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Emory DeKalb Operating Unit

Volunteer Programs

Discover meaningful opportunities to make a difference at Emory DeKalb Operating Unit (EDOU)! Our diverse Volunteer Programs welcome individuals of various ages, enhancing patient care at Emory Decatur Hospital, Emory Hillandale Hospital, and Emory Long-Term Acute Care. Engage with various hospital departments such as the Breast Center, Oncology Unit, Nursing Units, ICU Waiting Room, Wayfinding, and more.

Commit just one day a week for a 4-hour shift, undergo training, and attend annual in-service meetings to enhance your impact. Whether you're drawn to healthcare or simply eager to serve others, you'll find your place as a valued member of our volunteer community.

PLEASE NOTE: Volunteer Services does not provide shadowing, observation, internships, externships, or clinical experiences. Additionally, we are unable to provide volunteer opportunities for court-ordered community service. The Volunteer Services Department is not affiliated with the Human Resources Department or any facet of employment service. Volunteering is not a pathway to employment. For further employment information, please contact Human Resources.

Types of Volunteer Programs

Adult Volunteer Program:

  • Ages 25+
  • NOT enrolled in a higher education program
  • Minimum commitment of four hours per week for a year, or 100 hours annually

College Volunteer Program:

  • Ages 18+
  • Students enrolled in a higher education program
  • Minimum GPA 3.0+
  • Minimum six-month commitment of four hours per week, or 80 hours total

Summer VolunTEEN Program (June & July):

Spaces are limited, applications open in early January with a deadline of March 1 (no extensions offered).

  • High school students, ages 16-18
  • Minimum GPA 3.0+
  • 6-week program (June & July)
  • Along with in-person volunteering, the program includes Lunch & Learn sessions on healthcare careers offered by a variety of clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals.

Additional Volunteer Requirements:

  • Pass a criminal background check (ages 18+).
  • Complete & Return Required Documents Packet, which can be downloaded from the appropriate application link.
  • Provide a copy of your current transcript (College & VolunTeen applicants).
  • Attend an interview with a Volunteer Services staff member.
  • Provide documentation of receiving the following vaccinations:
    • Influenza vaccine (for the current season, Oct. – April, and required annually)
    • MMR (Mumps, Measles & Rubella) –  2-dose vaccine
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox) –  2-dose vaccine
    • If Volunteering in Women & Infants Departments, the following additional vaccinations are required:
      • Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) – for Whooping cough – 1-dose vaccine + booster every 10 years.
      • Hepatitis B –  3-dose vaccine
      • Hepatitis B titer blood test showing positive for immunity - required IN ADDITION to the 3-dose vaccine listed above
  • Consent to and receive a T-SPOT blood test for Tuberculosis – provided free of charge at Emory Decatur Hospital (instructions provided at interview)
    • Alternatively, a Quantiferon Gold blood test taken within the last 60 days can also be accepted.
    • The PPD skin test is NOT accepted and is different from the T-SPOT or Quantiferon Gold blood tests. Getting the PPD skin test will result in a delay in being able to take the T-SPOT blood test and could affect your ability to meet application deadlines.
  • Complete online training materials (provided after the interview and required annually).
  • Attend New Volunteer Orientation.

PLEASE NOTE: Three (3) no-shows/no-calls will result in removal from the Volunteer Program.

Apply easily online through our dedicated links for each program. Additional details and deadlines are listed on the applications.

Embrace the opportunity to serve in our vibrant healthcare community and contribute to the well-being of those we care for. Volunteer at Emory DeKalb Operating Unit today!

Volunteer Locations

The Emory DeKalb Operating Unit consists of the following locations:

  • Emory Decatur Hospital – 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033
  • Emory Hillandale Hospital – 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia, GA 30058
  • Emory Long-Term Acute Care – 450 North Candler Street, Decatur, GA 30030

Volunteer Services Department
Phone: 404-501-5208
Fax: 404-501-4788
Email: volunteers@emoryhealthcare.org