High School FAQ

High School Volunteers: Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get started?
  • Make an appointment for a group information session. Dates will be posted mid-April.
• My counselor said I need 100 community service credits. How much time can I volunteer per week?
  • High school students in the summer program are allowed to volunteer for three to four hours per week for 8 weeks.
• Can I volunteer any time I want?
  • Volunteer shifts may vary depending on the type of position we match you with. We make every effort to accommodate homework and outside activities but not all placements are available at all times.
• What kind of activities will I be doing?
  • We offer a variety of activities in hospital departments and units. Some of those are Pediatrics, Patient Discharge, and the Gift Shop. All of our positions involve contact with patients on some level.
• I have heard about hospital volunteers cuddling babies and would really like to do that.
  • Placements known as NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Volunteers in the hospital’s NICU are not available for summer high school volunteers.
• How do I get a work permit?
  • Work permits are available through your high school.
• Why do I need a health appointment?
  • Your safety and the safety of our patients and staff is our first priority. We must make sure vaccinations and other health related requirements are up-to-date.
• My older brother got to work in a lab. It was very cool. I might like to do that.
  • We no longer offer lab or clerical assignments.
• What are Federal Exclusions and State Sanctions?
  • Federal Exclusions are a severe form of restriction that prohibits an excluded person or entity from participating in federal healthcare programs or receive federally funded reimbursement.  State Sanctions are medical sanctions that resulted in disciplinary action by a state administration. These sanctions occur when an individual or entity violated an administrative rule, civil law or has committed a criminal offense.  Exclusion from participation in federal or state healthcare programs is a severe form of sanction. Exclusion prohibits an identified or entity from participating in federal healthcare programs or receiving federally funded reimbursement.  Federally Excluded and State Sanctioned individuals are not allowed to volunteer at URMC.

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