Patient Resources

Volunteer Services

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300

hands coming together in a cirlce

UT Southwestern Medical Center volunteers are vital members of our team, helping us deliver the highest quality health care services and experiences to our patients.

All volunteer positions are administrative in nature, concentrating on providing excellent customer service. Through your generous gift of time and support as a volunteer, you supplement the work of staff members in offering the best health care and services to our patients, their families, and the hospital staff.

Here at UT Southwestern, we are committed to excellence, dedicated to discovery, and service to the community. All volunteers are valued and appreciated for helping us carry out our mission.

Volunteers commit to one 2-4 hour shift each week. Volunteer hours are between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Adult Volunteer Program

Qualifications

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Willing to commit and complete a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service within a 12-month time frame
  • Submit a volunteer application with two letters of reference
  • Clear a background check
  • Complete mandatory volunteer orientation
  • Complete mandatory online training for Information Security and Protecting Health Information
  • Clear UTSW University Hospital tuberculosis screening and immunization review process
    • Annual TB test
    • Proof of MMR vaccination series or positive blood titer
    • Proof of Varicella vaccination series or positive blood titer
    • Proof of Tdap within the last 10 years
    • Flu vaccination (during flu season)
    • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (completed series)
    • Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination series or positive blood titer

Youth Volunteer – Summer Program

Qualifications

  • 15-17 years of age
  • Qualify and be accepted for our Summer Youth Volunteer Program
  • Submit a youth volunteer application with two references
  • Complete mandatory volunteer orientation
  • Complete mandatory online training for Information Security and Protecting Health Information
  • Clear UTSW University Hospital tuberculosis screening and immunization review process
    • Immunization:
      • Proof of MMR vaccination series or positive blood titer
      • Proof of Varicella vaccination series or positive blood titer
      • Proof of Tdap within the last 10 years
      • Flu vaccination (during flu season)
      • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (completed series)
      • Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination series or positive blood titer
  • TB Screening:
      • A negative QFT or T-Spot collected within the last 12 months, or
      • A history of a positive QFT with a corresponding quantitative value and a chest X-ray within the last 12 months indicating no active disease.

Volunteer Locations

Volunteer Positions in Various Departments

Past positions have included the following departments (not inclusive):

  • Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE)
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic
  • Clinical Heart & Vascular Clinic
  • Guest and Patient Services
  • Simmons Cancer Center
  • Emergency Room Liaison (18+)
  • ICU Waiting Room Liaison
  • Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
  • Neurology Clinic
  • Nutrition Patient Ambassador
  • Ob/Gyn Clinic
  • Psychiatric Clinic
  • Sleep & Breathing Disorder Clinic
  • Spine Clinic
  • Transport Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
  • Adult volunteers must be 18 years and older.
  • Youth volunteers must be 15 – 17 years of age.
What is needed to become a volunteer at UTSW?
  • A completed application, two reference letters, a valid I.D., immunization records, TB screening
  • Must be COVID vaccinated or qualify for exemption based on religion or medical
Can I observe or shadow a doctor or nurse?
  • Observation and shadowing is allowed at UT Southwestern. Observation and shadowing is coordinated through the Credentialing Department
Is there a minimum age requirement to volunteer?
  • Yes, the minimum age requirement is 15 for youths and 18 for adults.
How long does it take to onboard as a volunteer?
  • It takes approximately three weeks for onboarding.
Can I volunteer in multiple departments or clinics at UTSW?

Yes, a volunteer can volunteer in multiple departments. Shifts are generally 2-4 hours at a time.

What kind of volunteer jobs do you have?
  • All volunteer jobs are administrative and customer service oriented. All volunteers are considered a Category III per OSHA standards, which means they cannot be exposed to any blood, body fluids, or tissue.
As a UTSW staff person, can I volunteer?
  • Yes, a current staff person can volunteer. However, they cannot volunteer in the department in which they work and the tasks must vary from their day to day duties.
Can I volunteer in the evening or on weekends?

Yes, there are various departments that welcome volunteers in the evening and on weekends.

Become a Volunteer

  • Adult application
  • Youth application: We are not currently accepting youth applications. Applications for the Summer Youth Program have closed for 2023.

For more information, please contact Volunteer Services at 214-633-4081.