Volunteers assist and support Clinical Center staff in delivering quality care that exceeds the expectations of patients, families, and visitors.
The CC Volunteer Services Program (VSP) places volunteers in hospital administrative departments, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics. Volunteer opportunities focus on customer service and clerical duties and involve providing both direct and indirect services to patients. Volunteer opportunities are NOT research or laboratory focused. Volunteers must be 16 years of age, fluent in English, and willing to volunteer on an ongoing basis for a minimum of six months.
Summer Volunteerism
The application period for summer volunteerism is from January 01 to April 30 of every year. Applicants must be willing to work a minimum of 8 weeks. Please note that there are a limited number of summer placements at the hospital.
Application Steps
Step 1: Application and Reference Form
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the NIH Clinical Center, please complete an on-line application or download the application form.
Application Form (Online Version)
- Direct your web browser to: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=859432049
- Fill in all of the required fields and select Continue.
- Follow the online instructions
- Submit two references
Note: This online application may not be fully Section 508 compliant. If utilizing assistive technology please consider utilizing the PDF version. If you experience any difficulties or need any assistance completing the application, please do not hesitate to contact us
Application Form (PDF Version)
Volunteer Application Form
Reference Form
Volunteer Agreement
To be considered for an interview, all four items listed above must be completed and submitted.
Completed volunteer applications may be faxed, mailed or emailed:
Fax:
(301) 827-8652
Mail:
Hospitality Department - Volunteer Services Program
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
10 Center Drive
Building 10, Room 6C416
Bethesda, MD 20892-1504
Email:
Applicants will be required to attend an interview to discuss their volunteer goals and objectives. The VSP staff will try to provide a placement that best suits an applicant's volunteer interests, skill set, and availability. Language interpreter applicants will be required to take an exam to determine their language proficiency.
The VSP receives a high volume of applications. Applications are reviewed based on the order that they are received by the VSP. Applicant interviews are offered based on the availability of volunteer positions at the hospital and the volunteer’s essay and availability as noted in their application.
Step 3: Volunteer Onboarding Process
Orientation
All applicants are required to attend a Clinical Center orientation to learn about hospital policies and procedures. Volunteer supervisors will provide on the job training.
Security Background Check
NIH badges are required for all volunteers. Applicants must undergo a security background check, which includes the submission of paperwork and fingerprints. Individuals under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian permission for the security background check.
Medical Clearance
Applicants must provide current proof of immunization for: influenza (flu), measles (rubeola), chickenpox (varicella), and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap or Td booster). Additionally, a negative TB test completed within the past year is required to obtain medical clearance. Individuals under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian permission for the medical clearance.