What Types of Volunteer Opportunities are Available in Public Health?

If you want to enhance your medical school application or you simply need experience before you can apply for a certification, you may want to consider the benefits of being a public health volunteer. Volunteering helps you get hands-on experience in a medical care setting and demonstrates that you are ready to take on roles as a trained professional. It also shows that you take pride in your community and are a contributing member of society. There are multiples types of volunteer opportunities that you can apply for in which you will be able to network with peers and health professionals. Here are some of the opportunities to look for and where you can start your search.

Which Types of Public Health Volunteer Opportunities Are Best?

There are non-medical and healthcare-related experiences, but it is best to stick with the health-care related options that are in the public health sector when you are pursuing a career in the sector. By taking advantage of these openings, you can get more attention on your resume or on your college application. It can also be really helpful when you are actively applying for a public healthcare job.

What Will You Do When You Are Volunteering?

Unless you are licensed to treat or diagnose patients, you will not take on the role of a health professional while you are volunteering. You will, however, play an important role in helping those who are less fortunate or in need of treatment and support. In a day, you might help support patients with terminal illnesses, assist the elderly, work in a clinic as an administrative team member, implement new health programs, deliver meals to the needy, or assist in hospitals by conducting classes about breastfeeding, nutrition and more.

Where Can You Volunteer?

There are volunteering opportunities in your local community and also internationally. You need to decide which opportunities are realistic, based on your education and experience. as you review all of the options. You can find local openings hospitals, clinics, laboratories, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, animal shelters, charities, local foundations, research facilities, and more. If you want to work in a more global environment, you can find opportunities through the American Red Cross, the World Health Organization, the Peace Corps and more. If you are currently attending school, you can get help finding community service opportunities through Student Affairs or through your advisor.

How Do Public Health Volunteers Make an Impact?

Volunteers can make a huge impact when they are offer their services. These impacts are both economic and social. They are economic in the sense that volunteers are not paid and are donating their valuable time. They are also helping to strengthen society and bridge the widening gap. Of course, volunteers will also experience personal impacts, as well.

Everyone should take the time to participate in volunteer programs. You can decide what interests you the most and what you are most passionate about, but donating your time to help others is a rewarding experience.