Planned Parenthood Employment Age Requirements: Complete Guide by Role

The minimum age to work at Planned Parenthood varies by position type, state law, and affiliate policy. There is no single organizational minimum age across all locations.

General Framework

• Federal Baseline (FLSA): 14 years for non-agricultural, non-hazardous work (limited hours/duties for 14–15). 16 years for unlimited hours in non-hazardous roles. 18 years for hazardous occupations.
• State Laws: Many states set higher minimums (e.g., 16 or 18 for healthcare settings) or restrict hours/duties for minors more strictly.
• Planned Parenthood Affiliate Policies: Each of the ~50 independently incorporated affiliates sets its own hiring policies. Most require:
  • 18+ for any clinical role (medical assistant, phlebotomist, health educator, patient navigator) due to patient privacy, clinical exposure, and liability.
  • 16–18+ for administrative, front desk, call center, facilities, development roles – varies by affiliate.
  • 21+ for positions involving controlled substances, prescribing support, or independent clinical judgment.

Typical Age Requirements by Role Category

Role Category	Typical Minimum Age	Key Reason
Clinical (MA, RN, NP, PA, MD, Sonographer, Lab Tech)	18+ (often 21+ for independent practice)	Licensure, scope of practice, patient safety, liability
Health Education / Community Outreach	18+	Sensitive content, school/community access, background checks
Patient Services / Call Center / Admin	16–18+	PHI/HIPAA exposure, professionalism, scheduling flexibility
Facilities / Maintenance / Janitorial	16–18+	Equipment safety, chemical handling, hours restrictions
Development / Communications / IT / Finance	18+ (often prefer college grad)	Professional experience, data security, donor interaction

How to Find Exact Requirements

1. Visit the careers page of your local affiliate (e.g., plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-[region]).
2. Search specific job postings – each lists minimum age/education/experience.
3. Contact the affiliate's HR department directly: "What is the minimum age for [role] in [state]?"
4. For internships/volunteer: Many affiliates offer youth programs (peer education, advocacy) starting at 14–16.

Bottom line: Assume 18+ for any paid role in a healthcare setting. Check the specific affiliate and posting for the definitive answer.