If you’ve started researching the requirements for your medical school application, you may already be thinking about finding a way to rack up your volunteer hours—but how many volunteer hours for medical school will you actually need to log?
You’ve probably found clear criteria for the minimal GPA and what you’ll need to score on your MCATs, but the exact amount of volunteer work required may leave you scratching your head. And just how important are volunteer hours in the grand scheme of applying to medical school?
Before you stress too much about the numbers, I’ll explain how many volunteer hours are ideal, how to break down the time into more manageable blocks, and why volunteer experience is worth the effort, both professionally and on a personal level. Plus, I’ll answer your frequently asked questions about finding volunteer hours, what types of volunteer experiences are best, and a smart strategy for tracking your volunteering time.
So, let’s get started with the burning question you came here for …
This post is all about finding out how many volunteer hours for medical school do you need.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Find Out How Many Volunteer Hours For Medical School is Needed
How many volunteer hours for medical school are recommended?
The number of volunteer hours needed for medical school can vary depending on the program, but a common recommendation is around 50-100 hours of volunteer experience. I know that may sound like a lot of time to fit into your already busy schedule, but you can spread it out by planning to dedicate 10-15 hours per month to a cause you’re passionate about for at least ten months.
Remember, this is just a guideline—some successful applicants have volunteered fewer hours, while others have gone above and beyond. It’s more about your impact than the number of hours you clock. So, focus less on tallying the hours just to get it done and more on your dedication to personal growth, self-discovery, and showing your true passion for helping others.
Why Do You Need Volunteer Hours for Medical School?
Medical schools want to see that you’re committed to helping others. By dedicating your time to volunteer work, you’re demonstrating your genuine desire to positively impact the lives of those in need. Admissions committees look for applicants who can demonstrate their passion for serving others and are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference.
Also, volunteering can provide valuable experiences and insights into the healthcare field that you might not get anywhere else. Whether working in a hospital, a clinic, or a community organization, you’ll gain firsthand exposure to the challenges and rewards of healthcare. This kind of experience can help you develop empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills that will serve you well as you progress deeper into your career in medicine and deal with patients who rely on your care and expertise.
Plus, when you fill out your application, you’ll have many experiences to draw upon for the AMCAS Work and Activities Section and your AMCAS Most Meaningful Experiences. These sections allow you to showcase the impact you’ve made through your volunteer work and how it’s shaped your aspirations and goals for the future.
What are the best types of volunteer opportunities for pre-meds?
With so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here’s a general overview to help you find the best volunteering experience that will inspire you!
Clinical Volunteering
Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes allows you to gain firsthand experience in a medical setting. Clinical volunteer work can expose you to various healthcare professionals, help you develop essential skills like patient interaction, and give you a realistic view of the medical field. Plus, it shows medical schools that you’re dedicated to serving others in a healthcare setting.
Here are a few examples of clinical volunteering experiences.
- Volunteering at a hospital
- Assisting with patient care at a medical clinic
- Assisted living facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospices
- Patient transporters
If you’re looking to gain valuable clinical experience as a pre-med student, make sure to check out my other post: “40+ Clinical Volunteer Opportunities for Pre-Med Students That Will Set You Apart,” for amazing opportunities!
Research Volunteering:
Volunteering in a research lab can be a great fit if you’re interested in the scientific aspect of medicine. Assisting with research projects helps you understand the importance of evidence-based medicine and allows you to work closely with professors or researchers who can provide mentorship and guidance. Medical schools also highly value research experience and can set you apart from other applicants.
Consider the following research opportunities to gain volunteer experience.
- Assisting a professor with their research project
- Working in a laboratory conducting experiments
- Summer research programs
Community Service:
Volunteering in your community shows medical schools that you’re committed to making a difference beyond the healthcare setting. Whether you volunteer at a local shelter, participate in community outreach programs, or organize health fairs, community service allows you to connect with diverse populations and develop essential leadership and communication skills. It also demonstrates your compassion and dedication to serving the underserved.
The following ideas can get you started with volunteering in your community and beyond to abroad locations.
- Volunteering at a local food bank
- Organizing a charity fundraiser
- Participating in a community clean-up event
- Working at a soup kitchen
- Tutoring students
- Leading senior center recreational activities
- Serving as a caretaker at an animal shelter
- Being a Big Brother or Big Sister
- Partnering with international organizations
Should You Only Focus on Clinical Volunteering?
While clinical volunteering can certainly give you firsthand exposure to the medical field and help you develop essential patient interaction skills, don’t limit yourself to just that. Non-clinical experiences, such as volunteering at a homeless shelter, tutoring underserved communities, or participating in environmental conservation projects, can also demonstrate your compassion and leadership skills.
Plus, having a mix of clinical and non-clinical volunteer experiences can actually make your application stand out. It shows that you have a well-rounded perspective and can empathize with diverse people and issues. Medical schools tend to seek applicants who demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping others and a broad understanding of societal challenges. A combination of clinical and non-clinical experiences can help you showcase that.
What are the best ways to find volunteer positions?
Follow these useful tips to explore and discover the best volunteer positions that align with your interests and skills.
- Start by asking professors, advisors, and your peers for recommendations on volunteer opportunities. They may have insights or connections to organizations that are seeking volunteers.
- Attend volunteer fairs or community events where you can connect with organizations in person and learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
- Many universities have their own volunteer programs, so check with your school’s community service office to see what options are available. Getting involved on campus can be a great way to start making a difference in your community.
- Reach out to local hospitals, clinics, or non-profit organizations in your area to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Explore volunteering for clinical research projects, joining medical mission trips, or working with government agencies to gain valuable experience and make a positive impact.
- Check online platforms that list a wide range of volunteer opportunities, making it easy to find something that aligns with your interests.
When applying for volunteering positions, having a pre-med resume ready can boost your chances of getting just the position you have been looking for. You can use my free template to save you the extra time:
What factors should you consider when choosing a volunteering position?
Consider these five tips when choosing how you want to build up your volunteer hours and when deciding if a volunteering position is right for you.
- Medical school admissions prefer to see consistency. They want to see that you’ve stuck with a volunteer project for multiple weeks and months. So, instead of just doing a one-off volunteer day here and there, take on a project over a longer duration to show your commitment. You will also be able to showgenuine interest in serving others.
- The journey of volunteering should be as rewarding for you as it is valuable for your medical school application. Think about what truly matters to you. Find a cause that resonates with your values, brings you joy, and inspires you to contribute wholeheartedly to your community.
- Look for roles that will allow you to learn new things and develop different aspects of yourself. Choose positions that will help you grow and expand your skill set.
- Make sure that the location is convenient for you so that you can fully commit to the position. For example, how far are you willing to travel?
- Think about the time commitment required for each volunteering opportunity. Some positions may only require a few hours a week, while others may need more time investment. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically dedicate to volunteering.
How do you track your volunteer hours?
I highly recommend keeping a detailed log of your volunteer hours. This record helps you track your progress and is a great way to reflect on your volunteer work. Plus, it provides concrete evidence of your dedication and organizes your experiences so you’re ready when you start applying to medical schools.
Include information such as the date, the hours spent, the tasks performed, activities you were involved in, notable experiences, and what skills you’ve gained. You should ensure you’re detailed and accurate with your record-keeping. A thorough log of your volunteer hours and experiences will help you showcase your dedication and stand out to admissions committees.
This will make it so much easier for you once you start preparing your primary application, listing all your extracurriculars. Did you know that you get to add short descriptions of each activity as well? This is a fantastic way to showcase what you have learned from your volunteer position and how it impacted you on your path to becoming a physician.
If you want to learn exactly how to tackle these and all the other nitty gritty details in your medical school application, my online course Road to Acceptance guides you through each step in the process. This includes all the strategies I used to earn 10 acceptances despite a lower GPA and other “red flags” in my application. If I can make it, you can get there as well!
Summing it up: How many volunteer hours are ideal for you?
The time you spend volunteering lets medical schools know that you’re dedicated to helping others. This also shows that you have a genuine interest in service. While you should set a minimum goal of 100 hours, don’t stress about trying to hit an exact number. It’s more about the quality of your experience and commitment to a cause rather than the number of hours or a long list of short-term volunteer projects.
Choose volunteer opportunities that align with your passions and interests. Whether it’s working at a clinic or helping with a community event, medical schools want to see that you’re well-rounded and committed to making a difference in people’s lives.
So take on volunteer projects that genuinely speak to your heart. Give back to your community, and allow these experiences to shine through on your application. In the end, the ideal number of volunteer hours for you is the amount that reflects your dedication, passion, and commitment. So keep up the excellent work, and happy volunteering!
Related Posts
The Best Premed Extracurriculars to Boost Your Med School Application
40+ Clinical Volunteer Opportunities for Pre-Med Students That Will Set You Apart
