Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. We hope you will take time to learn more about our program, and the requirements of our volunteers. Information about our department, opportunities, and our application process is described below. Our goal is to assist you in finding a volunteer placement that you will enjoy at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. We look forward to meeting you!

About our volunteers

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital volunteers are adults and teenagers from the Northern Virginia and Loudoun County area. Each year our volunteers give thousands of hours of their time to our hospital, team members, patients and visitors. Volunteer Opportunities are available for those 16 years of age and older. Volunteers assist team members, patients, visitors and families. Adult volunteers commit to one consistent volunteer shift per week for a minimum period of six months. Volunteers are expected to start in their assignments within 1-2 weeks of the Volunteer Orientation date.

Our volunteers are also vital to the operation of the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Thrift Shop, which sells lightly used clothing and household items. Monies that are made in our thrift shop, gift shop and fundraisers are given back to the hospital to assist in the purchase of necessities for hospital operations. 

Upcoming application windows

Applications are reviewed during designated windows throughout the calendar year.

Registration for Summer 2026 is now closed and all spots are filled.

Information about registration for the 2026 Fall Session for High School Students is available on our website. 

Registration window: July 9-12, 2026
 

Volunteer Onboarding Timeline and Mandatory Dates:

Registration for new Adults and College Students: Monday, July 6, 2026  at 8:00 a.m. – Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Link to registration: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/577682232

Mandatory Virtual information meetings: July 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. OR July 15, 2026, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Mandatory Volunteer Orientation (in-person): August 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Requirements to become a volunteer

  • Commit to one, 3-4 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months (unless participating in our High School/College summer-only program, during which each student is permitted 2 absences as needed)
  • Be at least 16 years of age on or before the start date of the session for which you’re registering (for involvement in the High School programs); OR be at least 18 years of age (for involvement in the College and Adult programs)
    • We ask that all communication come directly from the student
  • Complete and pass a background check through Certiphi following application submission
  • Complete two rounds of tuberculosis screening OR one tuberculosis blood test
  • Submit signed copy of Immunity Verification form to confirm receipt of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season)
  • Take online training and pass quiz with 85% or better
  • Attend new volunteer orientation (dates scheduled quarterly)
  • Photo ID

Annual volunteer requirements

  • Receive a flu vaccine during flu season (provided free of charge to all active volunteers through our Team Member Health Office)
  • Complete annual volunteer training

Contact us

Feel free to contact us for further information:

Volunteer Services Department
Inova Fair Oaks Medical Campus

703-391-3056

ifoh.volunteers@inova.org

Have questions?

Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about adult volunteer opportunities at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Our greatest needs are between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday – Friday. At this time, we have very few early morning, late evening and weekend shifts. The greater flexibility you have in your schedule, the more likely we will be able to accommodate you.

The volunteer needs of the hospital change regularly. We encourage you to register again in the future.

Yes. After you start in your assignment area, speak with your supervisor regarding the need for additional volunteer support.

You’ll be given 4-6 weeks to complete all requirements.

We'll respond to all applications within 10 days of the close of registration.

You'll learn about the volunteering program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, receive your uniform, and be guided on a short tour of the hospital.

Within one week of attending the orientation.

At this time, we do not have volunteer opportunities for cuddlers/baby rockers in the NICU at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

The types of volunteer requests we receive from the hospital's various service areas do not lend themselves to group activities, so we cannot absorb group volunteers.

The volunteer office at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital does not oversee internships, opportunities to observe clinical providers, or place volunteers in clinical assignments.