Volunteering in a Hospital

Volunteering will help you evaluate your decision to pursue a health career and give you a feel for the workplace environment and the role of health professionals.

Learn about the types of positions and application process, then click on the tabs below to explore volunteering opportunities in Twin Cities-area hospitals.   

Volunteering can give you an idea of the skills and personal qualities needed to be successful in the field and a chance to see how you "measure up". In other words, during or after your volunteer experience, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you really enjoy working in this field?
• What do you have to offer the profession?
• Where might you need additional work and skill development?

Volunteering in health settings also offers you the chance to demonstrate your maturity and commitment to a future in health care. Evaluations from your supervisors will provide information about your interpersonal skills, ability to communicate, knowledge and compassion for people.

Hospitals can provide key experience if you are considering a health profession that is primarily a clinical role. 

Types of Positions

Volunteering positions can vary greatly within any hospital, so if you have a specific interest, search their website or talk to the volunteer coordinator to find out what any requirements might be. Additionally, volunteering in a hospital can also require a time-commitment from you as a student, which can be a number of months.

Application Process

The application process for a hospital volunteering position can take a number of weeks (or longer). Plan on filling out an application, getting required immunizations, possibly letters of recommendation, and submitting any other required documents. You will need to attend an orientation and set-up your schedule with your supervisor. Often, there is a volunteer coordinator on staff at the hospital who assists in facilitating the application and orientation processes.

The Twin Cities

The Twin Cities metro area has an amazing array of hospitals from which to choose your volunteering experience. Many have a volunteer coordinator on staff to manage their volunteers. Click on the tabs below to explore hospitals in the Twin Cities-area and navigate to their volunteer page to see opportunities available.

You can also use the Metro Transit Trip Planner to see which hospitals are accessible to you via public transportation.