Our first volunteers
Inova Alexandria Hospital was started by volunteers in 1872. Julia Johns, daughter of the Episcopal bishop of Alexandria, called together a group of concerned citizens and friends who were interested in charity work. Johns asked for their support in forming a society that would both establish and run a local hospital; this was the beginning of Alexandria Hospital.
Alexandrians and residents in the surrounding community continue to volunteer enthusiastically and serve throughout the hospital as well as at the Springfield Health Plex. Our volunteers support our clinical and support teams in delivering excellent care and providing a positive patient experience.
Learn more about volunteering at Inova Alexandria Hospital
Service area options and availability
Current service needs and availability are updated monthly in the interactive volunteer opportunities box below. Select the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) to see assignments with openings at each of the hospital sites. By clicking the duties and times needed dropdowns, you can view more details about the service area and the times we currently have openings.
Requirements to become a volunteer
- Commit to one, 3-4 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months
- Be at least 18 years of age (for involvement in the College and Adult programs)
- Complete and pass a background check
- Complete two rounds of tuberculosis screening OR one 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
- Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season)
- Take online training
- Attend new volunteer training class
Applications are reviewed during designated open application windows throughout the calendar year. Before applying, please be sure you’ll be available to attend the corresponding mandatory orientation session and meet the attendance requirement of serving one, 3-4 hour shift per week for a minimum of six months. You’ll begin volunteering within one week of the orientation session.
- Applications open: Tuesday, August 27 at 10 a.m. – Tuesday, September 3 at 10 a.m.
- All applications will be responded to by Monday, September 9
- Mandatory Meet & Greet/Information session via Zoom: Tuesday, September 10 at 7 p.m. or Thursday, September 12 at 2 p.m.
- Mandatory In Person Orientation: Thursday, October 17 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
*Please note: At this time, High School Student applications are only accepted at Inova Alexandria for the summer program. Applications for the summer program are now closed. Check back on the website in March 2025 for details.
Volunteer application link
Volunteer Application (adult & college only)
Please note: the below application is for our adult and college programs only. The High School applications will open again in the spring.
Applications will be open from Tuesday, August 27 at 10 a.m. through Tuesday, September 3 at 10 a.m.