Pre-health volunteer program FAQ

What is the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Pre-Health Volunteer Program?

The Pre-Health Volunteer Program is geared towards students interested in pursuing careers in the medical field. Typically, volunteers wayfind for a semester or two, then opt for a role on a clinical unit or department when they have reached over 80 hours. 

• Wayfinding responsibilities: Wayfinders work with all departments, especially Guest Services and Patient Access, to identify individuals in need of navigation assistance. Wayfinders give verbal instructions, walk visitors to their destinations and provide wheelchair assistance.
• Clinical responsibilities: After completing a minimum of 80 hours of wayfinding, volunteers will have the option to sign up for a position on a clinical unit or department, including Surgery, NICU, Cardiac Rehab, Emergency Department, Dentistry, and others. Tasks in these clinical settings include but are not limited to: patient transport/discharge, clerical tasks, unit cleaning and reorganizing, and triage/taking vitals. Essentially, the clinical volunteer is an extra set of hands for the staff.

What if I decide to apply half way through the current semester? Am I able to sign up for a clinical assignment?

Following a typical academic calendar, we accept applications towards the beginning of each semester (spring, summer and fall). Clinical assignments also start at the beginning of each semester.

What if I am not able to attend one of my shifts?

We ask that you contact the Volunteer Office to inform us of your absence as well as notify a volunteer coordinator. You are only allowed three absences per semester.

Is there an in-person application? 

No, all potential volunteers will need to fill out the online application to be considered.

What is the time commitment for the Pre-Health program? 

We ask Pre-Health volunteers who start in the fall to make a 120-hour commitment over the academic school year (September through May). A minimum of 4 hours of week is required to be considered for the program. This could consist of a semester of wayfinding and one in a clinical setting or 2 semesters of wayfinding.

Still have questions?

Contact the Volunteer Office at IMMC-Volunteers@aah.org.