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.