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 spring 2027 sesion opens on November 5 at 4 p.m. and closes on November 8 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 November 5 at 4 p.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

  • Spring session date commitment 
    • January 4, 2027 –June 20, 2027 

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

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

    • November 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Inova Center for Personalized Health, or  
    • November 19, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Inova Center for Personalized Health 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • December 21, 9 a.m. – noon, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
    • December 30, 9 a.m. – noon, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus

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

  • Spring session date commitment 
    • January 4, 2027 – June 20, 2027

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • November 12, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Inova Loudoun Hospital  
    • November 17, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital   

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • December 30, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
  • Spring session date commitment 
    • January 4, 2027 – June 20, 2027

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • November 12, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital 
    • November 18, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • December 21, 2 – 6 p.m., Inova Alexandria Hospital 
    • December 30, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Inova Alexandria hospital

Special note: Attendance at only one orientation is required 

  • Spring session date commitment 
    • January 4, 2027 – June 20, 2027

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • November 12, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Inova Loudoun Hospital  
    • November 17, 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one informational meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • December 29, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Inova Loudoun Hospital  
  • Spring session date commitment 
    • January 4, 2027 – June 20, 2027

  • Mandatory informational meetings: 

    In-person student-parent meeting 

    • November 12 16, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital 
    • November 18, 6 – 8 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one information meeting is required 

  • Mandatory in-person orientation: 
    • December 21, 2026, 9 a.m. – Noon, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital 
    • December 29, 2026, 9 a.m. – Noon, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital 

Special note: Attendance at only one orientation is required 

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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