Become a Volunteer - Duke University Hospital

Note: We are currently reviewing the applicants who have expressed interest in volunteering with Duke University Hospital and Duke University Hospital based clinics.

If you are interested in the adult community or college student volunteer program and you have not already filled out an interest survey, please complete the new volunteer interest survey form below.

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Duke Health volunteers are a vital part of the health care we provide to the more than half a million patients who visit us each year. Our adult community volunteers at Duke University Hospital provide exceptional care and understanding by taking the time to give patients and their families the extra help and the listening ear they need.

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age and not enrolled as an undergraduate student.
• Adhere to Duke University Policies and Procedures.
• Flu (Seasonal) and COVID-19 full vaccination and booster required (exemptions may be filed).
• Commitment for one year (2-4 hours per week, depending on program).
• Completion of the application process, including references, background screening, and health clearance.
• Completion of mandatory hospital and department orientation/training.

Become a Volunteer

At this time, Duke Health is unable to onboard new volunteers for Duke University Hospital or Duke University Hospital based clinics. If you are interested in the adult community volunteer program, please complete a volunteer interest survey.

Please note: You will be contacted once a decision has been made to onboard new volunteers. We ask that you complete the volunteer interest survey only once. If you previously completed this survey, you do not need to complete it again. Please continue to check for updates.

Volunteer Opportunities

To learn more about Duke University Hospital's available volunteer opportunities, browse the Duke University Hospital Directory.

Note: At this time, we are only reviewing Duke University students who have expressed interest in volunteering with Duke University Hospital and Duke University Hospital based clinics for the College Student Program starting Fall 2022. 

If you are interested in the adult community or college student volunteer program and you have not already filled out an interest survey, please complete the volunteer interest survey form below.   

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Duke University Hospital is pleased to offer a volunteer program for college students. Although the program is designed to meet core competencies for students considering a career in health professions, volunteering is open to all majors.

Volunteer programs at Duke University Hospital do not provide clinical or shadowing experience. They do, however, provide opportunities for patient and family engagement in a hospital or clinic setting.

Volunteer Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Adhere to Duke University Policies and Procedures.
• Flu (Seasonal) and COVID-19 full vaccination + booster required (exemptions may be filed). 
• Completion of the application process, including references, background screening, and health clearance. Note: Please review the health screening requirements below.
• Completion of mandatory hospital and department orientation/training.
• The expected volunteer commitment is a minimum of 2 academic semesters.
• Weekly volunteer attendance of a minimum of 2 to 4 hours per week is required based on the department’s scheduling needs. These will be noted in the position descriptions.

Please note: Once assigned, these programs will be counting on your assistance. Your academic advisor may request attendance information at any time. Excessive absences may be cause for dismissal from the volunteer program.

Health Clearance Requirements

To be accepted into the College Student Program, please make sure that you meet the following immunization requirements:

• 1 dose of Tdap within the last 10 years
• 2 doses of  MMR or a positive antibody titer
• 2 doses of Varicella or a positive antibody titer
• If you have not had TB testing in the US in the past 6 months from the application date, TB testing is required. 
  • IGRA blood tests (QuantiFERON-TB Gold or T-spots) or ppd skin tests are accepted. 
  • All IGRA tests must include the lab report.  
  • All ppd skin tests must include date placed, date read, result in mm, interpretation, and signature and credentials of the person reading the test. 
  • PPD skin tests must be read within 48-72 hours of placement.
• A complete WHO (World Health Organization) approved COVID-19 vaccine series plus a booster dose, per CDC time guidelines.
  • Exemptions/Deferral - Those seeking approval for medical or religious exemptions or pregnancy deferral should email immunizations@duke.edu to request an exemption form. Students who already have an exemption on file, do not need to send another form.
• 2022/2023 flu vaccine once it is available. There will be campus flu shot clinics offered by Duke Student Health across the Duke University campus for Duke Students and across Duke University Hospital for all volunteers in September.

Health Screening Process for Duke Students 

Please note: Failure to complete any of the steps below may impact your volunteer placement. If you are missing any of the above immunizations, please obtain them before submitting your Request for a Health Clearance (Step 3).

Note: Duke University Hospital is not accepting applicants for the junior volunteer program for summer 2022. More information about when the junior volunteer program will resume will be provided at the beginning of 2023.

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The Junior Volunteer program allows high school students (ages 16-17) to volunteer at Duke University Hospital. Please note that students must be 16 years old by June 15 of the program start year. Details regarding the Junior Volunteer Program for summer 2022 will be announced late February 2022.

Program Information

Would you like a rewarding summer experience as a volunteer in a fast-paced medical center or clinic setting? If you are 16 to 17 years of age and are interested in serving and helping others within a hospital, the Junior Volunteer Program is a wonderful program to consider.

Maturity, compassion, and commitment to serve others are some of the characteristics we seek in our high school volunteer program. As junior volunteers assist and engage with our patients and visitors, they learn valuable lessons that they will use throughout their adult lives. This program is only offered during the summer months.

Locations

Junior volunteers provide service to patients and families at Duke University Hospital, 2310 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC  27710.

Roles and Expectations

• The Junior Volunteer Summer Session is from mid-June to early August. Shift hours vary by volunteer program.
• Volunteering may include but not be limited to: providing directions to patients and families, serving in the gift shops, and helping ease wait times for families in waiting areas by providing a friendly, warm, and welcoming presence.
• Junior volunteers are expected to behave in a professional and mature manner at all times.
• Junior volunteers may not leave the hospital campus for any reason during their volunteer shift without parental permission.

Volunteer Requirements

• Applicants must be 15-17 years old (students must be 16 years old by June 15 of the program start year).
• COVID-19 full vaccination and booster required (exemptions may be filed)
• Each junior volunteer must commit for a minimum of 7 of the 8 weeks during the summer with a minimum of 12 hours per week and no more than 24 hours per week.

Become a Volunteer

At this time, for the summer of 2022, Duke University Hospital is not accepting applicants for the junior volunteer program. Please return to this website at the beginning of 2023 to learn more about when the program will resume.