University Health Services (UHS) Clinic Volunteer Program

The mission of University Health Services is to support academic pursuits by fostering physical and psychological wellness and promoting healthy lifestyles among UT students. The UHS Clinic Volunteer Program offers currently enrolled UT students an opportunity for clinical experience and direct patient contact in the UHS General Medicine, Sports Medicine, Women's Health and Physical Therapy clinics.

Description:
The UHS Clinic Volunteer Program focuses on providing a rewarding learning experience for the student volunteer. While many hospitals use volunteers to complete paperwork, answer phones, or pick up linen and lunch trays, UHS volunteers have direct patient contact. As part of the University community, we value our role as mentors of tomorrow’s health care professionals.

Duties can include:
•Assisting healthcare providers and nursing staff with patient care
•Taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature)
•Conducting vision screening
•Applying certain orthopedic appliances
•Assisting with physical therapy procedures

Returning volunteers (2nd or 3rd year) may learn additional clinical skills and work in the UHS Urgent Care Clinic or the Laboratory.

Additional duties for returning volunteers can include:
•Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs)
•Fitting patients for and instructing on crutch use
•Phlebotomy (blood drawing)

Clinic volunteers must commit to at least four hours per week for two long semesters (fall & spring). All volunteers must display regular attendance and professional conduct. Those who perform satisfactorily at the end of the two-semester commitment may continue to participate if they wish. Summer participation is also available for experienced volunteers.

UHS accepts applications for the program each spring semester for volunteers to start the following academic year. Qualified applicants are interviewed and selected each April. Lower and upper division graduate and undergraduate students from any major or background are welcome to apply. A major in a health-related field is preferred but not required.

New and returning volunteers begin their mandatory training the following fall before classes begin with an extensive orientation to UHS and a clinical skills workshop. Volunteers receive additional on-the-job training and increased responsibility as skill and proficiency grow.

Please visit our web page to obtain an application, submission instruction and deadline information.

History:
At the recommendation of the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), UHS launched the Clinic Volunteer Program in the spring of 1998. In the first semester, just eight volunteers worked in the UHS Physical Therapy Department. The program has grown nearly each semester. As of August 2007, UHS has 40 clinic volunteers working throughout the General Medicine, Sports Medicine, Women’s Health, Physical Therapy, and Urgent Care clinics, as well as the UHS Laboratory. Most volunteers are pre-med or pre-nursing students.

Contact person: Kathy Mosteller, Program Coordinator, (email)

Office fax number: (512) 471-0898

Address:

100 W. Dean Keeton, Room 2.212 Austin, TX 78712 (See a map)

Web Site: http://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/

Directions:

University of Texas - Austin, Student Services Bldg (SSB) For maps or information, please see http://www.capmetro.org/riding/trip_info.asp

Last updated on October 6, 2009