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Patient Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Standardized Patient/Patient Actor

Durham, NC · On-site

$18 - $26.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Standardized Patient/Patient Actor Work Arrangement: On-Site Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710 School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation ...

Simulation Actor Specialist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$16.20 - $20.24/hr

Primarily acts as a Standardized Patient Actor for scenario-based simulations. * Primary Program Lead for NPS Programs that run actor-only scenarios (Medical Assisting, Nursing Assistant, Basic ...

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Patient Actor information

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$12

$21

$32

How much do patient actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.
More about Patient Actor jobs

What cities are hiring for Patient Actor jobs?

Cities with the most Patient Actor job openings:

What states have the most Patient Actor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patient Actor jobs include:

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.

Part-time Patient Actor (MUTA)

University of Tampa

Tampa, FL • On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

If you are a current University of Tampa student, please search for and apply to student jobs here via Workday. Job applications for current students will not be considered if submitted through the external career center.
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 the simulation lab in order to provide students the opportunity to engage in human patient simulated experiences in preparation for clinical experiences with actual patients.
This position is for trained Male Urological Teaching Associates (MUTA).
Responsibilities
1. Portray a healthy genitourinary patient.
2. Provide feedback after the simulated experience to the student on areas of demonstrated competency as well as areas identified for improvement.
3. Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds.
Qualifications
1. Must have trained as a Male Urological Teaching Associate (MUTA).
2. Ability to portray a healthy genitourinary patient.
2. Ability to provide respectful, comprehensive feedback to students.
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality of student performance, prohibits discussion of student performance to other standardized patients.
4. Must maintain anonymity with students on and off campus.
5. Knowledge of or the ability to learn quickly The University of Tampa software programs such as Workday and Microsoft Office.
6. Willingness to embrace new technologies and innovate organizational practices.
Required Attachments
Please be sure to attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application.
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
Work Schedule
This is a seasonal position with no set hours as work is on an as-needed basis.
Position will not exceed 20 hours per week/1000 hours per year.
The University of Tampa is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds to facilitate intercultural awareness and understanding.
Submission Guidelines
To receive full consideration for employment with The University of Tampa, please be sure to submit/upload required documents for this position at time of application submission. Required documents should be submitted in the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application.
Background Check Requirements
Finalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check. Some positions may also require a motor vehicle report and/or a credit report.
Additional Information
This description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not to determine specific duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Essential functions and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific task assigned to the position.