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Student Volunteer Program


Student volunteers are an important part of the VA medical centers' treatment team.

V.A.V.S. defines student volunteers as those under the age of 21.

They receive valuable experience and training which benefits them in applying for college and jobs.

The James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship Award provides scholarship opportunities to students who volunteer at VA medical centers (your local VA health care Voluntary Service staff has current nomination criteria).

Student volunteers are liaisons with their communities and provide a valuable element of caring for veterans.

The VA Voluntary Service program offers students excellent opportunities for:

  • exploring health care career options;
     

  • gaining experience in a health care environment;
     

  • learning new skills;
     

  • making new friends;
     

  • qualifying to be nominated for James H. Parke Memorial college scholarships.
     

There are many opportunities to explore in the Student Volunteer Program. Here are just a few of the services and specialties available to student volunteers:
 

  • Audiology and Speech Pathology,

  • Extended Care,

  • Laboratory Medicine,

  • Medical Administration,

  • Medical Illustration,

  • Nursing,

  • Nutrition and Food Service,

  • Occupational Therapy,

  • Outpatient/Ambulatory Care Activities,

  • Patient Escort,

  • Pharmacy,

  • Physical Therapy,

  • Research,

  • Social Work,


A wide variety of assignments are available. Volunteers are selected according to the needs of the medical center, assignment preference and skills.

Training is provided by Voluntary Service at each medical facility and the supervisor of the department to which volunteers are assigned. Orientation will be conducted to acquaint you with services available at the medical center where you serve.

How do I become a VA student volunteer?

You have two convenient ways:

1) Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you. Ask for Voluntary Service. Tell their staff of your interest in becoming a VAVS Volunteer. The staff will take care of everything else including your interview, orientation, and assignment!

To find out which facility is nearest you, click on the url below.

http://www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp?DIVISION=ALL

2) Click on the Volunteer NOW! button, fill out the email form with your name and contact information and click send. Someone from that office will then contact you to set up the initial interview.