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Volunteering at Northwestern Medicine

The Volunteer Services team is vital to our mission of delivering patient-centered care and ensuring that every person who enters our doors has an excellent experience. More than 1,300 dedicated volunteers serve patients, visitors and hospital staff, contributing 158,000 hours of service in 2024.

Volunteering at a Northwestern Medicine hospital gives you an opportunity to use your talents to make a real impact on your community. While your generous gift of time helps others feel relaxed and welcome, it also benefits you in many ways. As a Northwestern Medicine volunteer, you can:

  • Learn new skills
  • Gain new perspectives
  • Have new experiences
  • Meet new people
  • Build social connections with others of all backgrounds

Every day, Northwestern Medicine volunteers touch the lives of patients, families and visitors. A friendly smile, a helping hand and a warm heart can make a real difference in the experience people have in a hospital when they are visiting or receiving care.



Volunteer Information

McHenry John Kim

Volunteer Requirements and Application

All Northwestern Medicine volunteers must meet an age requirement, and pass background and immunization screenings.

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Lesley Hurley and Karen Hunken LFH 2 Main Entry

Where to Volunteer

Northwestern Medicine offers volunteer opportunities in Chicago and in more than 10 suburban communities.

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Kish Volunteer wearing a purple NM vest and checkered shirt.

Volunteer Roles

Northwestern Medicine offers a variety of roles for volunteers with unique duties that make a difference for our patients.

view a list of volunteer roles
Zaher Shkoukani CROP

Summer Volunteer Service for Students

Northwestern Medicine welcomes teens and students annually for a summer-only volunteer service period.

learn about summer volunteer service for students
EngeriserSimon photo Huntley CROP

Animal Handler Volunteers

Northwestern Medicine invites volunteers and their animals, who are qualified through an approved therapy animal organization, to engage in patient and staff visits at our various facilities.

animal handler volunteers
Pete Blackwell CDH 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about volunteer commitments and the onboarding process, and read answers to other frequently asked questions.

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Volunteer Newsletter Archive

Read past issues of the Northwestern Medicine volunteer services newsletter.

newsletter archive

Community Initiatives

Northwestern Medicine hospitals are committed to improving the health of their communities through education, support groups, charitable giving and more.

community initiatives

Related Resources

Spring 2025 Volunteer Newsletter