Kelin O’Donnell spends valuable time with patients at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Kelin is part of University of Iowa Health Care’s college student volunteer program. It’s a hands-on opportunity specifically for college students. Kelin’ wants to be a physician assistant after graduation. For now, she’s learning more about taking care of children in a hospital setting.

"I’ve had nothing but good experiences. I’ve gotten to see a couple of procedures. I especially like working with the kids on the pediatric unit. It’s just playing with them, basically, which is why I have so much fun with it," says Kelin.

Jason Radke is a pre-med student. He joined the volunteer program as a freshman to get valuable interaction with patients. Jason has also learned a lot from the doctors and nurses:

"The main thing about this hospital is that it’s a teaching hospital. So I think the doctors and nurses and pretty much everyone involved are great about having the volunteers participate," says Jason.

This hands-on approach helps hundreds of students get important training – outside the classroom.

University of Iowa Health Care has more than 500 students in its college volunteer program, which began in 1998. Hundreds more volunteers from the community help throughout the hospital as well.

More information:

Volunteer Program