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The Care Extender Internship Program
Welcome Prospective Care Extender!
The Care Extender Program provides opportunities for volunteers to experience health care from a clinical perspective through patient contact and volunteer involvement. Care Extenders are trained to assist Medical Center staff, who, in turn, are able to share their personal experiences with their volunteers.
Time spent in the program proves invaluable because it provides each Care Extender with "in-the-trenches" experience in a real hospital setting. Care Extenders are respected as professional members of a patient care team. As a result, they gain an insiders' understanding of the operations of the hospital — an experience which helps them determine their specific course for future studies.
"Working as a Care Extender has made me aware of the many opportunities in medical careers. Labor and Delivery was such a powerful experience for me. It doesn't matter how many biology or physiology classes you take; they just can't prepare you for the experiences I've had since joining this program. The commitment I made to this program is the smartest decision I've made in my college career."
Kendra Beckin, Care Extender
Choose to Make a Difference
When you choose to volunteer at UCLA Health System, you become a vital part of a vibrant healthcare resource in the heart of West Los Angeles. We are rich with history, innovation and achievement. Science in the laboratory becomes practice at the bedside, pioneering medical techniques are advances, and lives are transformed.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone age 18 and older, currently attend college or already have a degree is eligible to become a Care Extender. Our volunteers include pre health care majors and people looking for a career change who want to help make the lives of others more comfortable. We also offer special volunteer staff opportunities for students who are looking to get more involved. What our volunteers have in common is that they want to be challenged, and in rising to those presented challenges, create a world of difference in for our health system. Click here to read past and present Care Extender testimonials. You can also check out the Care Extender Program video for more testimonials from current student Care Extender volunteers and past Care Extenders who have gone onto medical school and practicing medical physicians.
What is the time commitment?
A minimum of a one-year commitment, volunteering four hours a week. Working with a volunteer coordinator, each Care Extender will design a schedule that best fits his or her availability.
How do I get started?
Attend a mandatory orientation to complete an application. Orientation sessions are held once a quarter, typically every January, April, July and October, and are attended by reservation only. If selected, attend an interview session. Upon acceptance into the program, you must attend a mandatory training session. You will also need to get CPR certified by the American Heart Association, complete a 2-step TB test and have proof of MMR vaccination and varicella vaccination or titer.
Upcoming Summer 2013 Recruitment Cycle
Upcoming Summer 2013 Orientation Sessions
Tuesday, April 26th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Wednesday, April 27th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, April 29th from 10 AM to 12 AM
Click here to sign up for an orientation: Sign-ups not yet available
Summer 2013 Orientation location will be announced when sign-ups are opened.
Upcoming Summer 2013 Interviews
More information will be provided to selected applicants. Applicants must be free in the afternoon or evening on one of these dates:
Wednesday, July 10th
Thursday, July 11th
Upcoming Summer 2013 Training Date
All accepted Care Extenders are required to be available all day on Sunday, August 4th for Training Day. No exceptions will be made.
UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica
Care Extender Program
1250 Sixteenth Street
Santa Monica, California 90404
(424) 259-8165
