Scripps Health Volunteer Program

The Scripps Health Volunteer Program places volunteers aged 15 and older, including high school students, in Scripps hospitals around San Diego, California. Volunteers help patients, visitors and staff by welcoming guests, comforting patients, escorting people through the hospital, doing clerical work, cleaning equipment and stocking supplies. Volunteers serve at five sites: Scripps Green Hospital and Clinic Torrey Pines, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. The program is unpaid, and volunteers buy a $25 Scripps smock or polo to wear on shift.

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old and commit to 2 to 4 hours a week, depending on age and role, for at least six months and 100 hours. Accepted volunteers must show proof of several immunizations (varicella, MMR, Tdap) and complete a QuantiFERON TB blood test. Students apply through an online portal that opens on the first business day of each month and closes when each site is full. South Region hospitals review applications on an ongoing basis, while North Region hospitals review them twice a year, with fall applications opening in early October. Onboarding usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks after applying.