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Patient Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nku

Standard Patient Actor

Highland Heights, KY

Standard Patient Actor Position Type: Temporary About the Role: These actors are working primarily in our Simulation Center in the College of Health & Human Services. The actors will simulate ...

RWD Consulting

Standardized Patient Actor

Bethesda, MD

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Standardized Patient Actor ID: 2223 Location: Bethesda, MD Openings: 45 Status: Per Diem, STAT (PRN- On Call) Description This posting is for current incumbent Standardized Patient Actors to submit ...

RWD Consulting, LLC

Standardized Patient Actor

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

This posting is for current incumbent Standardized Patient Actors to submit their information in our HR system. Please complete the application and upload your current resume for recordkeeping and ...

University of Tampa

Part-time Seasonal Patient Actor

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Position Details Physician Assistant Medicine in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at The University of Tampa has openings for part-time seasonal patient actors who will portray patients in ...

University of Tampa

Part-time Seasonal Patient Actor

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Position Details Physician Assistant Medicine in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at The University of Tampa has openings for part-time seasonal patient actors who will portray patients in ...

Duke University

Standardized Patient/Patient Actor

Durham, NC · On-site

$18 - $26.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Be You. Join Our Team as a Simulated Patient (SP) Are you interested in contributing to the ... Experience - Acting, healthcare and teaching experience are not required but is preferred. Be Bold.

University of Tampa

Part-time Patient Actor (MUTA)

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Position Details Physician Assistant Medicine in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at The University of Tampa has openings for part-time seasonal patient actors who will portray patients in ...

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Patient Actor information

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How much do patient actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient actor in the United States is $21.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a patient actor?

To become a patient actor, individuals typically need to be able to portray medical conditions convincingly and follow specific instructions from training or casting agencies. Many roles require basic acting skills, reliability, and sometimes a background in healthcare or familiarity with medical terminology. Auditions or applications are often handled through talent agencies or medical training companies that specialize in simulation roles.

What are the typical responsibilities of a patient actor during a medical simulation session?

As a Patient Actor, your primary responsibility is to accurately portray specific symptoms, medical histories, and emotional states to help medical students or professionals practice their clinical and communication skills. You may be required to memorize scripts, provide consistent feedback, and participate in debriefings after sessions. It's important to maintain a high level of professionalism, adapt to various scenarios, and collaborate closely with instructors and evaluators to ensure a realistic and educational experience for learners.

How much do patient actors make?

Patient actors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and the complexity of the role. They may also be paid per session or project, especially for medical training or research purposes, and often require acting skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions.

What is the difference between Patient Actor vs Patient Simulator?

AspectPatient ActorPatient Simulator
CredentialsMinimal; acting skills often preferredTechnical certifications or programming knowledge sometimes required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, training centers, simulation labsSimulation labs, medical training facilities, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageMedical training programs, hospitals, educational institutionsMedical schools, hospitals, simulation centers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in medical training, acting in healthcareTechnical training, medical simulation, healthcare education

Patient Actors perform as real patients to help train healthcare professionals, focusing on acting and communication skills. Patient Simulators are advanced devices or mannequins used for realistic medical training, often requiring technical knowledge. While both roles support medical education, Patient Actors emphasize interaction and acting, whereas Patient Simulators focus on technical medical procedures.

What is a patient actor?

Patient actors, also known as standardized patients, are individuals trained to simulate real patients in order to help medical students and professionals practice clinical and communication skills. They portray specific medical conditions, histories, and symptoms in a consistent manner during exams or training sessions. This allows healthcare providers to practice diagnosis, patient interaction, and bedside manner in a controlled and educational setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient actor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Actor, you need strong acting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to accurately portray medical scenarios, often supported by experience in theater or performance. Familiarity with medical terminology, simulation protocols, and sometimes basic healthcare certifications are valuable for this role. Excellent communication, adaptability, and professionalism are crucial soft skills for receiving feedback and collaborating with educators and healthcare trainees. These abilities are important to create realistic, effective learning experiences that enhance the training and assessment of medical professionals.
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Patient Actor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Actor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,413 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Standard Patient Actor

Nku

Highland Heights, KY

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Title:

Standard Patient Actor

Position Type:

Temporary

About the Role:

These actors are working primarily in our Simulation Center in the College of Health & Human Services.

The actors will simulate patients in different scenarios for simulations for our students, such as nursing, social work, etc.

Posted Salary:

Work Environment & Physical Demands:


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