Volunteer
Volunteer in Eau Claire
Join our team of volunteers in Eau Cliare, Wisconsin, and make a difference in the lives of our patients, visitors and staff. Choose one of these topics to learn more:
- Why volunteer?
- What does a volunteer do?
- How do I get started?
- What are the requirements if I'm accepted?
Why volunteer?
Volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but share the common desire to help others. They are men, women, retirees, teenagers, former patients, professionals, homemakers and students. They volunteer for different reasons — to explore health care careers, sharpen skills to re-enter the work world, stay active during retirement and put their free time to good use.
Did you know that in addition to helping people and changing lives, research has shown that volunteering can benefit your health? Read our blog post about the six health benefits of volunteering.
Watch this video to see a volunteer in action:
What does a volunteer do?
Our primary value is the needs of the patient come first. Volunteers support that value through a variety of roles, including:
- Greeting patients and visitors
- Transporting patients to appointments
- Working in the gift shops
- Delivering supplies
- Visiting with patients
Volunteers who enjoy working with computers can provide clerical help. In addition, volunteers may participate in the pet therapy program with their certified therapy dog. Read FAQ about volunteering to get more details.
Review the volunteer opportunities to see which activities are suitable to your interests and availability, including detailed information about the hospice volunteer opportunities available in your local community.
How do I get started?
Adults
Adult volunteers must be 18 or older and able to commit to volunteering on a regular basis.
Applications are accepted anytime.
Complete the volunteer application.
Students
Our student volunteer program ensures each student receives a rewarding and impactful volunteer experience while helping to meet the needs of our patients.
Minimum age requirements:
- Barron – 16 years
- Eau Claire – 14 years
- La Crosse - 16 years
- Menomonie – 16 years
- Onalaska – 16 years
Students will commit to completing the onboarding process within two weeks of their interview. Also, they will commit to one 2–4-hour shift per week and complete 75% of their shifts by the end of the semester or summer session.
We look forward to partnering with our students to provide a program that offers them a variety of opportunities, with a framework that works with their existing commitments.
Students may apply at the following times:
- Summer Session 2025: April 28-May 2
- Fall Semester 2025: Aug. 4-8
- Spring Semester 2026: Dec. 8-12
Complete the volunteer application.
Questions can be directed to volunteerservices@mayo.edu or 715-838-3262.
Volunteering should not be viewed as a means of obtaining employment. If you are seeking a paid position, visit our Careers page. Students who are considering a career as a physician are invited to apply to the MedEx program after completing required volunteer hours.
What are the requirements if I'm accepted?
All applications will be reviewed, and you may be asked to interview.
If you are accepted into the program, these requirements must be fulfilled before you begin volunteering:
- Background check
- Immunization review
- Attend volunteer orientation
- Complete the volunteer orientation
If you have questions about the requirements or about volunteering in general, call Volunteer Services at 715-838-3262 or email volunteerservices@mayo.edu.