Volunteer Services

Volunteer Services
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It takes a team to heal a child, and hospital volunteers are an essential part of that effort. Whether playing with children during waiting times, greeting visitors or helping families find their way through the halls, the volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) make a difference providing a special human connection that often eases the stress for patients and families going through difficult times. 

CHOP assigns volunteer positions based on the current needs of the hospital along with the volunteer’s availability, interests and skill sets. This includes patient care and hospitality roles across the hospital. Due to the high interest in CHOP’s volunteer programs, we are not able to guarantee placement, or placement in an individual’s preferred role. We strive to select compassionate, enthusiastic individuals who are committed to making a difference.

Volunteer Programs

Traditional Volunteer Program

  • Volunteers are 18 years and older
  • One year commitment (12 consecutive months)
  • 3-4 hour fixed weekly shift (shifts are currently Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with limited evening and weekend shifts)
  • Volunteer positions are located at CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus and King of Prussia Campus.
  • Sign-up here to learn more and apply

College & Graduate Volunteer Program

  • Volunteers are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or medical school program, and follow a semester-based schedule. Volunteer positions are located at CHOP’s Philadelphia Campus and King of Prussia Campus.
  • Volunteers must serve at least 2 consecutive Semesters (for example, Fall and Spring semesters, or Spring and Fall semesters with a Summer break).
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to a 4-hour fixed weekly shift (shifts are currently Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm).
  • Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will open on April 20, 2026 and will close on May 8, 2026 (or sooner if application capacity is reached). Sign up here to learn more and apply.

Summer Volunteer Program

  • The 2026 Summer Volunteer Program application is currently closed as of March 8, 2026. Please check back next year if interested in the Summer Volunteer Program.

Volunteer requirements

For the safety of our patients and families, we require all volunteers to complete criminal background checks (including, but not limited to, the Child Protective Services Law clearances), and meet the medical clearance requirements listed below. We offer no exemptions, including vaccination exemptions.

Required Medical Clearances

CHOP Volunteer Services will provide applicants with instructions and will cover costs associated with these clearances through CHOP’s Occupational Health Office. We do not accept vaccination exemptions.

  • Annual flu vaccination during flu season (September-April every year)
  • Proof of immunity (vaccination, immunization record, or titer bloodwork) for:
    • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
    • Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening

Pet Therapy Volunteer Program

For adults interested in volunteering with their registered canine, visit the Gerald B. Shreiber Pet Therapy Program for information. Please note, pet therapy volunteers must be available once per month.

Other ways to support CHOP

Interested in knowing all the ways you could support CHOP? Learn about how you can make a difference in our care for patients and their families: