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Volunteer at Suburban Hospital

Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time. At Suburban Hospital, hundreds of volunteers give back to our community and are making a difference every day. Like our employees, our volunteers are part of a team dedicated to the Mission, Vision and Values of Suburban Hospital. This diverse group of caring individuals wants to help others, and we want you to join them.

Come show your commitment to patient care and help us ensure that our patients, visitors and staff receive the best service possible. Our volunteers give thousands of hours of service each year in many different ways.


Volunteering in Numbers

  • 20,000+

    Volunteer Hours

    served by our volunteers in 2024

  • 150+

    Volunteers

    contribute to our mission and vision every year

  • 20+

    Diversity

    cities across the DMV that our volunteers represent

Volunteer Benefits

We want to thank our volunteers for all they do to help patients, families and team members. All hospital volunteers receive the following perks:

  • Recognition during National Volunteer Week (and yearround!)
  • Free parking
  • Free flu vaccines
  • Community connection and networking opportunities




Volunteer Opportunities

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy volunteers bring their trained support animals to our hospital to offer patients positive human-animal interactions that bring emotional support during a vulnerable time.

Patient & Family Advisory Council

Comprised of current and former patients, family, and community members, our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is dedicated to improving the quality of care at Suburban Hospital through discussion with patient-centered perspectives. Advisors are expected to attend monthly council meetings in addition to engaging with hospital projects and initiatives. Learn more about PFAC and how to join.

Information Desk

Volunteers directly interact with patients and visitors by offering directions, escorting guests through the hospital, and giving tours. This allows volunteers to familiarize themselves with the hospital and meet many new people.

Patient Care Units

Unit volunteers serve patients and their families by assisting staff and providing patient centered support. Example tasks include answering unit phones, rounding on patients, and other duties to ensure that the unit runs smoothly.

Spiritual Care

Chaplaincy volunteers provide companionship and spiritual support to patients and team members (must have prior spiritual care experience).

Administrative Departments

Support non-clinical departments to execute administrative tasks that contribute to overall hospital operations. Example departments include Human Resources, Occupational Health, and Pathology.

Volunteer Requirements

Being a volunteer at Suburban Hospital requires a positive attitude and a desire to serve others. A commitment to patient care must come first, and dedication to high-quality customer service is a must. Volunteers may begin any time of the year. Orientations for new volunteers are held frequently and include an overview of Suburban Hospital and volunteer roles/duties.

All applicants must:

  • Be at least 15 years old
  • Commit to volunteering for a minimum of one 4-hour weekly shift
  • Commit to a minimum of 6 months of volunteering
  • Complete an application and all onboarding requirements
    • Medical clearances include: MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Covid, and Flu vaccines (during flu season)
  • Attend Volunteer Orientation (2-hours, onsite at Suburban)

Interested in applying?

Summer Program and General Volunteer Applications

Applications for volunteering close on 3/14/25. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to apply during the next application cycle, which will open up in the fall of 2025.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Applications

Suburban Hospital is thrilled to be accepting new pet therapy teams. Our volunteers in this program bring their trained and certified therapy dogs to our hospital to offer patients and team members positive interactions that promote emotional and mental well-being during vulnerable times. Typical visits include providing snuggles to our Patient Care Units, Emergency Department, Administrative areas and more.

Apply here

Observer Applications

If you are considering a career in healthcare, becoming an observer of medical care at Johns Hopkins Medicine may be of interest. An observership is an educational experience that allows you to shadow a member of the medical staff or workforce (sponsor) and learn more about the field.

Apply here

Contact Us

8600 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814