Becoming a Volunteer
Ways to help
Volunteers play an essential role in safe, quality patient care at Mass General Brigham. The history of volunteerism at Mass General Brigham goes back to our beginning, more than 200 years ago. Generations of individuals have made it their mission to contribute to our good work. Now it’s your turn.
Volunteer opportunities vary by hospital and site-specific opportunities will be discussed during your interview. Some of the ways you can help as a volunteer may include:
- Assisting with administrative work in the volunteer office
- Escorting discharged patients to the hospital exit
- Helping patients and families navigate our campuses
- Participating in certified pet therapy visits
- Providing families in waiting areas with updates on loved ones
- Assisting by serving meals to patients in various locations
- Visiting patients, providing companionship and conversation, and offering reading material and activity items
Volunteer opportunities for students
Some hospitals offer volunteer programs for high school, college, and post-baccalaureate students. Please view information below for site-specific details.
Please note: the Volunteer Services Department doesn’t oversee shadowing opportunities and placements.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteer applicants must fill out an application and complete an interview with the hospital they are interested in. They must also meet Occupational Health requirements and complete a Mass General Brigham-issued background check. These requirements will be discussed during the volunteer interview.
Occupational Health requirements include documentation of the following:
- MMR
- Varicella
- Flu Shot
- Tuberculosis (skin or blood) test within 90 days of their start date
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers many different service opportunities, including:
- General volunteering
- Medical Career Exploration Program (MCEP)
- Summer Program (HCEP)
- Pre-placed volunteer
Most volunteer positions require weekday and daytime availability. While we do have a few evening and weekend placements, these are extremely limited. Volunteers assist staff in many departments throughout the hospital, such as (but not limited to) Central Transport, Wayfinding, Book Cart, and assisting with non-clinical duties on inpatient floors.
Requirements for volunteers:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Commit to 3 to 4 hours weekly for a period of at least 6 months after completing an application process and mandatory volunteer orientation.
- Adhere to all hospital policies and procedures, including a professional dress code.
- Maintain patient confidentiality.
Rewards
In addition to the reward of aiding in the quality care to our patients, volunteers are eligible to receive $5 meal coupons during their shift, free flu shots during flu season, and are invited to attend annual volunteer recognition celebrations.
All volunteers are eligible for discounted MBTA Passes. For more information about the MBTA Passes, please reach out to bwhperks@partners.org.
Fill out the general volunteer online application and email Brigham Volunteer Services at bwhvcas@partners.org.
Include the following information in the email:
- Subject line: Interest in General Volunteering at BWH
- Your name
- Contact information (phone and email address)
- Preferred virtual orientation day (first Wednesday of each month). Please note you must select an orientation date at least 1 month in advance to account for time to go through the onboarding process.
- Brief description of volunteer interests
In response, you will receive an email confirming that you have been scheduled for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation of your choice and next steps related to onboarding.
At this time, you will also be added to our onboarding system called Beeline. The email you receive from Volunteer Services (bwhvcas@partners.org) will contain all the information you will need as you go through the onboarding process.
New Volunteer Orientation mirrors that of New Employee Orientation, with the exception of benefit information.
Orientations are typically held virtually the first Wednesday of the month, with a few exceptions. Please the list below and decide which interview cycle/orientation you’d like to attend and indicate that in your initial email to bwhvcas@mgb.org.
- There is an initial virtual interview and then an orientation. Below are the interview/orientation cycles to choose from.
Virtual Orientation
- August 11–16 // Wednesday, September 3
- September 8–12 // Wednesday, October 1
- October 6–10 // Wednesday, November 5
- November 10–14 // Wednesday, December 3
- No January virtual or orientation
- January 5–9 // Wednesday, February 4
- February 2–6 // Wednesday, March 4
As you submit the application materials, please keep in mind: the deadline for each orientation is almost 2 months in advance to allow time to get each applicant cleared. Also, all TB tests must be completed within 90 days of the orientation date, not the deadline date. Please plan accordingly.
Also, please be sure to sign up for the General Volunteer Virtual Interview prior to submitting your applications materials.
Attend the virtual orientation that you registered for with the volunteer coordinator.
You will receive a reminder email prior to the orientation with the link to the session. If you’re no longer able to attend the session, please respond to the email to cancel your spot.
Some volunteers may not be cleared in the onboarding system by their orientation date as it can take up to 2 months to complete. You must be fully cleared by Occupational Health Services and have an ID badge before you start volunteering.
Once you receive an email from Mass General Brigham stating that you have been cleared to begin volunteering, forward this to the volunteer program and training coordinator to schedule your in-person interview.
During your interview, you decide on a department placement that suits your availability as well as fulfills the needs of the hospital at that time. Your skillset and interests will be considered as much as possible. You also receive your ID badge and volunteer jacket at your interview.
After you’ve been connected with your department supervisor and have established a schedule and start date with them, you’re set to begin volunteering!
Brigham and Women's Medical Career Exploration Volunteer Program (MCEP) is designed to give undergraduate college students an opportunity to gain experience in a prestigious Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital.
The experience can help them make informed career or educational decisions while also availing them of the opportunity to give back to the community. The program features a rotation of assignments that builds experience and culminates in a letter of recommendation from the Volunteer Services Department.
MCEP eligibility criteria
All participants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a local academic institution as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or rising senior (until July in between junior and senior year), or currently enrolled as a full-time post-bacc student at a local academic institution as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or rising senior (until July in between junior and senior year), or currently enrolled as a full-time post-bacc student at a local academic institution. No exceptions will be made to these parameters.
- Must be able to commit to a minimum of 12 months to complete the required 140 hours of volunteer service to the hospital. Please note that you can take breaks from the program during school vacations, study abroad, or if your semester is too busy to adhere to the commitment of the program (Ex: During summer break, you can take a leave of absence and rejoin the program in the fall). This is a long-term commitment. You will not be able to complete the program during school breaks alone.
- Must have the flexibility to work weekday daytime hours: For example: 8: a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and/or 2 to 5 p.m.
To request more information and/or to inquire about program requirements, send an email to bwhvcas@partners.org with “MCEP” in the subject line.
Those enrolled in the MCEP are expected to make a minimum commitment of 12 months and 140 hours (60 hours of ambassador service and 80 hours in a department role) to volunteering at the hospital.
Phase 1
Central transport ambassador (15 hours)
Patient access ambassador (30 hours)
WayFinder ambassador (15 hours)
As an ambassador in the Patient Access Services department, MCEP volunteers gain hands-on exposure to the patient, visitor, and family member experience. Stationed at the main information desk, main duties include greeting patients, answering basic questions, and escorting visitors to sites throughout the hospital. Bilingual skills are very helpful.
As an Ambassador in the Central Transport department, MCEP volunteers serve as transport assistants, learning behind-the-scenes hospital operations. This is achieved through the transport of patients, specimens, equipment and packages to all ambulatory, lab, and inpatient units.
Phase 2
Department placement (80 hours)
This phase of the Brigham pre-medical volunteer experience involves experiences which help students gain confidence in their communication and caring skills, while providing a better understanding of a specific clinical environment in the hospital.
This experience opens up opportunities to interact with patients, families and clinical staff such as nurses, technicians, patient care assistants and potentially physicians.
MCEP resources
- MCEP Orientation Schedule
- MCEP Getting Started
Please contact Volunteer Services at BWH to request more information and/or to enquire about program requirements by sending an email to bwhvcas@partners.org with MCEP in the subject line.
Questions to ask yourself before you apply to MCEP
- Have I carefully and realistically considered my schedule to make sure that I am able to commit to a weekly volunteer time for a minimum of 1 year and 140 hours?
- Am I comfortable in a clinical environment where I will see adults who are sick or in pain and families under stress?
- Will I be able to treat my commitment to volunteer similarly to the seriousness with which I treat work or school obligations?
- Am I comfortable submitting personal (professional and/or academic) references and having a background check?
- Am I willing and able to maintain professional boundaries with patients and families?
MCEP application process
To get started, please complete the online application by the deadline indicated in the MCEP orientation schedule.
Once that is complete, please email bwhvcas@partners.org for more information regarding onboarding and getting signed up for orientation.
Attending MCEP Orientation
- Please be sure to only attend if you have received an email that you were accepted into the program.
- Please be sure to be punctual to orientation; if you’re late you will not be permitted to stay.
As you submit the application materials, please keep in mind the deadline for each orientation is almost 2 months in advance to allow time to get each applicant cleared. Also, All TB tests must be completed within 90 days of the orientation date, not the deadline date. Please plan accordingly.
MCEP Orientation is held monthly and generally 2 to 3 hours in length. It’s necessary to attend the entire orientation in order to get all the information to be successful in the MCEP. If you can’t attend the orientation date and time, or if you do not plan to start the program right away, please do not apply. You can always apply for a future month.
Orientation is similar to the New Employee Orientation with the exception of benefit information. In addition, participants receive specific training, information, and direction that will enable you to be successful in the program.
If accepted into the MCEP, you receive an email with information regarding the MCEP Orientation after the deadline. Please don’t attend orientation if you haven’t received this email.
Upcoming MCEP orientation dates
Applicants must register for orientation at least a month in advance to ensure onboarding is completed. Once you fill out the MCEP Application, please email bwhvcas@partners.org for more information on how to register for your desired orientation date.
The MCEP orientation will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on the following dates unless otherwise specified:
- *No July 2026 orientation
- Thursday, August 27, 2026
- Thursday, Sept 17, 2026
- Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Thursday, November 19, 2026
- *No December 2026 orientation
The 2026 HCEP application is now closed.
Outside of HCEP, we require our volunteers to commit one shift per week for at least 6 months. If you’re able to commit to volunteering longer than just the summer, please reach out to bwhvcas@partners.org.
HCEP is an in-person, immersive experience designed for high school students with an interest in a career in healthcare. Featuring guest speakers from various areas of the hospital each week, HCEP is meant to give participants an exploratory glimpse and well-rounded perspective of careers in a healthcare setting.
We encourage students to apply who are not yet certain about their future college majors, who may have felt discouraged from a career in healthcare, who may not know all the roles or responsibilities in a hospital environment.
The program will be 7 weeks in length, featuring guest speakers from various areas of the hospital each week, as well as the opportunity to complete one 3-hour volunteer shift per week (can choose from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Friday). HCEP is meant to give participants an exploratory glimpse and well-rounded perspective of careers in a healthcare setting.
Pre-placed volunteer is a volunteer who has already established a relationship with a department and attained a volunteer placement prior to attending New Volunteer Orientation.
A pre-placed volunteer needs to obtain written confirmation from the Brigham department supervisor to submit to the Volunteer Program and training coordinator (Amy Almeida) prior to being registered for orientation.
The message to the Volunteer Program and Training Coordinator should include the following information:
- A description of the duties the volunteer will be performing
- Volunteer's weekly schedule (days and hours-should be no more than 10 hours per week)
- Volunteer's start date and an end date
All other instructions for getting started are the same as for general volunteers. Pre-placed volunteers must be fully cleared by OHS and have their ID badge prior to starting their volunteer role. Departments should consider that it can take up to 2 months to get fully onboarded and they must follow all protocols prior to bringing on a volunteer for any reason.
Mailing Address
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Volunteer Services
Human Resources
One Brigham Circle, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02115
Directions to Brigham and Women's Volunteer Services Office
Volunteer Services is located at One Brigham Circle (OBC) 1620 Tremont Street, 4th Floor Boston, MA 02120. Enter the building from ground level and walk straight ahead through the door labeled Brigham and Women’s Hospital to the Security Guard. Let Security know you are here for the Office for Sponsored Staff or Volunteer Services. Take the elevator to the 4th floor. Take a right out of the elevator, and two rights down the hallway. Turn Left after the Women’s Restroom and walk to the first door, stop and call 617-732-5998.
Staff contact information
General volunteer queries:
bwhvcas@partners.org
Amy Almeida
Volunteer Program & Training Coordinator
aalmeida6@mgb.org
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Whether you’re employed or retired, a student at least 16 years old or an adult, or evaluating career options, there are opportunities available to you through our Volunteer Services Program.
Examples of volunteer assignments include:
- Companionship with inpatients
- Wayfinding throughout the hospital for patients and visitors
- Family surgical waiting area and admitting area desk support
Level of commitment
Volunteers are asked to commit to volunteering for at least 3 to 6 months after successfully completing the onboarding.
Apply
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
There are many volunteer opportunities across the hospital:
- Information Desk greeters
- Gift Shop retail experts
- Office assistants
- Therapy Dog Program volunteers (Bright-spot certified only)
- The Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Cooley Dickinson Hospital
- Emergency Department
- Surgical Day Care/Endoscopy
- Mobility Aides
- Patient units
- Rehabilitation Aides (Atwood, Hatfield, Hadley and Southampton sites)
Apply to volunteer at the Cooley Dickinson Hospice Shop
Apply to volunteer with the Journey Home Singers
Apply to volunteer with the Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice
Level of commitment
We request a minimum commitment of 60 hours over 6 months. Exceptions may be made for students or with the permission of the department.
Volunteer application
To help us best utilize your time and skills, please complete the application. You must be at least 15 years old to apply for the high school volunteer program.
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
We welcome year-round and shoulder season volunteers to apply anytime. Due to overwhelming interest, applications limited to the Summer of 2026 (mid-June through the end of August) are now closed.
If you’re available to volunteer through the summer into the fall, or you would like to volunteer on a year-round basis, please complete an application.
We create a schedule around the hours you are available. Your time commitment could range between 4 hours once a week to every day. There are positions which are more flexible than others. Special events are usually a 1-day commitment.
Apply
Please complete our online volunteer registration form.
What’s next? Now that you’ve applied to volunteer, we will acknowledge receipt of the application with a follow-up email. Once we review the application we may contact you to schedule an interview.
If you’re looking to assist in an area not mentioned on this list, please reach out and we will do our best to place you in an area that will enhance the experience of our patients and visitors while being a rewarding experience for you.
Transport and escort
There is a great need for volunteers in this service position.
Be another friendly face as people enter the main entrance of the hospital. Assist patients to safely get to their appointment within the hospital either by walking with them or by assisting with wheelchair transport. We train you to operate a wheelchair and help you learn the different offices and services where a patient or visitor may be going within the building. This is a physical service position as you will be walking around the hospital throughout your time here.
We are working to fill shifts Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, and noon to 3 p.m., or a variation of these hours.
Lab
Greet patients as they arrive for lab work and function as a liaison between them and the lab technicians. Monday to Friday morning hours anytime between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
General hospital volunteer
We’re bringing back a traditional role that was once referred to as a “candy striper.” Volunteers visit selected patients’ rooms and offer reading materials, crossword puzzles, and a friendly visit. Flexible hours during visitation hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Materials management
While the staff is out making deliveries throughout the hospital, the materials management department is grateful for a volunteer to be on hand to welcome UPS and FedEx.
Communications department
Want to help us spread the word about the different things happening within our hospital? We’re looking for volunteers who like to write, shoot video, or take photographs, contribute to social media, and update our website.
Floater
Not ready to commit to a set time but want to help? Occasionally, the need for temporary assistance comes up in an area where we don’t usually place a volunteer. We would like to be able to call on volunteers when this need arises.
Special events and fundraising
Fundraising is an integral part of fulfilling the financial needs of our hospital. We host special events throughout the year and could use your help. You can volunteer for one day and one event or assist us at multiple events.
Shadowing
There are a limited number of positions available to shadow our doctors. Please complete an application and we will do our best to match you with one of our talented doctors. For summer volunteers, we request that in addition to a day of shadowing, you volunteer as a general hospital volunteer.
Cafeteria
Our cafeteria feeds all our admitted patients, residents of Windemere, hospital staff, visitors here for appointments, and, in addition, members from the community who come for a good, reasonably priced meal. If you are interested in food service or just want to help in this fast-paced environment, please apply.
Mass Eye and Ear
Our volunteer program runs 7 days a week, days and evenings. You can select the time and day that works best for you.
We seek individuals who are 16 years of age and older and who can give at least 3 consecutive hours of service 1 day a week for a minimum of 4 months. The number of hours served weekly changes, depending on the volunteer role or program. Our adult and student programs offer a variety of opportunities and time commitments to match your interest.
The first step to become a volunteer is to choose a program and complete the application. Applicants must meet all program requirements to apply.
Volunteers work in a variety of areas, including:
- Specimen transport and patient escort
- Surgical Center
- Surgical Chart Room
- Family Waiting Room
- Adult Inpatient Unit
- Pediatric Inpatient Unit and Child Life Program
Locations
The Volunteer Department works to match interested volunteers with appropriate and compatible assignments at the main campus at 243 Charles Street and our location at 800 Huntington Avenue. Learn more about specific opportunities.
Contact
For general volunteer questions, contact us by phone at 617-573-3164 or email us at mvmeesmb@meei.harvard.edu.
This is the perfect program for working adults, retirees, or any adult looking for a unique experience in a hospital setting. Adults over the age of 18 may submit an application 15 to 30 days prior to their start date. You can apply any time of the year.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must volunteer a minimum of 4 months after training.
- Must be available to volunteer at least once a week for 3 to 5 hours.
- Weekends or evening opportunities are very limited, and typically not available.
Please note:
- Assignments or times may vary based on availability.
- The number of shifts available vary based on the needs of the hospital.
- The start and end date is subject to change based on requirements and training dates.
- View the regular adult application form.
The Clinical Exploratory Program (CEP) offers a holistic volunteer experience to undergraduate college students. The CEP has a 10-month commitment. It’s divided into two experiences, followed by a final clinical experience.
Goals
- To serve our community of patients, families, and visitors
- To educate students about working in a hospital
- To provide an experience that helps student volunteers decide about their careers
Patient-centered experience (20 Weeks)
Volunteers are assigned to the specimen transport/front greeter role. This role teaches them how to interact with patients more effectively. Volunteers also learn about the geography of Mass Eye and Ear. If this role is not available, the manager decides what placement is appropriate based on availability and patient needs.
Unit-focused experience (20 Weeks)
Volunteers are assigned to a role in an outpatient or inpatient unit, allowing them to see a different side of the hospital. Placements are based on availability and current needs.
Clinical experience
Volunteers end the program by choosing a final experience, such as:
- Shadowing an anesthesiologist or other doctor (may include observing the Operating Room (OR))
- Observing at one of our labs or in the OR
- Shadowing in Eye Pathology
Placements are based on seniority, scheduling, and availability.
Requirements
- Must be a full-time student in a health care career path.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must volunteer during the school year, not solely during breaks.
- Must complete at least 10 months of volunteering (40 weeks total).
- Weekends or evenings are very limited, and typically not available.
Please note:
- The order of assignments may vary based on availability.
- The start and end date is subject to change based on requirements and training dates.
Application
The CEP doesn’t follow specific application periods, dates, or deadlines. If you can meet all of the requirements, you can apply any time of the year. Please submit the application below. We will contact you within the next 3 to 5 business days of receiving your application.
This program offers a holistic experience to out-of-state undergraduate student volunteers. Exceptions to local students can be made. It’s divided into two summers and two winters (about 30 weeks total) followed by a final clinical experience. Applicants must meet all requirements.
Summers: Most colleges offer their summer breaks between early-to-mid-May to the day after Labor Day, in early September. Applicants should be able to complete 11 to 12 weeks during the summer.
Winters: Typically, winter breaks take place mid-December to mid- January. Applicants can complete 3 to 4 weeks during the winter.
Clinical experience
Volunteers end the program by choosing a final experience, such as:
- Shadowing an anesthesiologist or other doctor (may include observing the Operating Room (OR))
- Observing at one of our labs or in the OR
- Shadowing in Eye Pathology
- Placements will be based on seniority, scheduling and availability.
Application period: March 1 to April 30
Requirements
- Must be a full-time student in a health care career path.
- Must attend an out-of-state college (exceptions for local students can be made case-by-case).
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must volunteer for two summers and two winters consecutively.
- Must start the program in the summer (exceptions to start in the winter can be made case-by-case).
- Must complete at least 30 weeks of volunteering.
- Must be available to volunteer twice a week for shifts 3 to 5 hours long.
Please note:
- Weekends or evening opportunities are very limited, and typically not available.
- Assignments may vary based on availability.
- Number of shifts available will vary based on the needs of the hospital.
- The start and end date is subject to change based on requirements and training dates.
How to apply
Please complete this application form if you are interested.
Contact
Please email mvmeesmb@meei.harvard.edu for more information. Include your contact information, telephone number and your summer break start and end dates. We will get back to you promptly.
To volunteer in June and July only, you must complete at least 7 weeks out of 8 by the end of July. If your last day of school is later than June 17, you may have to choose Summer Session 2.
Please complete this application form if you’re interested in our High School Summer Session I Program at Mass Eye and Ear.
Please remember that you must be 16 or 17 years old by June 1st to participate. Once you complete the form, click the "Submit" button at the bottom.
Requirements
- Prospects can only participate in one session per year.
- Prospects must meet our minimum time requirement to apply.
- Prospects will be contacted for an in-person interview within a week of receiving applications.
Completion of this application does not guarantee you a volunteer position. Please email us if you have any questions regarding this process.
Please find further details about this program under “What is the process for underage volunteers?” Please choose between sessions 1 and 2.
We offer a summer program for high school students between June and August. It’s 8 consecutive weeks long, offered in two sessions:
- Summer Session I (June-July)
- Summer Session II (July-August)
Underage volunteers can only volunteer during weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a maximum of 2 shifts per week. Each shift is 4 to 5 hours long.
High school volunteers are placed in areas with direct adult supervision and high patient or staff interaction. Our goal is to provide a great learning experience with opportunity for personal growth.
In cases where underage prospects have more flexibility, the requirements and policies remain the same but the opportunity expands to all year long. This allows college students under 18 years old to volunteer during their spring and fall semesters.
Massachusetts General Hospital
For adult applicants (18 or older), please complete the online application and orientation and schedule an in-person interview with one of our staff.
High school students who are interested in volunteering at Mass General can learn more about our Junior Volunteer Program below and by calling 617-726-8540.
Our Fall Mass General Volunteer Program application will open on the first Monday of August at 4 p.m.
We welcome any 16- and 17-year-olds in the Greater Boston area to apply. No prior volunteer experience required.
If you have any questions, please email our office at mghjrprogram@partners.org.
Volunteer Department
Gray/Bigelow Basement
Suite 015
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
- Email: mghvolunteer@partners.org
- Phone: 617-726-8540
- Fax: 617-726-4434
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Directions
Take the "B" elevators (across from Coffee Central) to the Basement Level elevator lobby.
Volunteer department staff
- Jacqueline Nolan, Program Director
- Joyce Miller, Information Desks Manager
- Amina Belcadi, Volunteer Coordinator
- Xiujuan Lu, Staff Assistant II
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Join the NCH Volunteer Team and make a difference in our patients’ experiences.
Volunteer tasks may include:
- Directing patients on where to check in/check out
- Escorting patients to and from waiting area to appointment rooms
- Assisting patients with wheelchairs
- Picking up or dropping off specimens to lab
- Bringing food/beverage to patients after procedures
- Coordinating with nursing staff and front desk staff to enhance patients’ experience
Requirements:
- Must be 16 years of age on your start date
- Must be able to abide by all NCH policies
- Must be able to commit to 4-hours per week
- Willingness to work as part of a team
Flexible schedules are available.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please complete the volunteer application form and email it to rgordon10@mgb.org or drop it off at the hospital’s front desk for Human Resources.
For more information, please call 508-825-8251.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
We welcome all volunteers and currently have volunteers from age 15 to over the age of 90. They include students, retirees, people with full-time careers, vocational work groups, and others who choose to spend their extra time serving their community.
Please see below for more information about the different volunteer programs at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Instructions on how to schedule an interview will be emailed to applicants upon submission of their application.
Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application and not currently enrolled in undergraduate studies.
Volunteers are expected to make a weekly commitment of 2 to 4 hours per week, which is the equivalent to a minimum commitment of 100 hours per year. Applications are accepted year-round.
Availability of positions may be variable. Late afternoon (after 4pm), evening and weekend positions are very limited. College volunteers must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and commit to volunteering weekly (2 to 4 hours per week) for a minimum of 2 full semesters, which is the equivalent of 50 hours per year.
Applications are accepted from August – February.
Apply for the College Volunteer Program. Once the application is submitted, you will receive an automated email with instructions about scheduling a 30-minute Teams interview.
This program is designed for college students who attend school outside of the greater Boston area and will be local for the summer. (Students who attend college locally are welcome to apply for the summer program if they also commit to volunteering during the school year as well).
Volunteers must commit to 1 to 2 volunteer shifts per week for the duration of their summer break. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from March to mid-April, or until the program is full.
High school students (age 15+ or older at the time of application) are welcome to apply for our High School Academic Year Volunteer Program.
Volunteers are expected to make a weekly commitment of 2 to 4 hours per week during the school year. This is equivalent to a total minimum commitment of 50 hours during the school year.
Applications for the academic year program open in August and will remain open until all spots are full.
To apply, complete this application and also print and complete this Minor Authorization to Volunteer form. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an automated email with the instructions on how to schedule an interview. If the program is full at the time the application is submitted, applicants will receive instructions on how to join the wait list.
High school students (age 15 or older at the time of application) are welcome to apply for our High School Summer Volunteer Program.
Requirements
Students must commit to volunteering for 7 out of the 8 weeks.
- One week off is allowed during the program. We are unfortunately unable to accommodate any exceptions to this requirement.
In-person volunteer placement
- Students are assigned to one clinical and one non-clinical assignment or two non-clinical assignments.
- 2 shifts per week. The total time requirement is approximately 4 to 8 hours per week.
Attendance is required for at least 3 of the 6 career explorations/medical innovation sessions (to be held in a hybrid model)
- Students can pick any three that interest them or work best with their schedule. Students are welcome to attend more than 3 if they would like. There will be a total of 6 sessions held.
- Attendance at a mandatory Welcome Session prior to prior to program start.
- Dates are discussed during the volunteer interview.
- A summer celebration event takes place near the end of the program.
Apply for the High School Summer Volunteer Program.
Applications for the summer program open the third Tuesday of February. Apply for the High School Summer Volunteer Program.
Volunteers work with us in nearly every area of the hospital. We depend on our volunteers to provide the high-quality care our community deserves.
You may choose to serve patients and their families in inpatient or outpatient areas, assist our support services staff members, or provide administrative support.
The following are examples of the many hospital areas, programs, and roles where you can volunteer your time. They may not be reflective of current availability for volunteer placement.
- Ambassador
- Ambulatory clinics
- Cafeteria
- Cancer Center
- Environmental Services
- Gift Shop
- Maternity Services
- Nutrition and Food Services
- Office settings
- Patient escort
- Patient units
- Pediatrics (for students going into the field of Child Life and need to complete their required volunteer hours– spots are limited)
- Pet Therapy *(Certification required)
- Radiology
- Receiving / Storeroom / Mailroom
- Reiki *(Level 2 certification required)
- Sterile Processing
- Surgical liaison
- Transport Services
Salem Hospital
Program requirements include:
- Volunteers must be at least 15 years old to apply.
- There’s a minimum commitment of 6 months from our volunteers.
- Volunteers have a weekly assignment and their shifts are anywhere from 2 to 4 hours long, depending on availability.
- We do our best to match volunteers' interests with the assignments we have available and what is currently needed for our program. There are no options to do clinical work with patients or observe clinicians as your primary role. This program is only for volunteers who want to volunteer their time in one of our approved assignments.
It can take several weeks to complete the onboarding process, which includes onboarding paperwork, a background check, and immunization requirements.
We provide:
- A supportive environment to volunteer your time in
- Weekly communications via a volunteer newsletter
- Training and resources for your assignment
- Discounts at the cafeteria and gift shop
- Events to socialize with other volunteers and to acknowledge appreciation of your service
- Exposure to behind the scenes and operations of a hospital setting
- Emergency Department (ED): A fast-paced role providing directions and restocking inventory
- Transport assistant: Helps patients get to appointments via wheelchair; potential for stretcher and discharge training
- Eucharistic Minister: Provides spiritual support and the Eucharist to Catholic patients
- Patient visitor: Ideal for mature, independent volunteers who are comfortable offering companionship at the bedside.
- Endoscopy volunteer: Welcoming patients at the Mass General Hospital/Salem entrance and helping with room turnover/supplies
- Operational and facilities support
- Cafeteria aide: Keeps the dining area clean and welcoming for staff and families.
- Administrative support: A flexible, "as-needed" clerical role for those looking for office-based tasks.
- Public-facing and retail support
- Gift shop volunteer: Perfect for those who enjoy customer service and light inventory work.
- Escort greeter: These volunteers are stationed throughout the hospital to help patients find their way.
- Specialized roles (requirements apply)
- Reiki Volunteer: Must be Level II Reiki certified
- Pet therapy: Must have a certified therapy dog from an accredited organization.
- Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) member: Must be a former/current patient to apply
Please reach out if you have a special skill or talent that you think could be utilized as a volunteer and is not listed here, such as playing an instrument!
The first step is to fill out an application.
Once a volunteer services staff member reviews the application, they will reach out to schedule an interview with you if your interests, skills, and availability match with open positions that we may have.
Once approved to be onboarded to the program, volunteers must complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and submit all required Occupational Health documentation.
Spaulding Rehabilitation
Getting started as a new Spaulding Rehabilitation volunteer is a step-by-step process designed to ensure volunteers are oriented to our network, the hospital, and Volunteer Department policies.
Complete an application
- The first step is to complete an application and provide references. We request a 3-to-6-month minimum commitment to our volunteer program.
- Spaulding Volunteer Application
- Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers Volunteer Application
We have an opportunity to speak one-on-one regarding your interest in volunteering. We discuss the opportunities available at our locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Sandwich that match your skills and the days and hours you’re willing to serve.
If we feel we have an opportunity that matches your skills, preferences, and availability, you’ll continue the clearance process. After you receive Occupational Health and CORI clearance, we provide a hospital volunteer orientation session containing details about fire safety, patient confidentiality and hospital safety, while serving as a volunteer.
Each service placement has specific training and supervision. In most cases, you will “shadow” an experienced volunteer for a period of time.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Volunteers play an important role in providing the additional support that makes Wentworth-Douglass warm and inviting for patients and families. Our goal is to assist you in finding a volunteer placement you will enjoy.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please email Dale Roemer at dsroemer@mgb.org.
Volunteering at our Charity Classic or Seacoast Cancer 5K are great ways to give back to our community. There are a variety of volunteer roles that help make these fun and successful events.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact us at foundation@wdhospital.org or 603-740-2687.