College Volunteer Opportunities

• Sessions run parallel to traditional school semesters. College Volunteers serve once a week for a 3-hour shift, are expected to complete a minimum of 12 weeks of service each for both Fall & Spring semesters, and are required to maintain excellent attendance. Summer Session, in general, will run 12-13 weeks between May and August based on your school’s semesters.
• Missing more than 3 weeks of service per semester is grounds for dismissal from the program.

College students (undergraduates) must adhere to the following application schedule:

                  * We will work with you regarding Health Clearance Requirements

What makes a good volunteer?

A good volunteer has a friendly, customer-focused attitude and excellent communication skills. In addition to those qualities, Penn Medicine Princeton Health is looking for mature individuals who are responsible, dependable, passionate, and committed! Candidates with a willingness to serve, a professional demeanor, and a positive attitude toward staff, patients, and visitors make great volunteers. Medical or clinical experience is not required.

What opportunities are available to college volunteers?

We will discuss your interests and goals during the interview process. Placements are based on organizational needs and the qualifications, skills, background, and availability of each individual volunteer. Many college volunteers are assigned to a patient care area where they converse with patients, answer call bells, stock supplies, etc. Non-patient care areas also utilize volunteers and can offer an array of real-life professional skills. We encourage students with various interests in healthcare to apply.

Shadowing or observation opportunities are not available.

What is the process for volunteering?

The volunteer selection and placement process is designed to keep our patients, caregivers, staff, and volunteers safe while providing you with a meaningful, rewarding, and enriching experience. Due to the volume of applications received, Volunteer Services may not contact all applicants. Placement is not guaranteed.

Carefully review the following steps before applying:

• Step 1: Complete an online application
• Step 2: Complete General Volunteer Safety Orientation and additional forms and requirements, including a Health Clearance Form
  • Health Clearance includes: Vaccines: COVID, Flu (seasonal), tdap, HepB series; Bloodwork for: MMR, Varicella, TB
    • If your insurance does not cover vaccines/bloodwork, please contact Volunteer Services. Penn Medicine Princeton Health canNOT reimburse for any insurance/lab fees.
• Step 3: Once Steps 1-2 are complete (by deadline), Volunteer Services will contact you to schedule an Interview/Placement Assessment  
• Step 4: Pass a criminal background check (paid for by PMPH)
• Step 5: Hands-on assignment training
• Step 6: Welcome aboard!

For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 609.853.6010 or email us at volunteer@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.