Volunteer opportunities at Pennsylvania Hospital
To join the Pennsylvania Hospital volunteer team, choose from the programs listed below.
People 18 and older can serve as volunteers at Pennsylvania Hospital in the following types of positions:
Patient and visitor services
- Information desks: Greet patients and visitors and provide information.
- Gift shop: Operate cash register, assist with sales . Requires any four-hour shift weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Admissions desk: Greet patients and families and assist staff with the admission process for patients. Requires any two to four-hour shift weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Patient care
- Volunteer patient representative: Welcome patients who have recently been admitted to the hospital , explain non-medical hospital services, and address their concerns. Requires any two to four-hour shift weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Bookmobile: Take library carts to patients' rooms, help them select reading materials, and organize the library. Requires any three-hour shift weekdays between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Some weekends are available.
- Paws for Pennsy animal-assisted therapy: Visit patients’ rooms with your certified pet. The pet must be certified by an official pet certification agency. Shifts are usually one to two hours during the day and can be on weekdays or weekends . When you are certified and ready to start, you will need to complete a Paws for Pennsy application to become a volunteer.
- Emergency Department: Assist emergency medical staff and patients by adding a personal touch. Act as the liaison for patients and families in the waiting room and between staff and patients. Provide comfort measures to patients such as water, juice, and blankets. Make telephone calls for patients and run errands. Help maintain personal presence for patients and their families during times of stress. This is a great opportunity for pre-med and post-baccalaureate students.
Non-patient services
- Clerical: For those who would like to volunteer in non-patient areas, there are many departments that need help with typing, database entry, computer work, filing, photocopying, answering phones, and running errands. Requires at least one two to four-hour shift weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The College/Premed Volunteer Program at Pennsylvania Hospital gives students who are 18 or older and interested in a career in healthcare experience and exposure to medicine and the healthcare delivery system at a world-renowned institution. The college volunteer program also features a mentorship opportunity for pre-health professionals that is completely student-run called Pre-Health Pals.
The Junior Volunteer Program at Pennsylvania Hospital provides students who are between the ages of 14 to 17 years old with career exposure to a variety of healthcare professions.
Each summer, the Volunteer Services Office at Pennsylvania Hospital (located at 800 Spruce Street Only) offers the Student Ambassador Program for students ages 14 to 17 years old. Teens who participate in The Junior Volunteer Program receive a behind-the-scenes look at healthcare careers. The program targets high school students who may be interested in pursuing a career in health care, but all students are invited to apply.
The 2026 program is now closed due to high demand and limited availability. Students interested in volunteering for Summer 2027 may apply beginning February 1, 2027. Additional information will be shared closer to February 1, 2027.