College student volunteers help serve patients, visitors, and staff in a variety of world-class care units and clinics at University of Iowa Health Care. We take pride in having placements that meet the varied interests of our diverse student populations, with varying degrees of patient contact.
Many of our student volunteers have found the makings of a health care career based on their experiences as a volunteer. Others have found volunteering to be a natural complement to their career calling, regardless of the field. Volunteer Services-sponsored businesses generate funds that have been invested into scholarship opportunities for outstanding college student volunteers. Students from all colleges and universities are encouraged to apply.
Requirements for College Student Volunteers
Prospective volunteers must be at least 18 years old to begin the preregistration process and have the desire to help others as part of the UI Health Care team. You do not have to be actively enrolled as a college student to be a part of our program. The student program is a great match for those interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences. Volunteer onboarding takes place at the beginning of each semester (fall, spring, and summer), and we require a two-semester commitment to weekly three-hour shifts for a total of 72 hours of on-site service. Semester do not have to be consecutive and student may choose to volunteer for two summer semesters to fulfill this requirement.
In addition, all prospective volunteers who wish to serve in patient-facing roles must receive the seasonal flu vaccination. Volunteers who elect not to receive this vaccine are still welcome to serve with UI Health Care and will be matched to roles that are non-patient facing.
Becoming a College Student Volunteer
Summer 2025 Preregistration
Summer 2025 Preregistration for the 8-week summer semester (June 15 through August 10, 2025) is now open!
The Summer Semester Volunteer Referral Session will occur virtually on Sunday, June 15. Those invited to complete the preregistration must attend this mandatory session.
Applicants are expected to serve TWO 3-hour service shifts per week for the summer session, preferably in two different units.
Onboarding Steps
Upon submitting your preregistration, Volunteer Services will review and send further information within 5 business days if you are invited to move forward.
The preregistration process involves many steps and may take 4-6 weeks to complete. We encourage applicants to complete each step of the process as soon as possible to remain a competitive applicant.
Applicants will be required to complete a health screening on-site at our University Employee Health Clinic.
Invitations to the mandatory referral session are issued based on timely completion of each of many steps. Those furthest along in the preregistration process will receive priority. Limited spots are available, and all attendees will select their volunteer placement for the summer semester during the Referral Session.
Mandatory Referral Session
The Summer Semester Volunteer Referral Session will occur virtually on Sunday, June 15. Those invited to complete the preregistration must attend this mandatory session.
On-site, mandatory unit trainings will occur the week of June 15. Specific information will be shared with successful candidates.
Volunteer Services has many great placements for volunteers interested in pursuing a career in the medical or health sciences field. Not all our student placements may be available, and while no service area can be guaranteed in advance, our goal is to make the best possible service matches based on the needs of our patients and the interests of each one of our volunteers. Visit our College Student Volunteer Placement Options for a list of placements and descriptions
Referral Sessions for Returning Volunteers
If you are a returning volunteer interested in switching units, you must register to attend a referral session.
Referral sessions for returning volunteers are held on the same day as the new college student volunteer referral sessions at the start of Fall and Spring semesters. Active volunteers will receive an email from Volunteer Services with information on how to register for the upcoming referral session. If you are planning to switch unit placements, you must have completed 24 volunteer hours in one unit, and register to attend a referral session for a new placement. If you have any questions about this process, please contact [email protected].
Additionally, all active volunteers are required to annually update their Competency and Confidentiality Assessment Quiz. You will receive an email reminder 30 days before this compliance is due.
Mentor Program
Have you found success in your volunteer role at UI Health Care? Are you interested in taking your service to the next level and help to improve the patient and family experience? If you would like to play a role in ensuring new volunteers have a successful volunteer experience, we invite you to apply for a mentor position in our hospital.
College Student Leader Board
The College Student Leader Board consists of approximately 20 members who act as a liaison between Volunteer Services, volunteers, and the Staff Volunteer Supervisors in their assigned areas. Student volunteers have the opportunity to apply at the start of each Spring semester. Find out more about our College Student Leader Board here and watch testimonials from our volunteer leadership below.
