On-Site Volunteers

Volunteers are often called the heart of MD Anderson because they play a key role in our mission to make cancer history. When joining MD Anderson’s volunteer workforce, you’ll become part of a diverse group of volunteers who enhance the patient experience. 

We do not offer short-term volunteer opportunities, shadowing of medical professionals or internships.

Our volunteers are

• a diverse workforce of trained volunteers who enhance the patient experience by providing comfort, hope, support, and referral to institutional resources at the Texas Medical Center Campus and at the Houston-area locations (League City, West Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land)
• compassionate, motivated, and committed 
• great communicators with a desire to help patients and caregivers

Time commitment

• Year-round consistent attendance
• 6-month minimum commitment, 8 hours a month
• 3 to 4-hour flexible volunteer shifts are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Evening and weekend programs remain closed

Requirements to volunteer

• Complete Virtual Preview Orientation, application and forms
• Complete Virtual Placement Interview and online training
• Criminal background check clearance
• The volunteer uniform: MD Anderson issued volunteer polo shirt or volunteer blue jacket to be worn with black pants. Volunteers receive an official volunteer ID badge to be worn visibly while volunteering. Volunteers may be required to wear a face mask based on masking guidelines. 
• Health Vaccinations: Flu, Tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood test, Chicken Pox history or Varicella vaccine

Adult Volunteer Program

Applicants 18 years and older not enrolled in an educational program are welcome to apply. Volunteers are interviewed and matched to one volunteer position based on their availability, experience, interests, and comfort level working directly with patients and visitors, based on institutional needs. Your position is the same each week. 

College Volunteer Program

Applicants 18 years and older enrolled in an educational program or gap year may apply.  College volunteers provide customer service and support to patients and visitors while gaining exposure to various healthcare careers. Volunteers are eligible for a letter of recommendation after completing a minimum of 50 volunteer hours. 

Questions? Contact us at volunteering@mdanderson.org or 713-792-JOIN.