Volunteer with UMC
Become a part of something bigger at University Medical Center New Orleans
At University Medical Center New Orleans, volunteers are an essential part of our Spirit of Charity mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all members of our community. Since our doors opened more than a decade ago, volunteers have played a vital role in supporting patients, families, and staff across our hospital.
We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities throughout various departments, from greeting visitors and providing way-finding support, to assisting in non-clinical areas. Whether you’re a student looking to experience the healthcare environment, a retiree looking to give back, or a community member passionate about service, we have a place for you.
Volunteering at UMC is both challenging and rewarding. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining insight into the operations of a world-class academic medical center.
Apply to our Volunteer Program
See the information below to learn about screening requirements, the application process, volunteer positions, and more!
University Medical Center has screening requirements in place for all volunteers to help protect the health and safety of patients, visitors, and staff members. These requirements include:
- Tuberculosis (TB) test within the last three months
- Documentation of Tdap immunization (valid for 10 years)
- Documentation of two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations
- Documentation of two Varicella vaccinations
- Toxicology screening
- Documentation of flu vaccination if applying during flu season (October 1 - March 31)
- Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended but not required.
Employee Health can provide these screenings and vaccinations to adult volunteers who need them to complete the onboarding process.
Becoming a junior volunteer is a great way to learn new skills, make new friends, and discover your passions. We'll provide you with the training and support you need to succeed. Our junior volunteers are assigned to age-appropriate tasks to ensure positive and safe volunteer experience.
Requirements:
- Must be between 15-17 years of age
- Commit to four weeks of service (for a total of 48 hours) during the summer
- Shifts are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9 am – 1 pm
- Must be available for full session (either June 1, 2026 – June 26, 2026 or July 6, 2026 – July 31, 2026)
- Must attend mandatory orientation held in a group setting on May 28th, 2026 during business hours
- Successfully passed background check
-
Submit your vaccination records by May 15, 2026. You will not be able to
volunteer unless we have proof of the following required immunizations:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- DTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Tuberculosis test (within the last 3 months)
Process:
1.Complete a volunteer application online using this form.
2. Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your interview. You are expected to schedule your interview within the first week of May.
- Junior Volunteers will have an opportunity to discuss placement interests during their interview and those interests will be considered. We are a need-based program and cannot guarantee placement in a specific area. We ask that Junior Volunteers be willing to serve in all areas of UMC. Please also remember that volunteering is not shadowing it is providing selfless service.
3. Volunteer Services will verify your vaccination records and successful background check.
4. New volunteers must attend a mandatory in person orientation.
5. Confirm your volunteer shift and placement. Begin volunteering the week following orientation.
Our adult volunteers contribute to the comfort and care of our patients and their families. We aim to develop a fulfilling volunteer experience by matching your unique skills with our organization's needs.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Commit to 100 hours of service per year. Typical shifts are 2 – 4 hours.
- Must complete all steps in the volunteer onboarding process
- Must attend mandatory orientation held in a group setting
- Successfully passed background check.
-
Complete your mandatory employee health screening appointment. Your health
screen includes
- A urine drug screen
- Bloodwork for tuberculosis (TB) and any missing titers (antibody tests)
- Administering any missing vaccines
- Vaccines required to volunteer are:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Process:
1. Complete a volunteer application online using this form.
2. Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your interview. You are expected to schedule your interview to move forward with the volunteer onboarding process.
- Volunteers will have an opportunity to discuss placement interests during their interview and those interests will be considered. We are a need-based program and cannot guarantee placement in a specific area. We ask that Volunteers be willing to serve in all areas of UMC. Please also remember that volunteering is not shadowing, it is providing selfless service.
3. Volunteer Services will schedule your UMC Employee Health screening, free of charge, and verify your successful background check.
4. New volunteers must attend a mandatory in person orientation.
5. Confirm your volunteer shift and placement. Begin volunteering the week following orientation.We welcome the generosity of our community! If your group is interested in volunteering at UMC, providing in-kind donations, or hosting a fundraiser, please reach out to our Volunteer Services team at UMC-Volunteers@lcmchealth.org.
Some of our greatest support comes from schools, businesses, clubs, and faith communities whose members give their time and talents, even outside the hospital, to complete projects that bring comfort and joy to our patients and their families.
The Group Volunteer Program is a great opportunity to volunteer for:
- Schools
- Corporate groups
- Clubs
- Sports teams
- Faith-based groups
Fundraising:
Fundraising initiatives are vital to providing much needed support to patients and the hospital.
Monetary donations are valued because they are used to purchase the most needed items for patients in need such as medications and medical equipment.
Contact the Spirit of Charity Foundation to begin planning your fundraising activities and projects.
In-Kind Donations:
Many community members are interested in supporting UMC, but wish to provide support through donated items instead of monetary gifts.
We enthusiastically accept donations year-round to support the needs of our patients.
You can donate these items individually or with a group (school, church, work, etc.) to complete a larger project.
Commonly needed items include: colored pencils, fine point markers, adult coloring books, card games, word search/crossword puzzle books, books, journals, magazines, grippy fuzzy socks, blankets, and travel sized toiletries.
Some of our greatest support comes from schools, businesses, clubs, and faith communities whose members give their time and talents, even outside the hospital, to complete projects that bring comfort and joy to our patients and their families.*All donated in-kind items must be new in originally packaging.
For additional information, please email our Volunteer Services team at UMCVolunteers@LCMChealth.org.
Exploring a career in Healthcare?
Our general volunteer program is a great way to gain exposure to a hospital environment. However, students pursuing careers in medicine, such as pre-med undergraduates or other health profession learners may be better suited for our dedicated Shadowing program, which offers structured clinical observation experiences.
