There are no specific requirements to become a volunteer with HealthCare Volunteer – anybody with an interest in is welcome to apply.
Many locations have a variety of possible placements, which would be suitable for anyone from a member of the general public to a Professor top of their medical field.Every person that volunteers has the opportunity to make a difference to the life and health of people that really need it.
Most of our projects are flexible on dates for volunteering – you go for as long or as short as you wish. If you change your plans mid-way through your volunteer trip, that’s no problem at all.
Our volunteers come from all over the world, as a result there are often opportunities to volunteer within international teams.
We aim to partner directly with the Ministry of Health in the countries we send volunteers to in order to provide a safe and legal volunteering experience that the local Government has approved.
We do not charge anything for the volunteering experiences we provide. The only costs involved are your living costs and travel costs to the destination you choose.
We do however ask that you consider some form of donation to our International Programme fund.
This is a fund which aims to send medical and dental equipment packages out to the places that really need them.
We promise to you that all of your donation will go towards the running of our projects and to needs such as shipping costs for free equipment we acquire from local hospitals or the actual purchase of new equipment.
As opposed to actual monetary donations we are also looking for donations of used and out of date medical and dental equipment that can be used in this project. This can be in many forms, for example you can take it with you to a project, or you can arrange for it to be delivered to one of our offices for future distribution.
You can donate any amount of money via PayPal or by a cheque payable to “HealthCare Volunteer” and send it to:
6825 Cielo Vista Dr
PMB# 29
El Paso, TX 79925
If you would like more information on how to donate equipment please contact Sarah Richardson, Director of European Operations at sarah.richardson@healthcarevolunteer.com
General guidelines
The application process has a rolling deadline, HealthCare Volunteer accepts the first qualified applicants for each programme. We are flexible and can place volunteers at very short notice, but do ask if possible that you apply 6 weeks in advance so that we can advise you of specific project details/requirements and local arrangements can be made for your arrival.
We attempt to give you a choice of accommodation for each project. Some projects in more rural areas will need prior arrangement of accommodation, as this is often in hospital dormitories or the local mission.
Volunteers typically work a standard working week (around 40 hours) with weekends off to enjoy cultural events in the community. Individual projects do however vary, and some volunteers work weekend and less hours during the week in order for there to be adequate medical/dental cover in a hospital.
English is generally sufficient, but individual project requirements vary.
For example in Ecuador all volunteers must be able to speak Spanish as very few patients/local health staff members can speak English. In Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, basic Swahili is recommended but not required – volunteers are advised to take a small phrase book with them. In Brazil, Portuguese fluency is helpful but not required. Keep in mind that in rural villages there is limited access to education and health care so many members of the population may only speak the local/tribal languages.
Medical/Dental/Nursing/Pharmacy/Other health professional students who have entered their clinical years of training may be able to provide clinical volunteer services in select locations.
In most cases, untrained volunteers will be allowed to help with logistics, supplies support, ancillary clinical support and community/village education programs.
Teams are encouraged to apply.
We are usually able to place you in the location of your choice during the specific dates you desire.
Further information for medical / dental / nursing / pharmacy students and professionals
Our programs are designed so that long-term physician, dentist, nurse and pharmacist volunteers at the project locations will in certain cases agree to have students within their profession rotate through their clinic under their supervision for 1-4 week periods.
If you are a trained physician or dentist, you will be responsible for the cost to get temporary licensure in the location you wish to volunteer as many countries charge temporary licensure fees/visa fees. This however, is often waivered by the Government if you are going for a short period of time.
Furthermore, you will be responsible for airfare, and unless otherwise indicated, your housing, food, transportation, etc.
Dental students can fulfill their 1-year elective in certain cases.
Medical students can complete Medical Electives under certain project programmes.
For more information:
For more information on the logistics of being signed off for your Elective with our organisation please contact Sarah Richardson, Director of European Operations at sarah.richardson@healthcarevolunteer.com
How do I apply?
Follow this 3 step process:
1. Create an account and then login to your account. Next fill out the online application. If you are joining an existing team or group, please make sure you add them to your team accessible on your profile page.
2. Next, print/fill out the paper form (PDF or DOC) and mail it to us with supporting documents.
3. Upon receipt of your materials, we will process your application, obtain necessary work permits and deploy you to your volunteering site. Filling out the volunteering form is not a guarantee of placement, but we do try to accommodate as many volunteers as possible during the times you request. Please remember you will have to pay your own visa, temporary licensure or other governmental fees necessary. In the mean time, please gain the latest recommended immunizations and anti-malaria medication if you are volunteering in a malaria-risk zone.
US Citizens: Follow CDC Guidelines | UK Citizens: Follow NHS Guidelines | Other Citizens: Follow Local Guidelines
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