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Patient Actor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Acting as Patient First representative for the Director of Medical Support and the Medical Director in his or her absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Functioning as an administrator ...

Nurse Supervisor-RN

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$35.50 - $44.50/hr

Acting as Patient First representative for the Director of Medical Support and the Medical Director in his or her absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Functioning as an administrator ...

Acting as Patient First representative for the Director of Medical Support and the Medical Director in his or her absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Functioning as an administrator ...

Nurse Supervisor-RN

Richmond, VA · On-site

$39.50 - $44.50/hr

Acting as Patient First representative for the Director of Medical Support and the Medical Director in his or her absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Functioning as an administrator ...

X-ray Supervisor

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$37 - $42/hr

Acting as a Patient First representative for the DMS or Medical Director in their absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Implementing safety procedures for patients, self, and staff to ...

X-ray Supervisor

Annandale, VA · On-site

$39.50 - $44/hr

Acting as a Patient First representative for the DMS or Medical Director in their absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Implementing safety procedures for patients, self, and staff to ...

$18.22 - $22.78/hr

This position assures that a high-quality patient experience takes place by providing ... and approval before acting. Process urgent requests for referrals same day. Process routine ...

X-ray Supervisor

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$39.50 - $44/hr

Acting as a Patient First representative for the DMS or Medical Director in their absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Implementing safety procedures for patients, self, and staff to ...

X-ray Supervisor

Annandale, VA · On-site

$39.50 - $44/hr

Acting as a Patient First representative for the DMS or Medical Director in their absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Implementing safety procedures for patients, self, and staff to ...

X-ray Supervisor

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$39.50 - $44/hr

Acting as a Patient First representative for the DMS or Medical Director in their absence to ensure smooth operation of the center; * Implementing safety procedures for patients, self, and staff to ...

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Patient Actor information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do patient actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient actor in Virginia is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. Some may be paid a flat fee for specific assignments or sessions, especially in medical training or research settings.

How to become a patient actor?

To become a patient actor, individuals typically need to have good communication skills, a reliable appearance, and the ability to follow instructions. Many roles require training or experience in acting or healthcare simulation, and some positions may require background checks or certifications. Building a portfolio or demo reel can help in securing assignments for medical training, research, or educational purposes.
Infographic showing various Patient Actor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,032 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

$39.50 - $44.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Patient First rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sign-on Bonus!
The responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Supervising the medical care of all patients from registration to departure;
  • Supervising clinical personnel on their patient contact, care, and performance;
  • Scheduling Staff Nurses and Medical Assistants;
  • Reviewing and supervising the inventory of medicines, prescriptions, and supplies;
  • Acting as Patient First representative for the Director of Medical Support and the Medical Director in his or her absence to ensure smooth operation of the center;
  • Functioning as an administrator and working as a Staff Nurse as needed;
  • Reviewing all checklists of Staff Nurses and Medical Assistants;
  • Preparing written and verbal evaluations for Staff Nurses and Medical Assistants at appropriate scheduled time, or when necessary;
  • Providing positive, warm and friendly customer service in all interactions;
  • Fostering teamwork and a positive, professional atmosphere;
  • Completing other duties as directed.

Minimum education and professional requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Employee must be at least 18 years of age;
  • High school graduate or equivalent;
  • Keyboarding experience required;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • One year of clerical experience preferred;
  • One year of clinical experience with administration of medications preferred;
  • One year of supervisory experience preferred;
  • Licensed to practice as a Nurse in the state of Virginia.
Salary Range: $39.50 - $44.50, depending on experience.

Benefits and Other Compensation:

Health, Dental and Vision insurance for employees and dependents

Disability, Life and Long Term care insurance

Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending accounts, 401(k) Retirement Plan (with employer match)

Paid Annual Leave, Volunteer Time Off Pay, Bereavement Leave, Emergency Leave Bank

Overtime Pay, Holiday Pay, Double time compensation for all holidays worked

Discounted medical treatment at any Patient First location for employees and immediate family

Bonuses include:

- Recruitment bonus

- Patient Care Performance bonus (center employees only)

- Weekend bonus (center employees only)


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