In addition to providing a valuable community service, volunteering at Valley is a wonderful way for college students to explore – or continue their pursuit of – careers in healthcare.
College freshmen and sophomores are eligible to volunteer in several areas, including the Emergency Department, transport, various nursing units and more.
Rising college juniors and seniors who are seriously focused on a career in medicine may apply for one of Valley’s shadowing programs.
In addition to meeting specific requirements for volunteer and shadowing programs (see below), college volunteers must also meet Valley’s general volunteer requirements.
Note: All Valley Health System volunteers must have COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.
College Volunteer Application Form
College Volunteer Programs
Physician Shadowing Program
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are selected upon placement availability.
This program gives medically-minded students an opportunity to gain exposure and experience in their intended fields of study. Students who are selected for the program shadow a physician in an area of their interest, if available, where they gather a truthful understanding of an operational healthcare environment while identifying the needs of patients and families, assisting as needed.
The Physician Shadowing Program is a year-round program in which rising junior and senior pre-med college students are selected after careful consideration. Applicants must submit a copy of their most recent college transcript and their resume, along with the completed College Volunteer Application. All items must be submitted for an application to be considered.
Physician Assistant Shadowing Program
Application deadline for Summer 2023 PA Shadowing Program: 3/31/2023. Program acceptances will be sent out by 4/28/2023. Only accepted applicants will be notified. The program will run from the beginning of June through mid-August.
This program allows students to explore the role of a physician assistant in a healthcare setting. Students observe clinical procedures in both surgical and non-surgical settings; shadow healthcare professionals; and gain an understanding of patient cases in the respective rotation focuses.
The Physician Assistant Shadowing Program is available during the summer*, and all applicants must be rising junior and senior pre-PA college students. This is a highly competitive program, and acceptance is not guaranteed. Applicants must submit a copy of their most recent college transcript and the PA Shadow Applicant Questionnaire, along with the completed College Volunteer Application. All forms must be submitted together, and applicants must meet the school requirement, for an application to be considered.
*If you are interested in shadowing a PA outside of our official summer rotation program, please indicate that on your regular volunteer application. Positions will be filled based on availability. All the same forms and requirements for the formal program still stand for general PA shadowing applications.
Nurse Shadowing Program
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are selected upon placement availability.
This program allows students to shadow alongside a nurse in their desired specialty, if available. Students will learn about the operation of a healthcare environment and gain an understanding of the needs of patients and families.
Applicants must submit a copy of their most recent college transcript, along with the completed College Volunteer Application. All items must be submitted for an application to be considered.
Application Process and Assignments
For all shadowing programs, please be sure that all necessary items (listed above for each program) are included with your application. If any of the items are missing, your application will not be considered. There are no exceptions.
Supplemental application paperwork, such as unofficial transcripts, resumes and questionnaires, should be e-mailed directly to [email protected] by the application deadline, or else your application cannot be considered. Please include your last name, first name and desired program in the e-mail subject line.
Once your application and references are received, your application is reviewed. When a position matching your availability, interest and skill set becomes available, you'll be contacted regarding your next steps. Should we not have anything immediately available for you, we'll continue to keep your application on file for consideration as new positions become available.
Assignments are based on individual interests, skills and the needs of Valley Health System. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend positions are available.