School of Medicine Center for Simulated Patient Care

Using simulation to improve safety, quality and education in healthcare

standardized patients practicing prior to a doctoring course

Becoming a Standardized Patient

Simulated/standardized patients (SPs) are individuals who have been trained to accurately and consistently portray a medical patient in a simulated patient-doctor visit.

Learners of all genders and from diverse backgrounds interview, counsel, and/or physically examine SPs. SPs may see several students during one-on-one simulated events or may work with a small group of students (2-10) in a controlled teaching session with faculty facilitators.

No acting experience nor previous experience as a SP is required, but dependability, basic computer knowledge, internet access, and compassion are essential. Our SPs value commitment to the education of our future and current physicians.

We accept applications through the year and hire on a quarterly, as-needed basis. Training is conducted prior to each simulation event, and job offers are based on experience and case/exam demographic needs.

Job offers typically happen in shifts on the days/times below (table does not include all available shifts).

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9 a.m. to noon 10 am to 12:30 pm 8:30 am to noon 8 am to noon N/A
N/A 1:30 to 5:30 pm 12:30 to 4:30 pm 12:30 to 4:30 pm N/A

Pay for standardized patients is $21-25 per hour with a two-hour-minimum commitment.

If you are a student (18+ year of age), the student application is closed at this time. We will accept student applications via Handshake in fall 2025.

If you are not a student, please apply through the UCR Jobs website here.

For more information, please contact CSPC@medsch.ucr.edu

Physical Requirements

  • Wear a hospital gown with undergarments underneath, while on camera and/or observed through a live video feed
  • Physical examinations performed on skin by medical students or physicians
    • Sensitive exams like rectal, pelvic, genital, female breast and corneal reflex examinations are NOT required
    • Invasive procedures (blood draw, X-ray, throat cultures) will NOT be performed
    • SPs can accept or decline simulation events based on their comfort with each physical exam (Head/Neck, Abdominal, Musculo-skeletal, Heart/Lung, Neuro)
  • Standing, sitting, bending, walking, reaching and lifting

Skills and Abilities

Comfortable having physical examinations on skin repeatedly.
Strong memory and recall.
Flexible schedule, reliable, punctual.
Excellent communication skills.
Able to give and receive constructive feedback, either verbal or written.
Able to use a computer keyboard and mouse.

Responsibilities

  • Acknowledge and mitigate biases when interacting with and rating diverse learners.
  • Prepare case materials prior to training.
  • Portray a patient outside of own experience effectively and consistently in a standardized way.
  • Provide meaningful feedback to learners.
  • Have internet access and regularly check email.
  • Maintain confidentiality of case materials and learner performances.