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Standardized Patient Program

The goal of the Standardized Patient program is to create a safe and controlled environment to promote student development of professional communication and bedside skills.
  • We believe humanistic behaviors are as important for future healthcare providers as the ability to correctly determine a blood pressure or administer medications.
  • We believe every patient should be valued first and foremost as a person and treated with respect and kindness.
  • We expect that students who graduate from our healthcare programs will serve the public with consideration and compassion.

What is a Standardized Patient?

A standardized patient (SP) is an individual trained to portray a patient with a medical condition in a realistic and standardized format.

How This Program Helps Our Students

The program provides our health students the opportunity to develop communication skills. Students may practice obtaining a medical history, performing assessment techniques, or learn how to appropriately talk to patients and families in difficult and emotional situations.

With input from the SP, students are evaluated by faculty on their affective capabilities including conduct and demeanor, and through the use of video recording, are able to critically review their own performance.  In the low-risk, high benefit environment provided by the SP program, students learn appropriate, effective, and respectful bedside skills before progressing into the clinical environment.

Apply to Be a Standardized Patient

Please consider volunteering to help educate future healthcare providers.  SPs are compensated for their time.  If interested, complete the online application. Health Sciences Division faculty will contact you to answer questions you may have about the Standardized Patient role.

Apply Now