LIVE ACTORS/STANDARDIZED PATIENTS

Specially trained actors, Standardized Patient Educators, accurately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition. They provide students with direct human interaction in a safe learning environment. Performing a competent physical exam, taking a thorough medical history, and building a rapport with patients are fundamental clinical skills that all graduates should possess. RVU’s Standardized Patient Program’s primary objective is to ensure that all graduates possess these essential skills. Feedback is given by faculty, staff, as well as the standardized Patient Educators, and is valued by students in their health care education.

The integration of scientifically-based, outcome-evaluated clinical knowledge and skills, biomedical sciences, and osteopathic principles practices with the behavioral and communications skills required for health care providers can be advanced and evaluated for pre-doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as physicians and other providers in practice. In keeping with the mission and vision of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Standardized Patient (SP) Program provides a safe setting in which students may practice and receive feedback concerning their ability to become competent communicators, as well as knowledgeable, skilled compassionate and ethical, professionals.

The SP Program, additionally, is responsible for the design, development, delivery and assessment of faculty development programs to enhance the continuous improvement of the faculty who teach our students. This duty is in keeping with the mission and vision of the university to provide our students and faculty with the well researched and validated methods of instruction and evaluation, including mentoring and supervision, state of the art instructional technology, and continuous professional advancement. Assessment of all facets of the curriculum, faculty, and students is one duty placed within the domain of the SP Program that will be integral to the accomplishment of its other duties.

CONTACT FORM

If you are interested in becoming a standardized patient, please fill out the form below, and someone will be in contact shortly.

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Become a Standardized Patient

Standardized Patient Program

The integration of scientifically-based, outcome-evaluated clinical knowledge and skills, biomedical sciences, and osteopathic principles practices with the behavioral and communications skills required for health care providers can be advanced and evaluated for pre-doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as physicians and other providers in practice. In keeping with the mission and vision of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Standardized Patient (SP) Program provides a safe setting in which students may practice and receive feedback concerning their ability to become competent communicators, as well as knowledgeable, skilled compassionate and ethical, professionals.

The SP Program, additionally, is responsible for the design, development, delivery and assessment of faculty development programs to enhance the continuous improvement of the faculty who teach our students. This duty is in keeping with the mission and vision of the university to provide our students and faculty with the well researched and validated methods of instruction and evaluation, including mentoring and supervision, state of the art instructional technology, and continuous professional advancement. Assessment of all facets of the curriculum, faculty, and students is one duty placed within the domain of the SP Program that will be integral to the accomplishment of its other duties.

The Standardized Patient Program is part of the Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery (SIMS). Click here to learn more about SIMS.

Standardized Patient FAQs

Who can participate in the program?

The program is committed to providing opportunities for health professions students to interact with a diverse patient population reflective of actual clinical practice. Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, educations, cultures, and experiences are encouraged to participate.

We are looking for people:

From all walks of life
With excellent written and verbal communication skills
With a genuine interest in helping students learn
With reasonably flexible hours
Who are comfortable dealing with health professionals
Who are reliable and punctual

Will I get paid?

Standardized patients earn an hourly rate that varies depending on the activity.

What will I have to do?

You will participate in several training sessions prior to exam day. On the exam day, you will see and evaluate several student doctors. These visits will consist of an interview, a physical exam, and a communication evaluation.

Where will the sessions take place?

On the RVU campus in either Parker, Colorado or Ivins, Utah, depending on which location hired you.

When will the sessions take place?

Sessions can take place anytime during the work week (Monday through Friday). Some evening and Saturday sessions will be coordinated, when warranted.

Why should I become a Standardized Patient?

Standardized Patients enjoy participating in the education of future healthcare providers. They also enjoy interacting with students and their instructors. Many Standardized Patients directly benefit by becoming more empowered communicators with medical personnel and more active participants in their own healthcare decisions.

LIVE ACTORS/STANDARDIZED PATIENTS

CONTACT FORM

Standardized Patient Program

SIMS Menu

Additional Resources

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