9 Best Hospital Volunteer Opportunities In Seattle! (2022)

Seattle has several state-of-the-art medical health and training centers.

Offering a chance to see the healthcare system from the inside out, volunteering at hospitals in the city can be a worthy endeavor.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best programs for Seattle residents and visitors, as well as several more for those located in nearby Washington State.

Hospital Volunteer Listings in Seattle

NamePostal CodePhoneWebsite
Seattle Children’s Hospital WA 98105206-987-2000seattlechildrens.org
Swedish Medical CenterWA 98109425-640-4341swedish.org
Virginia Mason Medical Center WA 98111206-583-6507virginiamason.org/volunteer-services
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance WA 98109206-606-7222seattlecca.org
University Of Washington Medical CenterWA 98195 206-598-3300uwmedicine.org/uw-medical-center
Northwest American Red CrossWA 98144206-323-2345redcross.org
Sea Mar Community Health WA 98108206-763-5277seamar.org
Providence Regional Medical CenterWA 98201425-261-2000 providence.org
Seattle/King County Clinic
WA 98109206-684-7345seattlecenter.org/skcclinic

Seattle Children’s Hospital Volunteers

The aim of Seattle Children’s Hospital is to give hope and care so that every child can enjoy a healthy and meaningful life.

Volunteers have been helping with those efforts since the hospital’s founding in 1907, working in over 70 areas of support.

Although the pandemic has put a hold on proceedings, usually you can apply either as an adult (must be at least 18 years old) or as a high school or youth service volunteer. Both groups are asked to contribute at least one weekly 3-hour shift, with adults committing a minimum of 100 hours of service and teen volunteers a minimum of 60 hours.

Volunteers can work across varying roles, including:

  • Clerical work
  • Family support
  • Patient and sibling support
  • Hospital support (primarily in the ER department)
  • Help with secretarial work and other tasks

The hospital also has a center in Bothell working with adults with autism that requires volunteers. See the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center Volunteers page for more info.

Check out the video below for more information on Seattle Children’s Hospital Volunteer group…

Details 


Swedish Medical Center

The largest nonprofit health provider in the Seattle metropolitan area is Swedish Medical Center. Hospital volunteer opportunities are available at all five of their individual campuses; Edmonds, Ballard, Cherry Hill, First Hill, and Issaquah.

Opportunities are available in the following areas:

  • Mammography
  • Surgery Waiting area
  • Emergency Room
  • Clinics (Birth & Gamily and Swedish Internal Medicine)
  • Cancer Resource Center
  • Admissions

There are also Junior Volunteer Programs available for those aged at least 14 years and able to commit one 4-hour shift each week for a quarter.

Check out the video below for a quick look at what you might expect volunteering at Swedish Medical Center…

Details 

  • Address: 510 Boren Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
  • Phone: 425-640-4341
  • Website: swedish.org

Virginia Mason Medical Center Volunteers

Virginia Mason Medical Center is a private, non-profit institution that’s home to a staff of 5,000.

More than 250 volunteers help out on a regular basis, committing to 4 hours of service per week for at least six months.

Volunteers are involved in:

  • Helping patients with issues outside of medical care
  • Helping out in the gift shop
  • Providing customer service and operational assistance
  • Working with the Virginia Mason administrative team

Volunteers must be 16 years old or older.

Here’s the introductory video to Virginia Mason’s volunteer program…

Details 


Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Volunteer Opportunities

SCAA is home to more than 200 caring volunteers who help provide 1600 hours plus of service annually.

Working with patients and families, volunteers play essential roles directing service and offering encouragement to patients and their families at difficult times.

Types of roles available include:

  • Airport transportation and assistance
  • Housing tours
  • Peer mentor support
  • Healing music
  • Retail support

Volunteers must be 18 years or older (21 years for some roles) and able to commit 3-6 months of consecutive service.

The video below provides a quick glimpse at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance…

Details


Volunteering at University of Washington Medical Center

Serving a five-state region, this 450-bed metropolitan teaching hospital allows you to learn new things.

While learning new skills, volunteers get to experience world-class healthcare in action. Working with patients also provides volunteers with the real satisfaction of helping others while also acquiring customer service and professional skills. 

UW divides its volunteer roles into the following groups:

  • Patient escorts
  • Retired adult volunteers
  • Summer teen program

There are also professional volunteering opportunities across nursing, specialist care areas, physical therapy, surgical services, outpatient clinics, and frontline customer service positions. Before being considered for future assignments, volunteers must first complete a one-month term (16 hours of duty) as a patient escort.

Take a look at the video below to see what UW medical center volunteers get up to…

Details 


Northwest American Red Cross

The Red Cross has relied on volunteers for more than a century to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to innumerable disasters. No other organization has a greater track record of successfully utilizing volunteer resources and expertise to keep people safe. Their Northwest chapter is just as reputable and important.

Volunteers aged 14 and up are urged to the chapter, which provides important possibilities for education, training, and community service, as part of their Youth Program. Undergraduate students can also join at their institution or university.

Here are the types of things Red Cross volunteers can expect to get involved with:

  • Patient escort
  • Welcoming patients and providing directions
  • Working at the registration table
  • Assisting in the dormitory

Shelter volunteers (helping support day-to-day activities) and licensed healthcare professionals are the two groups most request by the Northwest chapter.

Related: Is Red Cross Volunteering Good For Med School? (Explained!)

Details 

  • Address: 1900 25th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
  • Phone: 206-323-2345
  • Website: redcross.org

Sea Mar Community Health Centers Volunteers

Sea Mar Community Health Center is a community-based organization dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive health and human services, with a focus on Seattle and Washington State’s Latino population.

Sea Mar asks volunteers to commit to a minimum of 6 months of service, offering 4 hours of support each week.

Current opportunities exist in:

  • Medical interpretation
  • Research and administrative assistance
  • Community garden upkeep and maintenance
  • Patient services

A full list of available roles can be seen here.

Details 

  • Address: 1040 S. Henderson St. Seattle, WA 98108
  • Phone: 206-763-5277
  • Website: seamar.org

Providence Regional Medical Center Volunteer 

Providence Medical Center looks to volunteers to help in the gift shop with customer service, operational assistance (such as operating the cash register, pricing and stocking new merchandise), flower and gift orders, and more.

More than 800 individuals in over 80 departments contribute 87,000 hours of service across their health campuses.

Other existing roles include:

  • Assisting patients and staff as a liaison and ambassador
  • Greeting visitors and directing them to their designated area
  • Delivering flowers and greeting cards
  • Assisting with the assembly of packs, brochures, and materials 
  • Assisting clients with their shopping

You must be a high school senior over 18 for the Adult Volunteer program. For those aged 14, the Camp Prov program provides further opportunities.

The video below provides a little further insight into what Providence medical volunteers get up to…

Details 


Seattle/King County Clinic

The Seattle/King County joins health-care organizations, non profits, and volunteers from all around Washington State to create a massive free health clinic at Seattle Center.

The 4-day volunteer-run clinic offers free dentistry, vision, and medical services to everyone in the neighborhood who is unable to obtain or purchase healthcare.

Due to the pandemic, volunteers are currently participating in community vaccination efforts.

See the video below for more on Seattle/King County Clinic’s objectives…

Details 


Related Questions

Why Be A Hospital Volunteer In Seattle?

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 Seattle?

There are baby cuddler volunteer opportunities at the following organizations:

  • Swedish Medical Center
  • Seattle Children’s

You can find more information about both these hospitals (and their other volunteer programs) in the article above.

You’ll also need to match the eligibility criteria and undergo screening successfully before being accepted onto baby cuddler volunteer programs!

Who Are These Seattle Hospital Volunteer Opportunities For?

These opportunities are broad and open to people from all backgrounds.

Summer programs are generally for high schoolers looking to get a taste of healthcare fields while general volunteering positions are available to both students and professionals.

Check that you meet the criteria and eligibility for each opportunity first.


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