We do not have a requirement however we encourage our new volunteers to start with either discharges (coordinated out of our office) or greeters (wayfinding) as a way to get to know the hospital. 

My previous hospital system had 4 hospitals and one of those hospitals (Mount Carmel West) had a recruitment challenge due to their urban location. In order to increase volunteers, they partnered with a department at OSU for a one year (2 semester) volunteer role which began with the student serving in a wayfinding role for the first semester and then if there were consistent in that role they were allowed to volunteer in a patient care role for the second semester. The catch with that was once you completed both semesters, the program was done unless you applied as a traditional volunteer. This program also included an interview with the professor before he would recommend them for this program. That hospital moved last year and is now Mount Carmel Grove City and I think they continued that partnership but I am not 100% sure. The manager is an OHVMA Member - Hannah Trate :)  

I don't always make this "mandatory", however it can be a good way for new volunteers to get acclimated with the hospital while experiencing a variety of situations that may come through the main lobby desk.  All of which can assist a new volunteer in transitioning into other volunteer positions, while providing time for you to get to know them better and where their skill/gifts/and talents may be more suited within your program.  Make it a win/win.