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Patient Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beacon Health System

Patient Access Specialist

Granger, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Acting as a representative of Beacon Health System and striving to make a good first impression ... Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications ...

Beacon Health System

Patient Access Specialist

Granger, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Acting as a representative of Beacon Health System and striving to make a good first impression ... Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications ...

Beacon Health System

Patient Access Specialist

Granger, IN

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Acting as a representative of Beacon Health System and striving to make a good first impression ... Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications ...

OCOM

Simulation Actor (1099)

Winter Garden, FL · On-site

$20/hr

In this role, you will portray a wide range of patient scenarios, including complex emotional and ... No experience necessary; acting or performance experience is a plus, preferably in simulation or ...

OCOM

Simulation Actor (1099)

Winter Garden, FL · On-site

$20/hr

In this role, you will portray a wide range of patient scenarios, including complex emotional and ... No experience necessary; acting or performance experience is a plus, preferably in simulation or ...

OCOM

Simulation Actor (1099)

Winter Garden, FL

$20/hr

In this role, you will portray a wide range of patient scenarios, including complex emotional and ... No experience necessary; acting or performance experience is a plus, preferably in simulation or ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$20/hr

Acting role to work with/examine a Standardized Patient while being guided via telehealth by an expert Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) RN. SAFE-T chaperone will be present in room. Requirements ...

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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.

Standardized Patient (Part-Time)

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$15.30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Standardized Patient (Part-Time)
UIW Mission
University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good.
Position Summary
The Standardized Patient (SP) is trained to portray the role of a patient, family member, or other to allow student learners to practice physical exam skills, history taking skills, communication skills, and other exercises. The SP will often be physically examined by students and faculty as part of the medical students learning experience. The SP must maintain a professional manner when interacting with students, faculty, supervisors, peers, and UIW partners. The Standardized Patient reports to Clinical Outreach & Standardized Patient Manager.
The Standardized Patient (part-time) works on an as needed basis and may work a few times per year or a few times per month. This position is located at University of Incarnate Word's School of Osteopathic Medicine at Brooks City Base in South San Antonio, TX.
Benefits
This position is not benefits eligible.
Job Duties
Job Duty Name
Essential Duties
Description of Job Duties
  • Portrays all of the characteristics of a real patient, simulating the signs and symptoms of particular patient cases.
  • Receives and incorporates feedback from facilitators to be incorporated into the case simulation for learning purposes.
  • Practices case assignments in advance of the clinical event.
  • Repeatedly simulates the patient case as needed so physical examination maneuvers can be performed by student learners.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Job Duty Name
In-Person Patient Acting
Description of Job Duties
  • Wears a hospital gown with only undergarments underneath to simulate a real-life patient.
  • Allows professional physical examination by students and faculty as part of the medical student's learning experience.
  • Allows video and audio recordings, as well as live observation through an observation window or video monitor.
  • Simulates all aspects of health scenarios, including the medical history of the current problem, affect/behavior, and physical findings in a standardized, accurate, and reliable manner.

Qualifications
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Versatility, flexibility, willingness, and enthusiasm skills to portray patient case assignments.
  • Good attention to detail to accurately and consistently complete patient checklists.
  • Ability to be a self-motivator to learn and memorize script and portray assigned patient profile.
  • Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong ability to understand and adhere to established policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Highly dependable and punctual.
  • Proficiency of basic computer skills (i.e., to submit electronic time sheets, check email, and train on web-based software as needed).
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
  • Employee shall adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the Conference, and the NCAA.

Required Education
High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Required Work Experience
No experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience as a standardized patient in a medical school environment.
Required Certifications, Licenses or Registrations
N/A
Work Hours
  • Works on an as needed basis, typically 8 hours per week.
  • This position involves flexible hours so applicants must be available as needed.
  • Some work assignments are provided last minute; therefore, applicants should be available with short notice of job assignment.

Physical Demands
  • Ability to lift up equipment (i.e., small mannequin trainer) up to 15 lbs.
  • Ability to remain stationary (sit or lay on examining table) for long periods of time for periods of up to 4 hours or up to 9 hours depending on the OSCE.

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