospital.

Hospitals provide a very important service to any community. They help our friends, relatives, neighbors and ourselves regain our health. However, in most cases these facilities have huge challenges that impede them from executing their duties perfectly. Understaffing and underfinancing have been a thorn in the flesh for the management of these facilities. At times, I have been asking myself how I can help. Personally, I do not wish to be a medical professional but I have passion to help other people especially those hailing from different diseases. I therefore think am best suited to serve as a volunteer in these facilities. Since hospitals are underfunded, they trade off some important activities within its management to efficiently allocate their resources to the most critical functions. However, these overlooked functions play a critical role in provision of excellent service to patients and the community at large. My decision to help in a hospital is not solely a community service endeavor, but partly to gain practical experience in my professional field. Am not a health professional but a hospital would be a perfect place to serve as an information scientist seeking to restructure their antique record keeping practices and aligning them with the strategic goals of the facility.

My volunteer service would be best in the records keeping department. This way, I get to avoid encountering patients and professional medical practitioners in the wards and theatre rooms which I hate. I will also be offering my help in the critical department of record keeping which requires short apprenticeship to master. This department is also overlooked in funding thus it reduces the efficiency of record keeping and access. This department can at times be critical to profiling a patient and help doctors narrow on the most effective treatment upon scanning through his/her medical records. Thus, this is a very important department and often the records are poorly stored or indexed for access due to poor staffing and low budgets. A mistake in this department relatively wouldn’t be life threatening as opposed to being a direct involvement of handling the patients. However, I will help the professionals and patients store and fetch their medical records more efficiently to aid their treatment.

Secondly, the records keeping department can help me come up with a flexible schedule of visit that can be integrated in my daily schedule effortlessly. Since this department is a supportive branch of the hospital, the management agreed to very flexible working hours that are in line with my daily schedule. I visit the hospital when I do not have classes to dust the shelves and help rearrange the files more efficiently for easier access. Recently, the hospital agreed to my project to develop an application that can help manage the records digitally and help deploy and train the people in that department. Therefore, I continually collect data that is crucial to ensuring a robust system that is consistent to medical storage and access regulation to help migrate the hospital record department to the 21st century. I also get to apply the skill I learnt in class on software development and digital migration.

My main aim in this hospital is to leave an indelible positive mark whilst am a student. Upon completion of my project, I will have given back to the society while helping streamline operations of one of our most important facility in the community. if my vision for the record keeping department materializes then I would have contributed to my community in the best way I can. Though a hospital is not the best candidate to stretch my professional muscle, it is a perfect place to give a hand and help my community.

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Changing Lives: 10 Reasons to Volunteer at a Hospital

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Discover the fulfilling reasons to volunteer at a hospital. Gain valuable experience, contribute to patient care, and make a positive impact on the community. Build interpersonal skills, explore healthcare careers, and create meaningful connections with patients, families, and medical professionals. Join us in making a difference by dedicating your time and skills to support those in need.

Volunteering at a hospital is not only a noble endeavor, but it also offers a multitude of benefits for those who choose to dedicate their time and effort. Whether you are a student looking to gain practical experience or an individual seeking personal growth, there are numerous reasons why volunteering at a hospital can be a rewarding experience. From the chance to make a difference in someone’s life to acquiring valuable skills that will set you apart, the opportunities that await within the walls of a hospital are boundless. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of compassion, growth, and self-discovery, read on to discover the compelling reasons why volunteering at a hospital should be on your radar.

Introduction

Volunteering at a hospital is an exceptional way to make a difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable experiences and skills. It is a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of patients and support the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide quality care. Whether you are a student looking to explore a career in healthcare or someone seeking personal growth, volunteering at a hospital can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why volunteering at a hospital is a noble endeavor.

1. Making a Positive Impact

When you volunteer at a hospital, you have the chance to make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families. Your presence and assistance can bring comfort, joy, and support to those who need it most. By offering a helping hand, a listening ear, or a warm smile, you can brighten someone’s day and provide a sense of hope during challenging times.

2. Gaining Valuable Experience

Volunteering at a hospital offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the healthcare industry. You can observe medical professionals in action, learn about different healthcare roles, and develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare system. This experience can be particularly valuable if you are considering a future career in medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare field.

3. Developing Empathy and Compassion

Working with patients and witnessing their struggles can cultivate empathy and compassion within you. Volunteering at a hospital provides an opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. Through these interactions, you can develop a greater understanding of the human experience and enhance your ability to empathize with others.

4. Building Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in any healthcare setting. Volunteering at a hospital allows you to enhance your communication skills by interacting with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. You will learn how to convey information clearly, listen attentively, and adapt your communication style to different individuals and situations. These skills are not only valuable in healthcare but also in various aspects of life.

5. Exploring Different Healthcare Roles

Volunteering at a hospital exposes you to a wide range of healthcare roles. You can shadow doctors, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to gain insights into their daily responsibilities. This exposure can help you make informed decisions about pursuing a specific healthcare career path, as well as broaden your understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of healthcare.

6. Networking Opportunities

Volunteering at a hospital provides an excellent platform for networking. You will have the chance to meet and collaborate with healthcare professionals who share similar interests and goals. By building relationships within the healthcare community, you may gain access to mentorship opportunities, references for future endeavors, or even potential job openings.

7. Enhancing Personal Growth

Engaging in volunteer work at a hospital can contribute significantly to your personal growth. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone, face new situations, and overcome obstacles. By volunteering, you can develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that will benefit you throughout your personal and professional life.

8. Contributing to Research and Innovation

Hospitals often conduct research studies and clinical trials to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care. As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to contribute to these initiatives by assisting with data collection, patient recruitment, or administrative tasks. Your involvement can help drive innovation and ultimately lead to better healthcare outcomes for future patients.

9. Fostering a Sense of Gratitude

Volunteering at a hospital exposes you to the realities of illness, suffering, and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds you to appreciate your own health and the simple joys in life. Witnessing the strength and determination of patients can foster a deep sense of gratitude, encouraging you to cherish what you have and find fulfillment in helping others.

10. Creating Lasting Memories

Volunteering at a hospital creates lasting memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. The connections you make with patients, their families, and fellow volunteers can be incredibly rewarding. The gratitude and appreciation you receive in return for your time and efforts will leave a lasting imprint and remind you of the positive impact you have made in the lives of others.

Volunteering at a hospital is an enriching experience that offers numerous benefits. From making a positive impact on patients to gaining valuable skills and knowledge, the rewards of volunteering are boundless. By dedicating your time and energy to support healthcare professionals and patients, you can contribute to a better healthcare system and create a brighter future for those in need.

Reasons To Volunteer At A Hospital

Volunteering at a hospital allows individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. Through various activities such as providing companionship, running errands, or assisting with administrative tasks, volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the overall well-being of patients, offering comfort during their stay, and bringing smiles to their faces.

Furthermore, volunteering at a hospital provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insight into the healthcare industry. Whether aspiring to become a doctor, nurse, or healthcare administrator, volunteering in different departments can help individuals better understand the intricacies of the medical field, develop essential skills, and make informed career choices.

Moreover, volunteering at a hospital enables individuals to develop and strengthen their empathetic and compassionate nature. By witnessing the challenges faced by patients and their families firsthand, volunteers learn to be more understanding, patient, and supportive. These qualities not only enrich their personal lives but also extend to relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members.

Hospital environments are diverse and multidisciplinary, allowing volunteers to interact with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. These interactions provide valuable opportunities to enhance interpersonal and communication skills, as volunteers learn to adapt their communication style, build rapport, and collaborate effectively with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.

Volunteering at a hospital also offers volunteers a chance to take on leadership roles and responsibilities. With opportunities to lead projects, organize events, or coordinate community outreach programs, individuals can enhance their leadership abilities, decision-making skills, and project management capabilities. Such experiences can be valuable assets in future career roles or personal endeavors.

Aside from gaining experience in the healthcare industry, volunteering at a hospital exposes individuals to a wide range of career options and specializations. Whether working alongside physicians, nurses, therapists, or administrators, volunteers can learn about different professions, observe them in action, and make more informed choices about their own career paths.

Furthermore, volunteering at a hospital creates opportunities to connect with a diverse network of healthcare professionals. These connections can serve as mentors, guides, and references for future job opportunities or educational pursuits. Building a strong professional network within the healthcare field can prove invaluable when seeking guidance or exploring future career options.

In addition to benefiting the patients and hospital staff, volunteering at a hospital contributes to the personal growth and well-being of volunteers themselves. Engaging in selfless acts of service can boost self-esteem, promote a sense of fulfillment, and alleviate stress levels. Additionally, witnessing the resilience and strength of patients can inspire volunteers to appreciate life, develop a positive mindset, and prioritize their own mental health.

Overall, volunteering at a hospital offers numerous benefits, both professionally and personally. It provides a platform for individuals to give back to their community, gain valuable experiences, and develop essential skills that can positively impact their future careers and personal lives.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget about the needs of others. However, there are countless reasons why volunteering at a hospital can be a truly enriching and rewarding experience. From making a difference in someone’s life to gaining valuable skills, here are some compelling reasons to consider giving your time to a hospital:

Make a positive impact: Volunteering at a hospital allows you to directly contribute to the well-being of patients and their families. By offering support, comfort, and companionship, you have the power to make a positive impact on their lives during what might be a challenging and vulnerable time.

Gain a deeper understanding: Working closely with healthcare professionals, you have a unique opportunity to gain insight into the medical field. By observing doctors, nurses, and other staff members, you can develop a better understanding of various roles and responsibilities within a hospital setting, fostering personal and professional growth.

Develop new skills: Volunteering at a hospital exposes you to a wide range of experiences that can help you acquire and refine essential skills. From interpersonal communication and problem-solving to empathy and adaptability, these skills are not only valuable in a healthcare environment but also transferable to various aspects of life.

Expand your network: Hospitals are bustling hubs of activity, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and professions. By volunteering, you have the chance to connect with healthcare professionals, administrators, and fellow volunteers who share your passion for making a difference. Building a strong network can open doors to future opportunities and collaborations.

Enhance your resume: Volunteering at a hospital demonstrates your commitment to serving others and can boost your resume. It showcases qualities such as compassion, reliability, and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers in any field. Additionally, the skills and knowledge you gain through volunteering can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs or further education.

Experience personal growth: Volunteering at a hospital can be a transformative experience that helps you develop personally and emotionally. Interacting with patients and witnessing their resilience can provide a new perspective on life and gratitude for your own health. It can also cultivate qualities such as empathy, patience, and resilience that can positively impact your relationships and overall well-being.

Volunteering at a hospital offers an opportunity to step outside of our own world and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, gaining valuable skills, or experiencing personal growth, there are countless reasons why contributing your time to a hospital is both personally fulfilling and socially significant.

As we come to the end of this blog post, I hope that you have gained valuable insights into the reasons why volunteering at a hospital can be such a rewarding experience. From the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives to the chance to gain valuable skills and knowledge, there are numerous reasons why you should consider dedicating your time to this noble cause.

Firstly, volunteering at a hospital provides you with the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s spending time with patients who are feeling lonely or lending a helping hand to the medical staff, your presence can bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. By offering a listening ear or a warm smile, you can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that patients and their families often experience during their time at the hospital. Knowing that you have played a part in brightening someone’s day can be an incredibly fulfilling experience that will leave a lasting impression on both you and the people you interact with.

Secondly, volunteering at a hospital allows you to acquire a wide range of valuable skills and knowledge that can greatly benefit your personal and professional development. From developing strong communication and interpersonal skills to gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry, the experience you gain as a hospital volunteer can enhance your resume and open doors to future opportunities. Moreover, being exposed to different medical situations and working alongside healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights into potential career paths that you may not have considered before. Volunteering at a hospital is not only a way to give back to the community, but also an investment in your own personal growth.

Lastly, volunteering at a hospital offers a sense of fulfillment and purpose that few other activities can provide. Knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of others and making a difference in their lives can bring a sense of joy and satisfaction that is hard to match. Volunteering at a hospital can also help put your own life into perspective, reminding you of the importance of kindness, empathy, and gratitude. The connections you make with patients, their families, and the dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide care can leave a lasting impact on your own outlook on life.

In conclusion, volunteering at a hospital is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to make a meaningful impact, acquire valuable skills, and find a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Whether you have a passion for helping others, a desire to give back to your community, or simply want to explore a potential career in healthcare, volunteering at a hospital can be a transformative journey. So why wait? Take the leap and become a hospital volunteer today, and embark on a path filled with compassion, growth, and endless opportunities to make a difference.

Video Reasons To Volunteer At A Hospital

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Reasons To Volunteer At A Hospital:

1. What are the benefits of volunteering at a hospital?

Volunteering at a hospital offers numerous benefits both personally and professionally. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families. Additionally, volunteering allows individuals to gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting, which can be beneficial for those considering a career in medicine or related fields. It also provides an opportunity to develop and enhance important skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork.

2. Can volunteering at a hospital help me decide on a career in healthcare?

Absolutely! Volunteering at a hospital can be an excellent way to explore various healthcare professions and gain firsthand experience in a medical environment. By interacting with healthcare professionals, observing different departments, and assisting with patient care, volunteers can get a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of different roles. This experience can greatly assist individuals in determining if a career in healthcare is the right choice for them.

3. How can volunteering at a hospital improve my personal growth?

Volunteering at a hospital can contribute significantly to personal growth. It allows individuals to develop empathy and compassion by interacting with patients who may be facing challenging health conditions. Volunteers often learn to appreciate their own health and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles that others may be going through. Additionally, volunteering can help individuals build confidence, develop leadership skills, and foster a sense of fulfillment by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

4. Are there any networking opportunities available for volunteers at hospitals?

Absolutely! Volunteering at a hospital provides an excellent opportunity to network with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrators. Building relationships with these individuals can be invaluable when it comes to career development or seeking mentorship in the healthcare field. Volunteers often have the chance to attend special events, workshops, and seminars organized by the hospital, where they can interact with professionals and learn more about various healthcare careers.

5. How much time commitment is typically required as a hospital volunteer?

The time commitment required as a hospital volunteer can vary depending on individual preferences and the specific volunteer program. Hospitals typically offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate volunteers’ availability. Some volunteers choose to contribute a few hours each week, while others may dedicate more time. It is important to discuss your availability and preferences with the hospital’s volunteer coordinator to find a suitable arrangement that works for both parties.

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Is Volunteering at a hospital a good EC? ( UC's and Ivy Leagues)

<p>Hello all! I am a High School SOPHOMORE. I have just started volunteering at John Muir Medical Center ( major hospital in the Bay Area). I have calculated that by the first semester of Senior year, I will have 200+ volunteer hours there. I really want to pursue becoming a Doctor (plastic surgeon). Will this make me stand out on paper? Or is this just another EC that every applicant has?</p>

<p>P.S. I am going to write about my experience there and how it affected me personally in my essay. </p>

<p>Oh and here are my stats:</p>

<p>---------------Colleges----------------------

• UC Berkeley</p>

<li><p>UC Davis</p></li> <li><p>UC Irvine</p></li> <li><p>Stanford</p></li> <li><p>Brown (Possiblity)</p></li> <li><p>Harvard Univ.</p></li> </ol>

<p>-----Courses----------------------------- Algebra II/Trig English II- Pre-Honors Spanish II Orchestra (I’ve been doing it since 5th grade) Chemistry I World History AP</p>

<p>------Stats------------------------------- GPA: 3.86. (grr)</p>

<p>SAT: Haven’t taken it yet</p>

<p>Class Rank: As of freshman year: 54/594. (OUCH!)</p>

<p>------Extracurricular Activities-------------

• Orchestra (planning on doing it for all of high school which is 4 years)</p>

<li><p>Volunteer at hospital ( 200+ hours)</p></li> <li><p>President of the Asian Club</p></li> <li><p>CSF/HOSA</p></li> </ol>

<p>----------Expected course load for junior year---------------------- Honors Pre-Calculus Honors English III AP Biology AP US History AP Phychology Orchestra</p>

<h2>Possible GPA for Junior year: 4.86 (Considering I study)</h2>

<p>I am also doing the Princeton Review over the summer to get a great SAT score to compensate for my HORRIBLE GPA. Where did I mess up? What can I do to improve?</p>

<p>If you reply to this; ill chance you.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Honestly, 200+ hours of volunteering at a hospital is not that unique… Is there an activity that you really enjoy?</p>

<p>yeah 200 hours seems like a bit less to me.</p>

<p>People to People (student ambassadors)? Its when you go to places like ( Europe, Africa, Fiji etc etc.) And build houses, learn to live with the natives and learn about new cultures. Is that better? I plan on participating in People to People over the summer of Junior year.</p>

<p>Anywhere in the top 10% isn’t exactly horrible. But year, 200 isn’t that much. I have about 400 hours logged at a Veteran’s Hospital and I don’t think that’s enough. I really hope colleges notice it because it is the focus of my common app essay…</p>

<p>200 hours isn’t something everyone has so it will help. But not an incredible amount… For top schools, even the UCs, they want to see more than just hours piled up. NSM, an Ivy alum interviewer, about what constitutes impressive ECs. The post is at <a href=“ http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html[/url] ”> http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/210497-those-ecs-weak-so-what-s-good.html&lt;/a&gt ; The point is that its not just hours that count; top colleges want to see leadership or someone who really excels in their activity. </p>

<p>The great news for you is that in 10th grade you still have plenty of time to pursue your interests and really stand out. There are a pair articles about ECs that stand out and how to get them (same author, different examples) at [How</a> Could We Save This Ridiculously Overloaded Grind?](<a href=“ http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/09/12/case-study-how-could-we-save-this-ridiculously-overloaded-grind/]How ”> Case Study: How Could We Save This Ridiculously Overloaded Grind? - Cal Newport ) and at [How</a> to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work](<a href=“ http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/05/28/the-art-of-activity-innovation-how-to-be-impressive-without-an-impressive-amount-of-work/]How ”> The Art of Activity Innovation: How to Be Impressive Without an Impressive Amount of Work - Cal Newport ) I could think of a hundred things you can do with your interest in volunteering at the hospital to turn it from ho-hum to “wow, you did that?!!”</p>

<p>Admissions people like to see progress in ECs, so if you can go from a volunteer to some sort of hospital teen representative that’d be great. Also, just curious, how come Honors English III? Do you have AP English Lang or Lit offered as a junior? Most Honors classes don’t even count with an extra grade point if UC Doorways does not put a star next to them, so please doublecheck.</p>

<p>[University</a> of California Doorways Home](<a href=“ http://www.ucop.edu/doorways/]University ”> http://www.ucop.edu/doorways/ )</p>

<p>Sigh, this resume looks so Asian haha</p>

<p>ah. Thanks a lot guys.</p>

<p>Oh and its just Honors English III; we do not have AP English III unfortunately. On my course catalog it says: UC and CSU certified: English (FUlfills UC/CSU “b” requirement </p>

<p>just out of curiosity, may I ask how this looks Asian? =]</p>

<p>you should do people to people cause that’s a great EC, but please don’t write your college essays on it.</p>

<p>It’s kind of annoying with the progression thing, though. Where I volunteer, there is no possible way to ever move up unless you were payed or had college experience. I wish there was some way to let colleges know that.</p>

<p>That’s unfortunate D: In our local hospital, we have a “Medical Explorers” group where teenagers act as…something? I don’t volunteer at the hospital, but I do know that exists. Maybe you could start it up?</p>

<p>When I mean "Asian, I mean somewhat basic. I know that between sophomore and junior year, there’s usually a huge individualistic growth which will result in ECs that become more about you than what’s required to get into college, resulting in a more expanded app. But really, for UCs, just get the best GPA and SAT you can, and you can rest easy.</p>

<p>Edit: Also, that means it only qualifies as an a-g requirement, but not for an extra grade point. Sorry D:</p>

<p>This seems very cliche so in that way you won’t stand out. Volunteer work hours - everyone does them. Hospitals- extremely so. </p>

<p>Doing cliche volunteer work AND tracking and posting your hours AND writing about it too, makes you look like a grind who is just trying to game the selection system. Someone really committed to a cause, who is doing it for reasons such as authentic passion, isn’t logging and expecting credit for hours put in.</p>

<p>Hahaha, I remember back when I did things “just for apps” … naive days.</p>

<p>Anyway, it’ll just be “one more thing” on your apps. Nowhere near outstanding. I volunteer at the ValleyCare hospital and I know a few volunteering at Kaiser and John Muir. I heard you guys had an interning program and def a closer relationships to the nurses and doctors there. Take advantage of that and try to form connections over the next few years to make your hospital volunteering experiences “more than just volunteering.” It will definitely open up your eyes to the hospital life and will provide bulk to this EC</p>

<p>And lol. One more thing. Don’t presume you’re gonna write about this in your essay – after having finished apps, the majority of my experiences were of my Junior summer (when I interned at UC Berkeley) and really random experiences that I really never thought I would have written about (my APUSH paper, a minor writing competition). As for the med programs, I wrote about my dad’s hospital experience, my experience in the Stanford YLC for Asian Health (highly recommend this if you want to enter medical), and briefly about my hospital volunteering (as a last para to conclude how much I want to become a doctor).</p>

<p>Check out Johns Hopkins. Their premed program is terrific, top ranked medical school, world renown hospital, it has a lot of premed students like myself there :D</p>

<p>ECs aren’t about hours logged; they are about what you learned from them.</p>

Read thru the pair of links I posted earlier and you’ll get some ideas. It sounds like you’re waiting for someone to provide a path, at which point you’ll apply and hopefully be selected. The best ECs are ones where YOU take the initiative to create something, to do something new.</p>

<p>hahahaha so asian people to people you pay for right? yeah colleges dont want to know that your parents can pay your way to other countries. and i don’t know what your school does but 3.86 is not a “horrible” gpa.</p>

<p>I’ll think about my essay later; when I am actually applying. For now, I guess I need to focus and find a good EC activity.</p>

<p>And for my parents; a 3.86 is unacceptable.(Indian parents)</p>

<p>lol, yes its the People to People you pay for.</p>

<p>BUMP!</p>

<p>ideas for volunteering: check out this link to the prudential spirit of community award winner service activites: [Students</a> & Parents](<a href=“ http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc/14809?lp=14808]Students ”> http://spirit.prudential.com/view/page/soc/14809?lp=14808 )</p>

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College Volunteers

Welcome to our page all about our undergraduate volunteer experience.

The information below is intended for undergraduate students currently enrolled at The Ohio State University, who are at least 18 years old, and interested in volunteering at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Not a current Ohio State undergraduate student? View our general volunteering information and select a different category.

Informational Session on Tuesday, April 16 from 4-5pm

In this virtual Informational Session via Zoom we will share about our College Program, what volunteer opportunities are available, and the application process for this upcoming semester. In this session you will get to hear from current volunteers about their volunteering experience and you will have the opportunity to ask both staff and current volunteers any questions you have about the program.

Please make sure to register via Zoom to learn more about The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Volunteer College Program.

Register now

What makes you a good fit for our program

We are seeking student volunteers who are:

• Compassionate – whether you are interacting with a patient or visitor, they are likely feeling stressed or overwhelmed. The empathy and compassion you provide during even a brief interaction can go a long way.
• Reliable – our staff, patients and visitors count on your support!
• Driven – many of our roles function fairly independently. Volunteers who get the most out of their experience are the ones who take initiative.
• Extroverted – regardless of where you are placed, a large portion of your role will involve interacting with our patients and visitors, so you should feel comfortable striking up conversations with strangers.
• Service-oriented – with each task or interaction, you have the opportunity to positively impact someone’s experience here at the Medical Center.

Do you fit everything above, but haven’t turned 18 yet? Medical Center regulations require all volunteers must be at least 18 years old (by the date you submit your application). We hope you will apply for a future session.

What you can expect of the college volunteer experience

Who you will be interacting with as you volunteer, what you might be doing as part of your role, where you may be volunteering.

We place volunteers within University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, East Hospital, and several outpatient sites. As part of the activity selection process, you will be able to choose the location where you’ll be volunteering.

Please note The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute has a separate college volunteer program. ( Learn more about volunteering at The James ) Students may only apply to volunteer either with the Wexner Medical Center or The James in any given semester.

When you will be volunteering

Volunteers come in once a week, the same day and time each week, over the course of an entire session (semester). Each shift is between 2 and 4 hours long depending on your activity. Most shifts fall between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, but we do have some shifts that fall outside those hours.

How the process works

We will be accepting applications for new college volunteers two times this academic year — before the start of Autumn and Spring semesters. See the section below for important details related to our next application cycle and volunteering session.

The application window is typically open for a full week (see below for specific dates). We review all applications for completeness and eligibility. Applicants who meet all program requirements are then randomly assigned to a group for the scheduling process. When your group’s window for scheduling opens, you will be granted access to our system where you can select a volunteer activity from the remaining openings.

We have a limited number of available positions each semester, so not every applicant will receive a placement. The scheduling process will continue until all open positions for the semester are filled.

Who can apply

You are eligible to apply through our College Volunteer program if you are:

• A current Ohio State undergraduate student
• At least 18 years old
• All Spring Semester applicants will also be required to submit proof of having received an annual flu shot before the start of the volunteering session.

When and how you can apply

Here are important dates and guidelines for our updated application process:

Prepare to Apply – Essay Questions

This semester’s application includes two short essays (prompts listed below). We suggest you prepare your answers to these essays in a Word document so you can easily copy and paste your responses into your application and avoid getting timed out of the system. Here are the essay prompts:

• What strengths do you feel you would bring to volunteering and how will volunteering enrich your undergraduate experience?
• Please describe a time you went out of your way to help someone you didn’t know. Within your answer, explain how you demonstrated empathy and compassion to that person.
• Eligible applicants will be randomly assigned to scheduling groups, which means order of submission does NOT impact your chance of matching with a volunteer opportunity.
• Wednesday, July 31 through Friday, August 3  – All eligible applicants will receive an e-mail with their assigned scheduling group and detailed instructions. 
• After selecting a volunteer activity and shift, you will receive a confirmation email with details about scheduling yourself for an Orientation session and background check.
• Three orientation sessions will be offered during this week. All new volunteers will be required to select ONE to attend.
• All new volunteers will need to schedule a background check. These will take place inside the medical center and will take approximately one hour to complete. More information about scheduling an appointment will be provided after your volunteer schedule is confirmed.
• Many (but not all) of our volunteer activities require an additional training beyond general orientation. If you select an activity that requires a training, it will be held during this time frame on one of these two dates.
• Tuesday, September 3  – First day of Autumn Semester volunteering
• Tuesday, November 26  – Last day of Autumn Semester volunteering

If you have any questions, please contact: 

Volunteer Services [email protected] 614-293-3983

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It’s Life, by Maggie

blogging my journey from premed to md & all the little life things in between

40+ Clinical Volunteer Opportunities for Pre-Med Students That Will Set You Apart

February 11, 2024 · In: Application Advice , Pre-Med

Looking to stand out on your med school app? Clinical volunteer opportunities for pre-med students are one of the best ways to make a positive impression!

This post is all about clinical volunteer opportunities for medical school application.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure  here .

Clinical Volunteer Opportunities for Pre-Med Students

Getting hands-on clinical experience can be a major boost for your med school application . But it’s not just about ticking a box on your pre-med checklist as you aim to log in around 100 volunteer hours (this number varies from school to school). 

Your volunteering experiences are so valuable. It’s a time to witness the real-life challenges and rewards of patient care, build your skills, and demonstrate your dedication to the field. Plus, this opportunity gives you the chance to learn from experienced professionals while making a difference in the lives of patients who need it most.

I personally volunteered as a surgery waiting room attendant, helper for a disabled radiologist and at a pediatric information desk and they have all been such meaningful experiences for me! I was exposed to the hospital atmosphere, got more confident in the contact with patients and learned so much about day-to-day life in a clinical setting. On top, this helped me to strengthen my personal “why medicine” and collect various stories that I was later able to integrate into different essays for my medical school application. 

In my blog post AMCAS Work and Activities I show you how to add such volunteer experiences to your work and activity section as part of your primary application. 

For more in-depth support on all these nitty gritty steps throughout your application cycle (which can be so overwhelming, I know!) I created my signature online course Road to Acceptance where I guide you through the ENTIRE application process. So that you know exactly what needs to be done each step along the way in order to maximize your chances of acceptance. 

Are you ready to get started racking up those hours? Below, I’ve collected over 40 high-quality ideas for unique clinical volunteer opportunities for pre-med students. This list will help you discover incredible experiences that you’ll be excited to share on your med school application.

What exactly makes these opportunities “clinical” versus “non-clinical”?

Before we dive into the list of ideas, it’s important to know what I mean by “clinical volunteering.” These opportunities directly involve patient care and take place in a medical or healthcare environment. They provide you with an inside look at different medical specialties, expose you to various healthcare professionals, and give you a chance to interact with patients and their families. They offer a blend of education, observation, and, in some cases, hands-on involvement under supervision.

On the other hand, non-clinical volunteering doesn’t have to be related to medicine at all. For example, volunteering at an animal shelter, offering free tutoring sessions, or helping out at a soup kitchen. These activities can provide an enjoyable, much-needed break from studying. And while it’s not what we’ll be talking about here, they’re still a great way to show admissions committees that you’re more than just a pre-med student. 

3 Quick Tips Before You Start Searching for Volunteer Options

Tip 1: quality over quantity.

Admissions committees value the quality over the amount of your volunteer work! So, rather than a long list of short-lived volunteer placements, seek out long-term volunteering projects that showcase that you’re willing to dedicate your time and maintain a commitment. Also, make it a priority to only take opportunities that align with your interests and long-term career goals.

Tip 2: Have Patience But Keep Going!

Let’s be real; you might not always snag the first spot you apply for. Sometimes, the volunteer positions are already filled, or you might not meet all the organization’s requirements. Don’t let that stop you – just apply somewhere else. There are so many opportunities out there just waiting for you. Keep an open mind, and you’ll find something you truly enjoy!

Tip 3: Make Sure They’re Legit

If it’s not a well-known established organization, save yourself from headaches and don’t accept a volunteering position unless you verify its legitimacy and ethics. Look for proper insurance coverage and ask about any required training or certifications.

Tip 4: See if They Fit Into Your Schedule

Every volunteer position comes with a different set of hours. If you are already within your med school application cycle or have other responsibilities that take up a lot of your time (e.g. studying for higher grades, preparing for the MCAT, family responsibilities) make sure you find an opportunity that fits your timeline and schedule. 

If you are unsure about the upcoming tasks involved with your application to med school, I created a Free Timeline Overview to get full clarity on the dates and to-dos. This also includes a 12-month planner so you know exactly what you need to tackle each month. Enter your info below to download yours for free!

FREE Application Timeline Overview + 12-Month Planner

Applying to med school the upcoming cycle and you are slightly (or very very) overwhelmed with all the to-dos? Get full clarity on the timeline and know exactly what you need to tackle each month from now till acceptance!

Where can I find high-quality clinical volunteer opportunities?

Searching for volunteering opportunities can feel super overwhelming – you’re probably thinking, “Where do I even begin?” Lucky for you, I’ve put together this long list of ideas! 

On Campus 

• Start simple by setting up a meeting with your school’s pre-med or pre-health advisor. They usually have a list of volunteering options listed for your area. 
• Also, ask around to find out where everyone else is volunteering and see if your friends can offer you a lead or a contact person. 
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Boston University Office of Pre-Professional Advising
• Princeton’s Health Professions
• Swarthmore College

Websites That Match You With Volunteer Opportunities 

Check out these websites to help you find clinical volunteer opportunities. These platforms connect you with a wide range of options. You can easily discover volunteer openings from hospitals to community clinics.

• Volunteer Match 

Local Hospitals

If you’re eager to gain some real-world clinical experience, volunteering at your local hospital is a fantastic way to get started. Begin with online research to identify hospitals in your area and reach out to their volunteer services department either by phone or email.

• For example, on their website, the Johns Hopkins Pre-professional Advising Office has a section for Additional Research Opportunities that supplies a long list of opportunities. 
• Check out the National Association for Advisors of the Health Professions for summer opportunities

Also, tailor your choice of department or type of hospital to your career path.

• Emergency room
• Psychiatric hospital
• Children’s hospital
• VA hospital

Medical Clinics

Look for clinics that serve underserved or low-income populations. They often need volunteers to help provide healthcare to those who can’t afford it. This is a great opportunity to work with diverse patients and address healthcare disparities.

Start by reaching out to medical clinics in your area, particularly those associated with academic institutions. They may have dedicated programs for aspiring medical professionals; some even have summer volunteer programs specifically geared toward students.

Non-Profit Organizations

If you have a passion for medicine and humanitarian work, these programs could be your pathway to valuable clinical experience. Let’s take a look at some noteworthy non-profit organizations that you can consider.

• The American Red Cross offers a range of healthcare volunteer programs, from assisting with blood drives to supporting disaster response efforts, there are countless ways to get involved and contribute to their mission. Plus, it’s a chance to develop practical skills and expand your knowledge in the medical field.
• Doctors Without Borders operates in over 70 countries, delivering medical aid to populations in crisis. Their volunteer programs are especially sought after by healthcare professionals eager to work in challenging environments where their expertise can make a real impact.
• Direct Relief focuses on improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies by providing essential medical resources and care. They offer volunteer opportunities both domestically and globally, allowing individuals to participate in various medical missions and initiatives.
• Operation Smile is dedicated to providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries to children in need worldwide. This non-profit organization welcomes volunteers with medical and non-medical backgrounds, offering a chance to work alongside talented healthcare professionals and directly impact the lives of children. 
• Remote Area Medical organizes mobile pop-up clinics throughout the states where they welcome volunteers with open arms to support them in giving free quality healthcare to those in need.
• NAF (National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics) offers a range of volunteer opportunities in their clinic setting which can include welcoming patients, interpreting, helping them navigate throughout the clinic, patient registration and more. 

More worthwhile non-profits to look for volunteer opportunities

• The American Cancer Society
• National Alliance on Mental Illness – Be a HelpLine Volunteer
• Planned Parenthood
• American Public Health Association Internship
• The Trevor Project

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Volunteering in these places can give you a unique view of patient care and the challenges faced by older adults. You can assist with activities, provide companionship, or help with basic healthcare tasks while learning about geriatric medicine.

Volunteering in hospices lets you understand compassionate patient care and the challenges faced by those with terminal illnesses. It’s a valuable experience for anyone interested in palliative medicine.

Emergency Medical Services

Some cities have volunteer EMS organizations that respond to medical emergencies. If you’re interested in emergency medicine, you can join these programs to learn about pre-hospital care and emergency response.

Homeless Shelters

Volunteering at homeless shelters gives you insight into the healthcare challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. You can volunteer to help with the following tasks.

• Healthcare screenings
• Distribute medical supplies
• Participate in health education initiatives

Clinical Research Studies

Some studies need volunteers to participate in clinical interventions or assessments. While it’s not direct patient care, this experience gives you insight into research methodologies, patient interaction, and evidence-based medicine. Look into Clinical Trials.gov to find volunteer opportunities.

Medical Mission Trips

Certain organizations offer trips to developing countries, where you’ll provide medical care to underserved communities while experiencing different healthcare systems and cultures.

• Global Medical Brigades

Government Agencies

Did you know that government agencies can be a goldmine for finding top-notch clinical volunteering opportunities? Whether it’s with local health departments or community clinics, these agencies often offer a variety of internships in the summer. 

• CDC ( Center for Disease Control )
• ASPR ( Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response
• VA ( U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs )

One Last Thought on Clinical Volunteer Opportunities

As you decide on how you’ll get your volunteer hours, make sure you focus on making the most of your time. Clinical volunteering gets you out of the classroom and into the medical world – these opportunities help you develop your skills and show your dedication to a future in healthcare. Be selective and think long-term so you can boost your chances of success on your med school applications. You got this! You’re well on your way to becoming a compassionate and all-around phenomenal healthcare professional!

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