Care Extender Program

The Care Extender Program offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain clinical experience and interact with patients, providing a firsthand understanding of the role of healthcare providers. As a Care Extender, you will have the chance to volunteer in various departments throughout the medical centers, assisting medical staff and gaining an insider's understanding of hospital operations.

Our program is highly respected, and Care Extenders are viewed as professional members of the patient care team. Through this program, you will gain invaluable "in-the-trenches" experience in a real hospital setting, which will help you determine your specific course for future studies in healthcare.

Many of our volunteers have found that working as a Care Extender has opened their eyes to the vast range of opportunities available in medical careers. One of our Care Extenders, Kendra Beckin, shares, "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."

Join our program today and gain the clinical experience you need to jumpstart your career in healthcare!

When you choose to volunteer at UCLA Health, 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?

Applicants must be 18 or over. They should be currently enrolled in college or someone who already holds an accredited degree to be eligible to become a Care Extender. If you are already a part of a volunteer program at UCLA you will be asked to complete your commitment with them before you are able to join a second program. Please keep this in mind when applying to volunteer. Our volunteers include pre-healthcare majors and people looking for a career change who want to help make the lives of others more comfortable. We also offer special volunteer leadership 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 our health system.

What is the time commitment?

The time commitment is 4 hours a week for one year. Working with a department coordinator, each Care Extender will design a schedule that best fits his or her availability. Every Care Extender is also required to complete a bonus greeters rotation along with their main department during their first rotation for a total of six hours a week.

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 full day mandatory training session. You will also need to get CPR certified by the American Heart Association, complete a TB screening and have proof of MMR vaccination and varicella vaccination or titer.

What if I have further questions?

If you have further questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) under "Prospective Applicants". If you have questions regarding why you did not receive an acceptance/rejection email after the specified time given at orientations, please email [email protected] and if you have not heard back within 48 hours, contact Moryel Yashar at [email protected].

The Spring 2023 recruitment cycle is now LIVE! Due to COVID restrictions, orientation will be held via Zoom and interviews will be held in person. Please be sure to download the Zoom app onto your desktop or laptop. Please see below for more information for each event. 

Orientation

There will be three (3) orientation sessions available for sign up. Orientation will be held remotely via Zoom on Tuesday, April 4th from 4:30pm - 5:30pm,  6:00pm - 7:00pm and 7:30pm - 8:30pm. Zoom link will be provided to those who sign up to attend an orientation at noon (12 PM PST) on Tuesday, April 4th. Please note that space is limited and on a first come first serve basis. There will not be a waitlist. Continue to monitor the link in the event someone drops out. 

Instructions

Please sign in to the zoom on time via desktop or laptop. Be sure to be in a location that has strong internet connectivity. Late arrivals will not be admitted into the Zoom. We will spend the first hour presenting about the program. Be prepared to complete the application after the orientation session. Applications will be due no later than noon (12 PM PST) on Wednesday, April 5th. Any applications submitted past the deadline will not be graded. Application link will be emailed to only orientation attendees after 8:30pm.