Volunteer at St. Joseph Health

The volunteer services department of St. Joseph Health oversees all volunteer programs throughout the organization.

Please review the options below to select the appropriate application to complete. Once you submit your application, it will be sent directly to volunteer services for review. 

Non-student volunteers

For non-students volunteering at any St. Joseph Health location, including hospitals and clinics.

Apply to become a non-student volunteer

College volunteers

For students pursuing health-related careers or looking to give back. Programs run by semester: 

• To Volunteer in the Fall: Apply by last week of June  
• To Volunteer in the Spring: Apply by last week of October
• To Volunteer in the Summer: Apply by first week of April

Volunteer start dates align with Texas A&M University’s academic calendar. If accepted into the volunteer program, your immunization requirements may be sent to sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org. Apply early, as space is limited.

Apply to become a college volunteer

Therapy volunteers

For those seeking volunteer  and observation hours in physical, occupational or speech therapy. Deadlines match the college volunteer schedule.

• To Volunteer in the Fall: Apply by last week of June  
• To Volunteer in the Spring: Apply by last week of October
• To Volunteer in the Summer: Apply by first week of April

Apply to become a therapy volunteer

Teen volunteers

For students ages 14–17 who want to help during fall, spring or summer terms. Application deadlines match the college program schedule. Volunteer requirements are outlined in the online application.

• To Volunteer in the Fall: Apply by last week of June  
• To Volunteer in the Spring: Apply by last week of October
• To Volunteer in the Summer: Apply by first week of April

Apply to become a teen volunteer

Student observers

Email sjh.volunteer@commonspirit.org to request a copy of the student observer instructions and agreement form.

Caring Canines volunteers

Caring Canines is a pet therapy program that helps boost patient morale and emotional well-being. Certified therapy dogs and their owners visit patients across all hospital floors, offering comfort and companionship.

Volunteers typically serve once a week to once a month for a few hours, with flexible scheduling based on patient needs. We’re looking to grow the program so more patients can benefit from these special visits. Volunteer requirements are outlined in the online application.

Apply to participate in Caring Canines

Rural hospital volunteers

Though limited, our Manor long-term care facility and rural hospitals in Caldwell, Madisonville and Navasota offer many opportunities for volunteerism. Volunteer roles vary by location. Contact the volunteer services for more information.

• St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital:

• St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital:

• St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital:

 Apply to become a rural hospital volunteer

Musical volunteers

For volunteers ages 14 and up with an interest in sharing their musical talent in patient and visitor waiting areas.

Apply to become a musical volunteer

Arts in Medicine – Musical Program

Join us in sharing the healing presence of music with patients. Your compassionate melodies can make a tangible difference in their journey toward wellness.

We are seeking kind, skilled musicians who are passionate about using their talents to bring comfort and support during vulnerable times. If you are a flexible, people-centered artist committed to continuous learning and working together for holistic care, we invite you to contribute to this vital healing ministry.

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Apply to become an Arts in Medicine volunteer

Spiritual care volunteers

With the patient’s permission, our trained spiritual care volunteers offer emotional and spiritual support to patients and families during their hospital stay. All volunteers are trained and approved by our spiritual care department to ensure respectful, compassionate support for everyone we serve.

Apply to become a spiritual care volunteer