College Student Volunteer Opportunities - IFMC

New Volunteer Update: Summer 2021

The recruitment and onboarding of new volunteers remains suspended for hospital-based programs, but we welcome those applicants 18+ years to apply at our resale stores in McLean and Springfield.

Inova Treasure Troves

Online Application

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! Inova Fairfax Medical Campus offers many volunteer opportunities including patient support, staff support and retail assignments.

Please note: Volunteer Services is not affiliated with any intern/shadowing programs at Inova. For more information on those opportunities, visit the Clinical Education & Research website.

We have two different college student programs designed to accommodate students who have availability during the summer only and those with availability year-round.

Summer Only
Year-Round

Year-Round College Student Volunteer Program

If you are available to commit to one, 3-4 hour shift per week for the duration of the fall and/or spring semester, and are able to meet the requirements listed above, we welcome your application.

Greatest need areas include Gift Shops, Treasure Trove shops, patient support services and clerical assignments.

Registration

Applications are reviewed during designated registration periods throughout the calendar year.

Registration Periods: Temporarily Suspended

All volunteer activity is suspended due to COVID-19.

Applications are reviewed during designated registration periods throughout the calendar year. Before applying, please be sure you’ll be available to attend the corresponding mandatory training class 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 training class.

Registration will open at 10 a.m. on the first day and close at 12 p.m. (noon) on the last day.

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

Optional Information Meetings

See dates and times

All volunteer activity and information meetings are suspended due to COVID-19.

To learn more about our program requirements and service area opportunities before applying, we welcome you to attend an information meeting. While not mandatory in order to participate as a volunteer, we highly recommend attending to make sure our program is a good fit for you.

All information meetings will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Physicians Conference Center on the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Look for the Meeting Room on the street level of the center. Get directions & parking info.

Current service needs and availability are updated monthly and may be viewed below. You’ll have the opportunity to indicate your availability and service area preference on your application.

Volunteer Application

Click Here to Apply

Requirements to Become a Volunteer

Our volunteer program is designed to support various service areas with the highest level of safety and satisfaction. To do this, attendance is a top priority to participate. In addition, volunteers must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age
- Note: Students who have just graduated high school must wait until August following high school graduation to apply to the college volunteer program.
Complete and pass a background check (valid social security number required)
Commit to one, 3-4 hour shift per week for this length of time:
- at least 6 months (for year-round volunteers)
- from May 26 – August 9, 2020 (summer-only volunteers
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)
Attend a new volunteer training class

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Get to Shadow a Doctor or Other Clinical Personnel?

While many of our volunteer assignments provide clinical and patient interaction, you will not be shadowing doctors or other clinical personnel while volunteering. For more information on those opportunities, visit the Clinical Education & Research website.

I’m Available During the Summer Only. How Can I Participate in Your Program?

Due to interest in our program, students available during the summer months only are selected via lottery. See "Summer Only College Student Volunteer Program" above for details on how to register for the lottery.

How Long Is a Volunteer Shift?

A shift is 3-4 hours depending on the service area assignment.

When Will I Start as a Volunteer?

Within one week of attending the training class.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Requirements?

You’ll be given 4-5 weeks to complete all requirements.

When Will I Know My Volunteer Assignment?

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

What if My Availability Doesn’t Match Where There is an Opening?

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

What Happens During Training Class?

Important safety requirements for being in a hospital setting will be reviewed, you’ll receive your I.D. badge and uniform, and you’ll be guided on a short tour of the hospital and your assignment area.

I'm Available During Winter Break Only. How Can I Participate in Your Program?

Unfortunately, we're unable to accommodate students interested in volunteering during winter break only.

Once I Start Volunteering, Am I Able Request a Change in Schedule?

We ask volunteers to commitment to the same day and time for a minimum of six months; however, we’ll do the best we can to accommodate a change in your volunteer schedule due to an academic schedule conflict.

Can I Complete Clinical Hours for School?

Most of our volunteer assignments support clinical areas, but they are not performing clinical activities, so check with your school to see if our program satisfies their requirement

Contact Us

College Student Volunteer Opportunities at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus