Your Roadmap to Becoming a Volunteer

When you give your time to University Health, you are helping us fulfill our mission to provide the highest quality of care to those we serve. As a volunteer, you make a difference in the lives of our patients, their families and our community.

This program is for adults, at least 18 years of age, who are no longer in high school. Whether you work or not, there are many ways you can volunteer. We ask that our adult volunteers commit to four hours per day, one day per week and about 100 hours a year. The application process can take up to four weeks. See our volunteer opportunities.

Step 1: Application

Complete the online application. You must provide a valid driver's license, passport or other photo identification and a signed Social Security card. 

Step 2: Health Screening

Volunteers must pass a health screening each year. The screening includes a mini physical, a urine drug test, a tuberculosis (TB) skin test and a flu shot.

Please bring the following items to your health screening appointment:

• A valid driver's license or other photo identification, such as a passport
• A list of the medications you are currently taking, if any
• Immunization records - If you do not have your records, a registered nurse or physician assistant performs a blood test to determine the presence of certain antibodies. The blood test is free of charge. If you do not have the particular antibodies, staff informs you immediately. You may then get the vaccines, from our staff at a cost, with your doctor, or at any of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District offices.

Important: The TB test requires a second visit, 48 hours after the test, to determine the results.

Step 3: Interview

The Volunteer Services staff schedules an individual interview with you following the successful completion of the health screening. This is an opportunity to get to know each other, clarify expectations and allow for mutual understanding and engagement.

Step 4: Orientation and Uniform

At the required two-hour orientation and training session, you will explore vital details about the hospital and your duties, empowering you to embrace your role as a volunteer with utmost confidence. Please bring proof of vehicle registration and insurance.

Volunteer uniforms help visitors and patients recognize you as a hospital representative who can help when they have questions. Every volunteer wears a uniform that includes:

• Blue polo shirt
• Black, tan or khaki-colored pants
• Closed-toed shoes worn with ankle-length or longer socks (no-show socks are not permitted)
• Photo identification worn at chest level at all times