The heart of healthcare starts with you

Thank you for your interest in our student volunteer programs! Volunteering will give you an “inside look” into healthcare while learning about patient care, retail, and operations. Begin your rewarding experience today.

What you need to know

  • High interest means student volunteer spots are assigned by lottery
  • Only one entry per applicant is permitted
  • Email is our primary form of communication. Please ensure your email is valid, checked regularly, and that all correspondence comes directly from the student
  • Volunteers commit to 1 shift per week, 3-4 hours each, at their assigned site

Registration steps

Step 1:
  • Review the key dates and times by hospital location below to find what works for you
  • Registration window for the 2026 fall session opens on July 9 at 8:00 a.m. and closes on July 12 at 11:45 p.m.
Step 2:
High school students register here
  • Students are considered high school students through the summer after graduation
  • Inova offers three annual high school volunteer sessions: spring, summer, and fall

Note: Registration opens July 9 at 8:00 a.m.; link activates then

Requirements to become a volunteer

  • High school students must be at least 16 years of age on or before the start of the session  
  • Commit to all dates outlined for each session (no alternative dates offered) 
  • Must be interested in pursuing a career in healthcare 
    • Provide a 250-word written response: Tell us why you would like to volunteer and how this experience connects to your future healthcare career goals. This can include either clinical or nonclinical experiences.
  • Complete and pass a background check 
  • Complete 2 rounds of tuberculosis screening OR 1 tuberculosis blood test 
  • Provide confirmation of receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Attend a mandatory informational meeting and small group interview: 
    • High school students – In-person with a parent  
  • Attend an in-person orientation session 
  • Complete an online training module 
  • Supply a photo ID

Key dates and times per hospital location

  • Fall session date commitment 
    • August 24, 2026 – January 3, 2027 

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting at Inova Conference Center (Fairfax)  

    • July 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Inova Center for Personalized Health, or  
    • July 20, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Inova Center for Personalized Health 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • August 20, 2026, 9 a.m. – noon  

Orientation is at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Attendance at only one orientation is required

  • Fall session date commitment 
    • August 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027 

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • July 16, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital  
    • July 20, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • August 13, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Inova Alexandria Hospital 
  • Fall session date commitment 
    • August 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • July 16, 6 – 8:30 p.m., at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital  
    • July 21, 6 – 8:30 p.m., at Inova Loudoun Hospital  

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • August 12, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Fall session date commitment 
    • August 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027 

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • July 16, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital  
    • July 21, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Inova Loudoun Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • August 11, 1 – 4:30 p.m., Inova Loudoun Hospital  
  • Summer session date commitment 
    • August 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027 

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • July 16, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital  
    • July 20, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • August 11, 2026, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Inova Mount Vernon Hospital 

Make an impact anywhere

Interested in other ways to give back?

Not all volunteer opportunities happen inside our hospitals. Stay connected and learn about future ways to get involved in your community.

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