Volunteering at UM Health-Sparrow

There are two ways to apply at UM Health-Sparrow:

• Complete the online application form by following the link at the top right of this page.
• If you need a paper version, contact Volunteer Services at the location where you’d like to volunteer.

The onboarding process typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on how quickly required tasks are completed. Timelines may vary by program. Prompt follow-through ensures a smooth start.

• Teen Program – 16 years old and entering junior year of high school (some placements require volunteers be 17).
• College – 18+ and enrolled in a higher education program.
• General Hospital & Hospice – 18+ years.

• Teen – Junior & Senior students at local high schools.
• College – Individuals enrolled in or planning to attend college, community college, tech school, or graduate programs.
• Adult – 18+ years and not enrolled or planning to enroll into a higher education program.
• Special Interest – Individual placements that must be pre-approved by the department and coordinated with Volunteer Services before applying.
• PFAC – For patients or family members who’ve received care at UMH-Sparrow. Serves in an advisory role to support hospital improvement.

• Teen – One semester (10–12 weeks) based around the MSU schedule; 1 shift/week during the school year (2 hrs), or 2 shifts/week (max 4 hrs) in summer.
• College – One semester; based around the MSU schedule, 1 shift/week (3–4 hrs), or up to 2 shifts/week (6–8 hrs), during the school year. More shifts are available during the summer.
• Adult – Average 3–4 hrs/week, with a minimum of 2 shifts/month and a one-year commitment.

Consistency is important, but we understand that time off may be needed. Advance notice is appreciated. Teen and College volunteers must attend at least 75% of their shifts per semester to remain eligible.

Teen & College Volunteers

• Registration links are sent only to fully onboarded or returning volunteers.
• Teen registration usually opens about 1–2 weeks after college registration.

Registration Timeline:

• Fall Semester

  • Early Registration: mid-August
  • Regular Registration: early September

• Spring Semester

  • Early Registration: early December
  • Regular Registration: late December / early January

• Summer

  • Early Registration: early April
  • Regular Registration: late April / early May

Community Adult & Retiree Volunteers

• Registration and onboarding take place year-round.

Early registration: Sent out by our community partner, MSU's Center for Community Engaged Learning through their system and open for 1–2 weeks.

Regular registration: Sent out afterward by UM Health-Sparrow’s Volunteer Services Office.

All volunteers complete online general orientation, followed by in-person training specific to their placement.

• Teen & College – Trainings are held at the start of each semester; sign-ups are sent after registration or coordinated individually.
• Adult – Training is typically on the first day and may include shadowing.

Only at the UM Health-Sparrow Lansing location. Only community adults and retirees are allowed to volunteer with NICU. Volunteers are onboarded and placed according to our seasonal training cycles:

• Fall: Apply June–August
  • Training: September or October
• Spring: Apply January–March
  • Training: April

Onboarding must be fully completed before being added to the training list. Only 12-15 volunteers are trained per session. Volunteers must commit to at least 2 shifts/month. Indicate interest in RNICU in your application.

Teens: We have 6 placements for our teen program.

• Discharge Volunteer
• Patient & Visitor Guide Volunteer
• Bedside DJ Volunteer
• Mother/Baby Volunteer
• Radiology Volunteer (must be 17-18 years old)

College & Adults:

Opportunities vary by location and may include:

• Serving as a patient and visitor guide
• Supporting patients and visitors with pet therapy
• Greeting patients at reception
• Sharing music and art with patients
• Providing comfort as a patient companion
• Greeting and escorting patients and families
• Assisting in the Gift Shop
• Supporting business office staff
• Assisting staff in patient-care areas
• Visiting patients
• Working on special events and projects
• Making handmade items for patients (such as blankets, pillowcases, baby items, and other comforts of all styles and sizes)

We have volunteer placements in all 5 of our campuses:

• UM Health-Sparrow Eaton
• UM Health-Sparrow Carson
• UM Health-Sparrow Clinton
• UM Health-Sparrow Ionia
• UM Health-Sparrow Lansing

Volunteer positions vary by hospital and clinic. Be sure to apply to the specific location you're interested in. You may also note in your application if you're open to other locations or opportunities.

• All Volunteers

  • TB test results within the last 2 months
  • Annual flu vaccine (mandatory Nov–March; exemptions available for general volunteers)

• Adult & College Volunteers

  • Criminal background check

• Mother/Baby & Pediatric Volunteers

  • Proof of MMR, Varicella, and Tdap immunizations or titers
  • Volunteers are responsible for obtaining titers; if no immunity is shown or records are outdated, a booster is required
  • No exemptions for flu vaccine in these placements

Volunteers must wear:

• UM Health -Sparrow Volunteer Badge
• Designated uniform: smocks for general/college volunteers, smock aprons for teens
• Full-length, professional shirts/blouses with no wording or images
• Business-style pants (no jeans, shorts, leggings, or sweatpants)
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals, Crocs, heels, or similar footwear) Uniforms and badges are provided before or on the day of training.

Uniforms and badges are provided before or on the day of training.

No. We do not accommodate one-time group events, short-term/hourly service, or court- ordered community service. Our program is for ongoing, consistent volunteering.

Volunteer Services does not coordinate shadowing. If you've arranged a shadowing opportunity with a department, we can assist with onboarding. Visit: UM Health-Sparrow Shadowing Information

Volunteering builds valuable experience and connections but does not guarantee employment. To explore job openings, visit: UM Health-Sparrow Careers

Yes, free parking is available for actively volunteering individuals.

• Make sure your pet is certified with an approved therapy dog certification or licensure for example, Therapy Dogs International or Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
• Provide proof of pet vaccinations.
• Provide proof of liability insurance.

Include your interest in pet therapy in your application so we can share more specific information about getting started.