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.
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Volunteer Portal
Current volunteers, access our Volunteer Portal here.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to volunteer? See how you can make a difference.
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Contact Us
Have questions? Reach out to us.
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
Volunteering in Numbers
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21,000+
Volunteer Hours
served by our volunteers in 2025
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180+
Volunteers
contribute to our mission and vision every year
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25+
Diversity
cities across the DMV that our volunteers represent
Volunteer Opportunities
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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. We are recruiting more handlers and facilitators. Handlers will come trained and registered with their dog through an approved Johns Hopkins Medicine therapy organization (listing is included on our application). Facilitators are trained staff and volunteers who will escort a therapy team throughout their visit.
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Teens aged 16-18 and who are currently enrolled in high school are welcome to join our junior team. Entry placements for junior volunteers include areas that will allow them to gain real-world experience while learning about the hospital and develop valuable skills such as communication and teamwork. Typical roles include supporting our Information Desks and Art and Comfort Cart rounding.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chaplaincy volunteers provide companionship and spiritual support to patients and team members (must have prior spiritual care experience).
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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. Volunteer applications and recruitment are typically open year-round for adult volunteers and seasonally for junior volunteers. Orientations for new volunteers are held twice a month and include an overview of Suburban Hospital, volunteer policies and procedures and a hospital tour.
All applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Commit to 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, and Flu vaccines (during flu season)
- Attend a mandatory 2-hour, in-person volunteer orientation
How to Apply
General Volunteer Applications
Adult Volunteer Applications
Community members who are 18 and older are welcome to apply to our volunteering program. Volunteering is a rewarding and fulfilling way to give back to your community. Adult community volunteers are a needed and appreciated part of our health care team. After you apply, the Volunteer Office will contact you to schedule an exploratory chat to discuss your interests and the next steps.
Adult volunteer applications are closed and will tentatively reopen in fall 2026.
Junior Volunteer Applications
High school students who are at least 16 years old are welcome to apply for Suburban’s junior volunteer program. This program allows students to give back to their community while learning about healthcare and engaging with patients, families and hospital personnel.
Junior volunteer applications for the summer 2026 cycle will follow the timeline below. The program receives a high number of qualified applicants each year and due to limited placement availability, selection for participation in interviews is determined through a lottery system.
- Application period: February 15 - March 15
- Students are notified of decision to participate in interviews: March 20
- Interview dates*:
- March 24 – 4-5 p.m. at Suburban Hospital
- March 26 – 4-5 p.m. at Sibley Memorial Hospital
- March 30 – 4-5 p.m. at Suburban Hospital
- Students notified of program acceptance: April 3
*Applicants must participate in one of the three interview dates to be considered for the program. Applicants can interview at either location regardless of where they apply.
Junior volunteer applications have closed. The next application cycle will be in fall 2026.
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.
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. Please note observers are responsible for locating and securing a sponsor.
Contact Us
Bethesda, MD 20814