Frequently Asked Questions

1. View the volunteer opportunities at the hospital location where you wish to volunteer by returning to the HOME PAGE. Learn about the requirements and volunteer opportunities. If you meet the requirements, can make the commitment to volunteer and see role that will interest you, click the link to apply at the bottom of the page.
2. Complete the online application. You will receive an email from Volunteer Services when we receive your application. If your interest and availability meet our need, you will be invited to interview with someone on our Volunteer Services Team.
3. Complete onboarding. Most onboarding steps are completed online. You will be asked to complete a background check and review policies and procedures related to volunteering at Cleveland Clinic. Depending on your volunteer role and location, you might also complete a TB test and fingerprinting. All onboarding requirements are free of charge to the volunteer. Once all onboarding steps are complete, you will receive a volunteer photo ID badge.
4. Attend volunteer orientation and training. Your Volunteer Coordinator will provide specific details regarding any additional requirements and scheduling your start date.
5. Once you start volunteering, remember to always log your volunteer hours.

View the volunteer opportunities at the hospital location where you wish to volunteer by returning to the HOME PAGE.

The minimum age to volunteer at Cleveland Clinic is 15. Some locations or volunteer roles have a higher age requirement or only accept volunteers under 18 during specific time frames. Please review the volunteer requirements at the hospital location where you wish to volunteer by returning to the HOME PAGE.

While the volunteer commitment varies by hospital location and program, volunteers are typically asked to make a minimum one-year commitment to volunteer a four hour shift the same day and time each week.
Please review the volunteer requirements at the hospital location where you wish to volunteer by returning to the HOME PAGE.

Due to our onboarding requirements and individualized training for volunteers, we do not offer one-time or group volunteer opportunities.

Yes, you can volunteer if your visa regulations allow for volunteering, and you can meet other volunteer requirements.

Yes. Some volunteers choose to volunteer at multiple locations. When completing the volunteer application, select the hospital locations that interests you the most, then share the other locations where you d like to volunteer during your interview. We ask that you complete onboarding and training at your primary location and then request to add shifts at a secondary location.

No, we are unable to sign off on court ordered service hours.

You must be able to speak and understand English. You need not be fluent; however, you should be able to converse in English and understand directions. Volunteering can be a great way to practice and improve your English skills.

No, if you are interested in a shadowing opportunity or to fulfill a graduation or school credit requirement, please review opportunities with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Youth and College Education (CYCE) HERE.

Cleveland Clinic volunteers complete onboarding through an online program. After your interview, if accepted as a volunteer, you will receive an email with the link to log in to the Cleveland Clinic, Non-Employee Onboarding program. The program will walk you through each step. All volunteers* are required to authorize a background check, review and agree to Cleveland Clinic Policies and Procedures related to volunteering, and complete a TB test. Other requirements, such as fingerprinting, may apply based on the volunteer role or location. Once all onboarding steps are complete, you will receive a volunteer photo ID badge.
*Ashtabula Regional Medical Center is an affiliate of Cleveland Clinic. Volunteers at this location will have different onboarding requirements.

The amount of time the onboarding process takes depends heavily on the volunteer. Volunteers who are not required to be fingerprinted can typically complete the onboarding process in 2 weeks. Fingerprinting can extend this timeframe by 30-60 days.

No, fingerprints and background check must be completed by Cleveland Clinic Protective Services.

Yes, we accept any TB Test results for tests completed within the last 6 months. The results must clearly show the volunteer s first and last names, date of birth, and company where the test was completed. Please note that tests done outside of Cleveland Clinic Occupational Health may result in a charge to the volunteer. Cleveland Clinic Volunteer Services will not reimburse any expense incurred for tests done by an outside company.

You will your volunteer photo ID badge after all onboarding steps are complete. Your volunteer coordinator will provide information of when and where you can go to get your badge. You will be asked to show photo ID and have a photo taken by the badge office to get your badge.