Volunteer Opportunities

At St. Mary Medical Center we offer a number of volunteer programs for mature adults, collegians and high school students. Join us as a clerical volunteer, at the information desk, in the gift shop, help with patient interaction or assist hospital staff.

Download Our Volunteer Application

Auxiliary Volunteer Services

Clerical Volunteer: Assist with filing, data entry, mailings and a range of other special needs.

Information Desk: Assist visitors by providing information, answering general questions and directing visitors.

Gift Shop & Wellness Boutique: For those who love to shop, the hospital's Gift Shop & Wellness Boutique would be the place to volunteer. 

Patient Interaction: Assist hospital staff by distributing reading materials such as newspapers to patients.

Hospital Staff: Assist staff in a certain department of the hospital.

If you would like to volunteer at St. Mary Medical Center, please contact Kim Whitsett, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (562) 491-9766. (Student volunteers: Please read below for different contact phone numbers.)

Health Scholar Program

The COPE Health Scholar Programs are a series of educational experience courses hosted in partnership between COPE Health Solutions and St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach.

The Health Scholar program allows you to gain first-hand experience in both clinical and administrative health care settings and become an integral part of the care delivery team. You will assist with basic care for patients alongside nurses, physicians and other members of the care team through various department rotations as you learn the “business” of health care and prepare for your health care career. This program is offered year-round with enrollment occurring every quarter.

In addition to direct patient care experience, the COPE Health Scholars programs offer:

  • Experiential education through a structured course certified by UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health
  • Mentoring with working health care professionals
  • Seminars with guest speakers and health care panels
  • Test-prep service discounts
  • Networking events
  • And much more...

Most individuals graduate from the program in 15-months after completing 280 hours of health care experience with a minimum commitment of one, 4-hour shift per week. Upon graduation, all Scholars will receive a completion certificate from UCLA’s Executive Programs in Health Policy & Management.

For those looking to complete the program sooner, we offer 9-month and 3-month options where you will receive priority shift selection in order to finish at an accelerated pace.

The application and enrollment process requires an online application, in-person interview, health screening, 30-hour training and successful completion of exams. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in, accepted or graduated from an accredited university or college.

For more information, or to apply to the program, please visit www.copehealthscholars.org.

Junior Health Scholar Program

Junior Health Scholars are high school (or early admittance college) students who are interested in careers in health care. In partnership with UCLA, students receive training to assist our Health Scholars with inpatient comfort care and observe patient care delivery in action. Additionally, students gain an inside view of how physicians, nurses, social workers and other health care professionals work together to deliver patient care. 

Requirements:

  • Must be 16-18 years old
  • Currently enrolled or graduated from high school

If you would like to speak with someone about the Junior Health Scholar Program, please call (562) 491-9413. If you are ready to fill out an online application, please visit Cope Health Scholars.