Apply to Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Before you apply to volunteer, please note the following:

The minimum age to volunteer is 15 (at the time of application)
There is a 60-hour minimum requirement for all volunteers (this takes about six to eight months to complete if you are volunteering once a week for two to four hours)
A typical volunteer opportunity is based on a fixed schedule, once per week (e.g. every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Volunteers must have excellent communication skills, including verbal and written English (additional languages are an asset)
Some areas of the hospital do not offer volunteer opportunities (e.g. pharmacy, laboratory, food services, security, housekeeping, medical office)
Job shadowing, observerships and mentoring are not offered as part of our volunteer program
Applications are available all year for adults and students (university, college and high school)
If you wish to volunteer only during the summer, we have a summer program for university, college and high school students

Ready to apply?

We are looking for energetic, compassionate, dedicated volunteers who are focused on helping us deliver our Mission, Vision and Values. To apply, please select a site below and fill out the application form:

When we receive your application, we will review your experience, skills and availability along with our current program needs. If you are contacted, we will interview you over the phone to discuss volunteering at Osler. If you are selected, you will be informed of next steps. These include immunization forms, references, an in-person interview and a police check.

Please note that we receive a high volume of applications. Regretfully, we are unable to guarantee a placement for everyone and can only contact successful candidates. Please be sure to check your email junk folder frequently for contact from the Volunteer Office.

If you have not heard from us within three months, we encourage you to reapply.

Frequently asked questions about volunteering at Osler

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

You must be 15 years of age or older when you apply.

Is a summer program available?

Yes, a summer program is available for students.

University and college students

Applications for our university and college summer program are open from January 15 to March 15 each year. To apply, you must:

be available to volunteer from May 1 to August 31
commit to two fixed shifts per week. Please note only daytime shifts on weekdays are available

High school students

Applications for our high school summer program are open from February 15 to April 15 each year. To apply, you must:

be available to volunteer from July 1 to August 31
commit to two fixed shifts per week. Please note: only daytime shifts on weekdays are available

To apply, please select a site below and fill out the application form:

How long does the application process take?

Once you submit your application, we will review your experience, skills and availability along with our current program needs. If there is no immediate match, we will keep your application on file.

If we do not contact you within three months of receiving your application, you are welcome to reapply. Please note that we receive many applications. Regretfully, we are not able to guarantee a placement for everyone and can only contact successful candidates.

Did you receive my application?

Once an application is submitted online, you will receive a confirmation message indicating your application has been submitted.

I submitted my application and didn't hear back. When will I be contacted?

Due to the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact successful applicants. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee a placement for everyone.

If you have not been contacted within three months of applying, you are welcome to reapply.

Do you have short-term opportunities available?

All volunteers must commit to 60 hours of service. Except for our summer student program, this will take six to eight months to complete.

Can I volunteer more than once?

Yes, if you have the availability.

Can I volunteer in more than one service area?

Yes. However, please note that you must commit to at least 60 hours of service. Once you complete 60 or more hours, you can request to switch to another service area.

I have a rotating schedule. Can I volunteer at my own time?

Flexible schedules are restricted to lobby connections. Each request is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Can I get my 40-hour high school volunteer requirement at Osler?

Yes. However, please note our minimum requirement is 60 hours.

I've had my immunizations completed within the last five years. Is this enough?

You will still need to complete an immunization record form with the relevant results.

You will also need to complete a one-step tuberculosis test, as this is only valid for one year. If you are selected, we can discuss this further during your phone interview.

Do you pay for immunizations?

No. Please complete the immunization record form with your family doctor or at a walk-in clinic. They can advise you of any applicable fees.

Do I need a police check before I start volunteering?

All applicants over the age of 18 who are provided with a conditional offer will be asked to obtain either a police vulnerable sector check or police information check. Processing this request may take up to two to four weeks.

In Ontario, under the Police Record Checks Reform Act, volunteers are eligible to receive free criminal record checks and/or criminal record and judicial matters checks from police services. Volunteers will still be required to pay any fees charged by police services for a vulnerable sector check.

Do you accept co-operative (co-op) education students?

We offer a high school co-op education program in partnership with school boards across Toronto, York and Peel regions. Please contact your high school guidance office for more information.

I'm interested in observerships or placements. How can I apply?

As they do not fall within the scope of volunteering, we are unable to offer job shadowing, observerships and mentoring.

Does volunteering give me an edge when I apply for a job at Osler?

All Osler job vacancies are posted online and volunteers are required to follow the standard job application process. You can include your volunteering experience on your resume/application.

Do you provide certificates and/or references?

You can request a certificate once you have completed 60 hours of service. You may request a reference after 100 hours of service.

What is VicNet?

VicNet is an online portal for current volunteers. Through VicNet, you can access your volunteer account remotely from any device with internet access.

To log in, simply use your personal email address and the five-digit login number you use when you sign in to your account at the hospital. If you are a current volunteer and experiencing difficulties accessing your account, please contact the volunteer office.