College student volunteers support patients, visitors, and staff across a wide range of world-class care units and clinics at University of Iowa Health Care. We offer diverse placement options to match the varied interests and comfort levels of our student volunteers.
Many students discover a passion for health care through volunteering, while others find it complements their chosen career path in other fields. Volunteer Services also sponsors businesses that generate funds for scholarships awarded to outstanding college student volunteers. Students from all colleges and universities are welcome to apply.
Requirements for college student volunteers
- Must be at least 18 years old to begin preregistration.
- Desire to help others as part of the UI Health Care team.
- College enrollment not required.
- Ideal for those pursuing a health sciences career.
- Onboarding occurs at the start of fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Two-semester commitment required (3-hour weekly shifts, 72 total hours).
- Semesters do not need to be consecutive but must be within one calendar year; two summer semesters allowed.
- Flu vaccination required for patient-facing roles.
- Non-vaccinated volunteers may serve in non-patient-facing roles.
Becoming a college student volunteer
***Read carefully as our onboarding process requires strict timelines for completion***
Preregistration for the Spring 2027 semester (January 19-May 7, 2027) opens November 9, 2026.
We are excited to welcome prospective volunteers for Spring 2027 and appreciate your interest in joining our team! The onboarding process includes several required steps and may take several weeks to complete. To remain eligible and competitive for placement, applications should complete each step as soon as possible. Applicants who do not meet required deadlines will be withdrawn from consideration for the Spring semester.
Required Deadlines
- Onboarding steps 1-3 (Volunteer Information Session Video, Competency Quiz, and Confidential Reference all completed online): Due no later than November 19
- Criminal Background Check Initialization (online): Due no later than November 30
- Health Screening: Must be scheduled no later than December 6 to occur in person at the University of Iowa Employee Health Clinic by December 18
If additional volunteers are needed, a second round of preregistration may open on December 7; however, this is not guaranteed.
Onboarding Requirements
Volunteers serving in patient-facing roles must receive the seasonal flu vaccine. If you do not plan to receive the flu vaccine, please contact Volunteer Services at [email protected] to discuss possible non-facing opportunities.
Mandatory Referral Session
Applicants invited to continue in the onboarding process must attend the virtual Spring Volunteer Referral Session on Saturday, January 16.
Invitations are based on timely completion of onboarding requirements. Priority will be given to applicants who are the furthest along in the preregistration process. Space is limited, and attendees will select their volunteer placement during the session.
Mandatory on-site unit training will take place during the week of January 18. Additional details will be provided to successful candidates.
Switching units for returning volunteers
Returning volunteers who wish to switch units must complete 24 hours in their current unit and register for a referral session. These sessions are held alongside new college student referral sessions at the start of the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. Details on how to register will be emailed by Volunteer Services. For questions, contact: [email protected].
Student volunteer placement options
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.
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.
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.