California Health Corps

If you have a background in health care, California needs you! Here’s how to join California Health Corps.

On this page you will find:

• About California Health Corps
• How to join
• Resources for participants
• Questions and answers

About California Health Corps

California Health Corps is the state’s response to increased health care needs due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Medical professionals throughout the state can join this program to relieve the pressure on our health care system. This helps both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients get the care they need.

Register today to ensure adequate staff for health care sites throughout California.

We need:

• Nurses (RN, LVN, CNA) 
• Emergency medical technicians 
• Nurse practitioners 
• Paramedics
• Physicians (MD, DO, psychiatrist) 
• Physician Assistants
• Respiratory therapists 
• Behavioral health professionals

How to join

Step 1 – Confirm your eligibility

To be eligible for COVID-19 emergency medical staffing roles, you must: 

• Be 18 years of age or over 
• Be eligible to work in the United States 
• Have a valid ID and Social Security number 
• Have a valid California license for clinical practice (if you are a MD, DO, etc.)
• Have no negative licensure/certification actions (for licensed/certified professionals) 

Step 2 – Register for Disaster Healthcare Volunteers (DHV) 

This system verifies your medical license and identifies your deployment preferences.

Register

Step 3 – Once verified, we’ll have you submit an application

You will get instructions for how to apply through CalCareers.

Step 4 – Onboard 

You will need to complete some standard employment documentation. Then, you train on how to sign up for shifts, how to request lodging and reimbursement, what to expect, and more.

Step 5 – Deploy 

• Once approved to work, your personal online portal will let you:
  • Sign up for shifts
  • View upcoming shifts 
  • Submit hours worked 
  • View helpful resources 
• We can match you with facilities nearest to you, or we can arrange to add you to facilities statewide. 
• California Health Corps Deployment Team will help you:
  • Sign up for shifts
  • Arrange for lodging
  • Reimburse your travel expenses
  • Answer your questions
  • Track your hours

Resources for participants

• Health Corps FAQ: FAQ-Health-Corps (PDF)
• Travel Reimbursement FAQ: FAQ-Travel-Reimbursement (PDF)
• SNF Orientation: SNF-Nursing-Staff-Orientation (PDF)
• How to file a complaint: How-to-file-a-complaint (PDF)
• Direct deposit: Std699-Direct-Deposit (PDF)
• Travel expense claim: Std262-Travel-Expense-Claim (PDF)
• Employee Action Request: Std686-Employee-Action-Request.pdf

Questions and answers

What is California Health Corps? 

It’s a state program that lets health care professionals meet increased needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state established California Health Corps in April 2020. 

How does California Health Corps work? 

When facilities have exhausted nearby resources, California Health Corps brings more support. Participants can sign up for shifts based on availability, willingness to travel, and skillset.

What can my role be in California Health Corps?

California Health Corps participants are temporary state employees. As a participant, your work will help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You will have the freedom to work when and where you choose.

Can a doctor with an out-of-state license work for California Health Corps? How about foreign medical graduates without California licenses?

No. To be eligible for COVID-19 emergency medical staffing roles, you must: 

• Be eligible to work in the United States  
• Have a valid California license for clinical practice (if you are a MD, DO, etc.)

What are the pay and benefits for California Health Corps professionals?

CalHR Pay Scales lists salary rates for most of the health care professionals hired for this emergency (see pages 5.12 and 5.13). It has also established pay rates for other medical roles, such as paramedics and EMTs. CalHR will determine specific salary and benefits after reviewing each application.

Some healthcare professions are not listed. Are members of those professions eligible to work for California Health Corps?

California Health Corps are currently only accepting applications for the healthcare professions listed. We will open registration to other professionals, if the need arises.

When can I expect a response after completing my California Health Corps registration?

The process may take up to two weeks, so we can  focus on  parts of the state where the needs are the greatest. We will contact volunteers after verification of credentials and assessment of needs.

How do I return to the California Health Corps application after logging out?

Visit https://healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov. Use the account you created while applying to correct or update any information you want.