There’s a heap of opportunities to become a hospital volunteer in Philadelphia.
From University-established programs to private healthcare auxiliaries, there’s a lot here for adults, teenagers, healthcare students, and anyone else interested in giving back to the local community.
Have a read over the following programs and find something that hopefully fits.
Before we get into the list of hospital volunteer programs in Philadelphia, make sure you check out the shadowing guide to the city of Philadelphia here.
List Of Opportunities For Medical/Hospital Volunteers In Philadelphia
Bryn Mawr Hospital Volunteers
More than 500 volunteers, from high school students to retirees, dedicate their time to the hospital community, providing care and support that is truly unique to Bryn Mawr Hospital.
The following volunteer opportunities are available:
- Pre-medicine/post-baccalaureate
- Shadowing
- High school programs
- Volunteer internships
Volunteers must commit to a weekly shift of four hours with a minimum of a six month stay.
DETAILS
- Name: Bryn Mawr Hospital
- Location: 130 South Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
- Phone: 484.337.3058
- Contact: bmhvolunteers@mlhs.org
- Website: https://www.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/bryn-mawr-hospital-foundation/volunteer-opportunities
Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia
Volunteers are an invaluable part of the Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. There are many opportunities to get involved at one of seven locations — and to meet people like yourself who want to help local families living with cancer.
Volunteer opportunities exist for those with special skills, company volunteer days, special projects and more.
DETAILS
- Name: Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia
- Location: The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland, 4100 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131
- Phone: 484.337.3058
- Contact: info@cancersupportphiladelphia.org
- Website: https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org/volunteer/
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Whether playing with children during waiting times, greeting visitors or helping families find their way in the halls, the volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) make a difference providing a special human connection that often eases the stress for patients and families going through difficult times.
CHOP Volunteers have an opportunity to be part of the Wawa Volunteer Services and the Gerald B. Schreiber Volunteer Pet Therapy program.
Volunteers must be willing to commit to a 3-4 hour weekly volunteer shift (the same time block on the same day each week) over a period of six months or longer.
DETAILS
- Name: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Location: 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Phone: 215-590-1000
- Website: https://www.chop.edu/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities
Cooper University Health Care Philadelphia – Einstein Healthcare Network Volunteers
Cooper University Hospital offers a number of volunteer opportunities for adults (age 18 or older) and student volunteers in Philadelphia via the Einstein Healthcare Network.
Einstein’s Volunteer Services Program offers a variety of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people who are ill. Last year, more than 500 people volunteered at Einstein, giving well over 100,000 hours of service!
Adult volunteer programs include:
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper
- Music
- Patient and Family Advisory Council
- Patient Care
- Patient Relations
- Pet Therapy
Student hospital volunteer opportunities include:
- Einstein Community Service Program
- Einstein Mentor Program
- Einstein Pre-Med Program
- School-to-Career Programs
- Shadowing Days and Tours
- Special Education Training Programs
While highschool students under 18 can also benefit from the summer educational volunteer programs.
See the website for more info.
DETAILS
- Name: Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia
- Location: 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141
- Contact: GoldbergE@einstein.edu
- Phone: 215-456-6059
- Website: https://www.einstein.edu/about/community/volunteer
Eagleville Hospital
Eagleville Hospital is a 305-bed, independent, non-profit addictions and behavioral health treatment and educational organization.
A great way to give to Eagleville is through donating your energy, your enthusiasm, and your compassion.
Volunteering is a vital thread of the Eagleville fabric. There are many ways you can get involved.
See website for more info.
DETAILS
- Name: Eagleville Hospital
- Location: 100 Eagleville Road, Eagleville, PA 19403
- Contact: Shannon.Jacobs@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 800-255-2019
- Website: https://www.eagleville.org/giving/volunteer/
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Volunteers play an important role in enhancing a variety of services for patients, caregivers, families and staff.
Fox Chase offers opportunities for men, women, students, former patients, family members, scientists and working professionals. Volunteers support colleagues in reducing the burden of cancer for our patients.
Each summer, Fox Chase welcomes 60-80 high school volunteers, ages 15-18, to experience healthcare from a new vantage point, and support several local high school CAPS programs during May and June of each year.
DETAILS
- Name: Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Location: 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- Contact: volunteerservices@fccc.edu
- Phone: 215-728-3105
- Website: https://www.foxchase.org/community/volunteering
Jefferson University Hospital Volunteer Services
Jefferson University Hospital Volunteers operate at various sites throughout the city.
Philadelphia-based hospital volunteer programs exist for:
- Adult volunteers
- High school (14 to 18 years)
- Independent placements
Most volunteers give an average of 3 to 4 hours per week; some give more. Most volunteer work takes place during the day but there are also a limited number of evening and weekend positions available.
DETAILS
- Name: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Location: Gibbon Building, Room 2180, 111 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Contact: tjuh-volunteers@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 215-955-6222
- Website: https://hospitals.jefferson.edu/departments-and-services/volunteer-services.html
Magee Rehabilitation Volunteers
Magee’s Volunteer Services Department (VSD) mission is to promote meaningful volunteerism through important work and common goals, which help increase patient satisfaction and support the strategic goals of Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
Volunteers are asked for a minimum commitment of six months or 100 hours of service.
DETAILS
- Name: Magee Main Hospital
- Location: 1513 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Contact: Shannon.Jacobs@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 215-587-3140
- Website: https://mageerehab.jeffersonhealth.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities are found in the Medical Center, Nursing Home Care Unit, and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.
The VA’s goal is to meet the needs of veterans while meeting your interests, skills, and talents as a volunteer. Opportunities are categorized in the following areas:
- Clinical
- Clerical
- Community
Minimum time commitment for adult volunteers is four (4) hours per week; for College students, three (3) hours per week, and for High School students, two (2) hours per week (afternoons only during the school year).
DETAILS
- Name: VA Medical Center
- Location: 3900 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Contact: vhaphivisn4voluntary@va.gov
- Phone: (215) 823-5868
- Website: https://www.philadelphia.va.gov/giving/assignments.asp
Penn Medicine Volunteer Programs
The people who volunteer at Pennsylvania Hospital are caring, dedicated and committed. Through their many meaningful activities, volunteers help further the objectives of the hospital and provide the best possible support and comfort for our patients, their families and visitors.
The following hospital volunteer programs are available:
- Adult volunteer (18 years and older)
- Premed volunteer
- Junior volunteer (at least 14 years)
Volunteers are expected to commit a minimum 50 hours of service (differs by program) and are expected to undergo screening checks and interviews. Roles are varied; including patient care, public/visitor services and non-patient/clerical.
Locations include Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia), Pennsylvania Hospital (800 Spruce Street Philadelphia) and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (51 N. 39th Street Philadelphia).
DETAILS
- Name: Penn Medicine
- Location: Several locations
- Phone: 215-829-5187
- Website: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/penn-medicine-locations/pennsylvania-hospital/volunteering
Puentes de Salud Health and Wellness Center Volunteers
Puentes de Salud attracts more than 500 active student and faculty volunteers from eleven colleges and universities throughout the Philadelphia region.
Their comprehensive strategy for improving the health of Philadelphia’s Latinx community draws on volunteers from many disciplines, including medicine, nursing, public health, law, education, and visual arts.
Clinical opportunities are available for undergraduate, post-bacc, graduate, medical and professional students.
DETAILS
- Name: Puentes de Salud Health and Wellness Center
- Location: 1700 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Contact: volunteer@puentesdesalud.org
- Phone: 215-893-2251
- Website: https://www.puentesdesalud.org/volunteer/
Redeemer Health Philadelphia Hospice Volunteers
Patient care volunteers provide emotional support and companionship to hospice patients and families during an often stressful time.
Volunteers make visits to homes, long-term care facilities and our in-patient hospice unit, and they provide the gift of presence.
Opportunities at various affiliated hospice centers throughout Philadelphia. See the website for more details.
DETAILS
- Name: Redeemer Health Philadelphia Hospice Volunteers
- Location: Several locations
- Contact: Ptatlonghari@holyredeemer.com
- Phone: 215-698-3737
- Website: https://www.redeemerhealth.org/volunteering/hospice-volunteers
Shriners Hospitals for Children Philadelphia Volunteers
At the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital, people from all walks of life share their time and talents to enrich the lives of others.
Whether working directly with patients or in an office setting, volunteers support Shriners Hospitals for Children in its mission to provide the highest quality of care to children with orthopaedic conditions and other complex surgical needs.
Hospital volunteers must be at least 18. Group volunteer opportunities also available.
DETAILS
- Name: Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia
- Location: 3551 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19140
- Contact: Volunteer_Phila@shrinenet.org
- Phone: 215-430-4031
- Website: https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/philadelphia/volunteer
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Whether you are a student, full-time mom, working professional, or retiree, there is a volunteer position that is right for you.
You can help greet visitors, deliver mail, knit hats for newborns, or read to patients. St. Christopher’s also offer unpaid training and education opportunities.
Volunteers work throughout the hospital. Some work with children and their families. Others work in departments that help support patient care behind the scenes. And with positions available on weekdays, evenings, and weekends, you can find a spot that fits your schedule.
Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.
DETAILS
- Name: St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
- Location: 160 East Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134-1095
- Contact: STCVolunteer@towerhealth.org
- Phone: 215-427-4671
- Website: https://towerhealth.org/locations/st-christophers-hospital-children/volunteering
Temple University Hospital Volunteers
The At Your Service Volunteer Intern Program at Temple University Hospital provides non-clinical learning opportunities to undergraduate students.
At least 4 hours of service a week on a consistent basis until you reach 75 hours is required. A consistent 75 hours of service is required for a letter of recommendation.
DETAILS
- Name: Temple University Hospital
- Location: 3401 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
- Phone: 215-707-5479
- Website: https://www.templehealth.org/locations/temple-university-hospital/about/volunteer-at-tuh
Related Questions
Why Be A Hospital Volunteer In Philadelphia?
Volunteering in hospitals and clinics can have a positive impact on the community.
The skills, connections, and friends you make in any of the roles above, are something that’ll stay with you for a long time.
The experience also looks great on applications for healthcare-related degrees and helps you impress any relevant admissions boards.
Can I Be A Baby Cuddler Volunteer In Philadelphia?
There are baby cuddler volunteer opportunities at the following organizations:
- Einstein Healthcare Network Volunteers
- Jefferson University Hospital Volunteer Services Cuddle Program
- Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia
You will have to match the eligibility criteria and undergo screening successfully before being accepted on to baby cuddler volunteer programs.
Who Are These Opportunities For?
These opportunities are broad and open to people from all backgrounds (unless otherwise stated).
Summer programs are generally for high schoolers looking to get a taste of healthcare fields while general volunteering positions are available to both students, professionals, and retirees.
Check that you meet the criteria and eligibility for each opportunity first before you spend your time applying.
If you enjoyed this article you may find the following interesting:
- Best Medical Schools In Philadelphia (Ultimate Guide)
- 9 Best Medical Schools In Pennsylvania (Everything You Need To Know)
Born and raised in the UK, Will went into medicine late (31) after a career in journalism. He’s into football (soccer), learned Spanish after 5 years in Spain, and has had his work published all over the web. Read more.