Standardized Patient

ABOUT THIS POSITION 
Standardized Patients (SPs) are trained individuals who simulate real patient scenarios to support clinical education across physical and mental health disciplines. They recreate patient histories, personalities, emotional responses, and physical findings to help learners practice and refine clinical and interpersonal skills. SPs may be interviewed and examined by students and health professionals as part of their training.  This is a part-time position with intermittent work hours. 

There are three levels of roles in the program, each requiring specific skills and experience: 

• Standardized Patient (SP): Simulates patient scenarios for educational purposes. 

• Physical Examination Teaching Associate (PETA): Standardized patients who are specifically trained to teach, assess, and provide feedback to learners about physical examination techniques. They can also address the communication skills needed. 

• Sensitive Exam Teaching Associate (SETA): Standardized patient encounters involving sensitive exams. This role requires additional training due to the nature of the exam. Sensitive exams typically include breast, pelvic, rectal, and/or testicular exams. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Simulate patient cases accurately and consistently, including history of current concern, affect/behavior, and physical findings in a standardized, accurate and reliable manner 

• Teach and assess clinical and communication skills for students in medical, psychology, counseling, and other health-related programs. Duties may involve instruction of appropriate examination techniques for both physical and mental health assessments 

• Provide written and verbal feedback to learners 

• Document learner performance with accuracy and consistently using electronic systems 

• Participate in both in-person and virtual simulations as needed 

• Monitor other SPs for quality assurance 

• Accept ongoing feedback and incorporate supervisor feedback into performance 

• Maintain confidentiality of learner information and assessment data 

• Respond to email messages and electronic communications promptly 

• Demonstrate professional behavior and accountability for actions  

• Work collaboratively as a team member 

• Maintain commitments to the SP Program 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural sensitivity 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with learners from various medical and mental health educational programs 

• Ability to recall an encounter accurately for the completion of checklists and written materials during practice sessions and assessments which result in learner grades 

• Strong organizational skills in all work aspects 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently 

• Objective and unbiased approach to healthcare interactions 

• Highly reliable and punctual in attendance for both in-person and virtual sessions 

• Flexible and able to adapt in different work situations and learning environments 

• Comfort with appropriate physical and mental health assessments by healthcare students and professionals 

• Proficient with technology including email communication, video conferencing platforms, electronic documentation systems, and basic computer applications 

 
REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Previous experience in healthcare, education, or customer service preferred, but not required 

• Completion of Standardized Patient training program upon hire 
   

COMPENSATION 

• The hourly rate ($28 - $33) varies depending on the level of SP services being provided. These services include SP, PETA, and SETA. Preparation/training for sessions (typically done at home) is paid at a lower rate.  
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Standardized Patients (SPs and PETAs) will be recorded for teaching and assessment purposes only using both video recording equipment and virtual platforms.

• Due to the nature of the training and the conditions being portrayed, existing health conditions may determine which cases and situations an SP will be recruited to portray. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.   

• All employees must comply with university policies regarding background checks.