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Independent Student Volunteers

The Independent Student (IS) Volunteer Program is designed for collegiate-aged students who are seeking a specific role in either a clinical or research experience. For students seeking an experience in a specialized field of medicine, this program allows you an opportunity to contact a specific physician and/or researcher to secure a volunteer position in their area of interest. This program is open throughout the year and is co-managed by Academic Affairs.

To participate in this volunteer program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age AND
• Must be legally able to work in the United States* AND
• Cannot be receiving a monetary reimbursement from ANY source relating to your work, including a stipend. If you are receiving any financial compensation, please contact the Academic Affairs Department of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at (310) 423-7888.
  
  

*NOTE: If you are an international student, please contact us prior to proceeding with the application process.

How to Apply to Become an Independent Student

To get started as an Independent Student, we encourage you to begin by downloading the "How To Get Started Guide." This includes tips and suggestions for contacting a potential mentor, as well as the detailed instructions to the process and paperwork of becoming an Independent Student.

Once you have secured a role as an Independent Student, your mentor will need to complete a Department Request Form on your behalf, to be returned to Volunteer Services and/or Academic Affairs.

With a mentor in place, we will ask that you submit the following items:

• Independent Student Application
• Pre-Employ Form
• Parking Form (even if a non-driver)
• Volunteer Expectations Form
• Confidentiality Form
• Copy of unofficial transcripts OR copy of diploma
• Resume or curriculum vitae

All application paperwork must be received at least 7 days prior to your intended orientation and the orientation date noted on your application.

• 2009 Independent Student Orientation Schedule
• 2010 Independent Student Orientation Schedule

You will also need to obtain an initial and annual health clearance from Employee Health Services (EHS). You will need to complete and provide the attached health questionnaires during your scheduled appointment with EHS.

• EHS Health Clearance Instructions
• EHS Health Clearance Questionnaires

Contact Information

If you have any additional questions, please contact Kelly A. McVeagh for clinical questions or Elsa Aguilar for questions in research.

Additional Forms and Information

Forms for Independent Student Mentors and/or Supervisors:

• Department Request Form
• Radiation Safety Clearance Form
• Davis Building Access Form
• Clinical Orientation Checklist
• Research Orientation Checklist

If you are interested in extending your assignment, you will need to contact Volunteer Services at (310) 423-8044. Please ask your mentor to complete a new Department Request Form. You may be asked to update your annual EHS health clearance and training. Once all steps are completed, a new badge will be issued for you.

If your assignment is ending and you do not wish to renew your volunteer role, please return your badge and confirm your hours in Volunteer Services upon completion of your last day as an Independent Student.