Job Description

Standardized Patient Actor

The Standardized Patient (SP) Actor supports health sciences student education by portraying patients, family members, or other roles in simulation-based learning activities. Working under the direction of Director of Simulation and simulation faculty and staff, the SP Actor provides consistent, realistic, and educationally aligned performances that allow learners to practice clinical, communication, and interprofessional skills in a psychologically safe environment.

Duties/Responsibilities

Standardized Patient Performance (60%)

• Portray patients, caregivers, or other assigned roles in accordance with case scripts, learning objectives, and performance standards.
• Deliver consistent verbal, nonverbal, emotional, and physical cues across repeated learner encounters.
• Adapt performance in real time while maintaining case fidelity and educational intent.
• Participate in simulation activities that may include clinical skills practice, communication scenarios, interprofessional education, and assessment exercises.

Training, Preparation, and Collaboration (25%)

• Attend required training sessions, rehearsals, and case briefings prior to simulation activities.
• Learn case details including patient history, affect, physical presentation, and expected learner responses.
• Collaborate with simulation faculty and staff to clarify expectations and refine role portrayal.
• Review and incorporate feedback to improve performance accuracy and consistency.

Feedback, Evaluation, and Professional Conduct (15%)

• When trained, provide structured, objective feedback to learners based on defined frameworks.
• Maintain confidentiality of learners, cases, and assessment outcomes.
• Uphold professional standards, reliability, and respectful communication at all times.
• Support a psychologically safe learning environment for learners and fellow SPs.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to memorize information, follow detailed instructions, and perform consistently.
• Prior acting, teaching, healthcare, customer service, or training experience may substitute for formal education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to portray a wide range of emotions, behaviors, and physical presentations.
• Capacity to accept coaching and incorporate feedback.
• Reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail.
• Comfort working with diverse learners, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to maintain role boundaries and confidentiality.
• Basic comfort with simulation environments and audiovisual recording (training provided).

Other Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, or move for extended periods during simulation activities.
• Willingness to portray sensitive or emotionally complex scenarios (with advance notice and support).
• Availability for variable scheduling, including occasional evenings or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a standardized patient or standardized participant.
• Acting, improvisation, or performance background.
• Experience in healthcare, education, or human services.
• Experience providing feedback or participating in educational assessment.

Compensation Pay Range: $15 - $40/hour

Location: Durham

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