Volunteering at UPMC Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers at UPMC help support our mission of providing:

World-class patient care.
Outstanding education of our future health care workers.
Advanced treatments through research.

Select a question below to find answers about volunteering at UPMC or contact UPMC Volunteer Services.

The volunteer coordinator will work with you to match your skills with the hospital’s needs. As a volunteer, you may have the chance to help in some of the busiest departments.

Where Do I Fit in as a UPMC Volunteer?

Volunteers make a vital contribution to our health care team. Many of our hospitals and clinics rely on volunteers for help.

Here are just a few areas that might fit your volunteering needs and let you share your talents:

Support for patient care inpatient areas, selected outpatient clinics and emergency departments.
Hospital and staff support such as patient experience roles as greeters, carts, office and human resources support, gift shops at selected hospitals and more.

Who Can Volunteer at UPMC?

Please refer for the latest COVID-19 visitor requirements to review who can volunteer at UPMC hospitals.

Contact the location where you'd like to volunteer for more details.

How Do I Become a Volunteer at UPMC?

Past UPMC volunteers, or current volunteers who want to change locations, do not need to reapply. Find details below under "current and past UPMC volunteers."

New Volunteers

If you want to donate your time and talent as a new volunteer at UPMC, complete the volunteer application form.

When you apply online, be sure to select a location where you wish to volunteer.
Please provide two personal or professional references that aren't family members or students. Download the reference form for UPMC's volunteer program (PDF) or have your references submit an online referral form.
Once the volunteer office reviews and accepts your application, we'll invite you to an orientation.

You can find the links to each facility and find more information for each hospital on UPMC's Volunteer Services contact list.

The Volunteer Services Department staff from each hospital will work with you to match your skills with their hospital’s needs. As a volunteer, you may have the chance to help in some of the busiest departments.

At new volunteer orientation, we'll:

Discuss references and hospital policies.
Provide details on our volunteer requirements (you don't need to fulfill these before orientation):

Criminal background checks for adults (the type dependent on assignment)
TB testing
Flu shots (during flu season)

Give you an orientation test to make sure you understand UPMC's policies on:

Privacy
Infection control
Human resources
Safety
Service excellence

Current and Past UPMC Volunteers

If you volunteered at UPMC within the last two years or volunteer now, you don't need to reapply.

If you want to volunteer at a different hospital, contact Volunteer Services at the new location and ask if they need volunteers.

If your new location is accepting volunteers, we can:

Add your new location to your existing UPMC volunteer profile. This keeps all your recorded volunteer service hours from all locations in one file.

Please be aware that each hospital may have different volunteer requirements. You may need to update your requirements, including:

Clearances
Immunizations
Forms
Interview with a volunteer coordinator
Attend a New Volunteer Orientation

Why Should I Volunteer?

The reasons for volunteering are as diverse as volunteers themselves.

Some people want to help others, some want career experience, and others get the most from friendships.

Whatever your special reason, there are other benefits to volunteering. As a UPMC volunteer, you get free parking and can take part in our many training programs and classes.

Where Can I Volunteer?

The volunteer coordinator will work with you to match your skills with the hospital’s needs. As a volunteer, you may have the chance to help in some of the busiest departments.

Click on a link below to learn about volunteering at that location.