General volunteering information
Learn about volunteer opportunities, time commitments, and more.
Penn Medicine offers a variety of volunteer roles for adults, teens, and college students. Volunteers can help with patient support, administrative tasks, and special programs like pet therapy, depending on the location.
Volunteer opportunities are managed independently at each location. Learn more by choosing a volunteer program near you:
No. Medical or clinical experience is not required for most volunteer roles at Penn Medicine.
Yes. New volunteers attend an orientation and receive training specific to their roles, ensuring they understand hospital policies and expectations.
Yes, however, the time commitment varies by location and program.
Volunteer opportunities often are designed to provide ongoing support to Penn Medicine’s operations. Generally, volunteers must commit to at least two shifts every month (at least 4 hours per shift). Many programs require at least one shift per week. Please check the time commitment with the program and role you are interested in.
All new volunteers at Penn Medicine must submit an application to the location where they are interested in volunteering. Volunteer applications and opportunities are managed independently at each location.
Individual volunteer services programs review applications. The review process can take up to 30 days depending on the number of submissions.
When the application review is complete, volunteer services will determine if the applicant is eligible for an in-person interview and contact the applicant to schedule a meeting.
Typically, the entire application process takes six to eight weeks.
New volunteers must also complete orientation.
Applicants must complete the following before volunteering:
- an application, which varies by volunteer location and program. The application may include a volunteer agreement, background check, health screening, immunization record, consent forms, acknowledgment of HIPAA minimum necessary criteria and responsibility, and letters of recommendation.
- an interview
- volunteer orientation and safety training
- annual flu shot
While there may be some opportunities to work with nurses and doctors in clinical settings, volunteer services does not facilitate internships, externships, clinical observation, or shadowing experiences.
Volunteer benefits
Explore the benefits you can expect when volunteering at Penn Medicine.
All volunteers can expect:
- a meaningful and enriching experience
- a chance to meet new people and make friends
- an opportunity to use your time, skills, and personal strengths to help others
- time to explore an interest in the medical field
- opportunities to build professional relationships or recommendation letters to support future career goals
Depending on the location where you are volunteering, you may receive:
- free parking or valet parking
- flexible scheduling options
- complimentary meal passes
- invitations to hospital picnics, holiday meals, and other volunteer recognition events
Volunteering is a great way to enhance your resume and to directly impact healthcare in your community. However, volunteering does not make it more likely that you will get a paid role at Penn Medicine. If you are interested in a job at Penn Medicine, please visit our careers site.
Volunteers are celebrated through annual appreciation events and are acknowledged for their contributions. Volunteers may also receive certificates of completion or letters of recommendation for their service.
We are grateful for our volunteers and the time and skills they devote to our programs and services. We do not provide financial compensation to volunteers, however, we recognize their efforts in other ways, including parking and meal perks, volunteer appreciation events, and more.
Current volunteers
Learn what is required for volunteers to stay active with their program.
All volunteers must complete an annual safety training and receive an annual flu shot.
To stay active, volunteers must also meet minimum hours requirements. Please check with your specific program about time commitments.
Volunteers must wear an ID badge while on duty.
We recommend wearing professional casual attire and comfortable shoes when you are volunteering.
Some attire requirements to keep in mind:
- Closed-toe shoes only
- No denim or shorts
- No sleeveless shirts
- No artificial nails in clinical assignment areas
- No excessive jewelry
Some volunteer assignments require a volunteer uniform. If you need a uniform for your role, you can purchase it through your specific program.
Penn Medicine’s hospitals and medical practices are tobacco-free environments. Smoking is not allowed on Penn Medicine properties.