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Standardized Patient Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Standardized Patients are trained to accurately and consistently recreate the history, personality, physical findings, and emotional structure and response pattern of an actual patient; assess ...

Each Standardized Patient is required to be familiar the female genital anatomy. * SPs also need to be familiar with vaginal and rectal anatomy and sexual assault medical forensic exams. * Each SPs ...

Utilizes nursing care standards when planning and implementing patient care. * Communicates appropriate information regarding patient conditions to those who require the * Information including ...

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Standardized Patient information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do standardized patient jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for standardized patient in Virginia is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Standardized Patient actors make?

Standardized Patient actors typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and the complexity of the role. Many positions are part-time and may require training or certification to ensure consistent performance during medical simulations.

How to get a job as a Standardized Patient?

To become a Standardized Patient, individuals typically need to complete training programs that teach how to accurately portray medical conditions and patient scenarios. Relevant skills include good communication, acting ability, and reliability; some positions may require background checks or health screenings. Job opportunities are often found through healthcare training centers, hospitals, or medical schools that hire standardized patients for clinical simulations.

Can you be a Standardized Patient with no experience?

Standardized Patient roles typically do not require prior experience, as training is provided to teach how to portray medical scenarios accurately. Most programs offer orientation sessions and practice to prepare new participants, making it accessible for individuals without previous experience in healthcare or acting. Strong communication skills and reliability are important qualities for success in this role.

What is the role of a Standardized Patient?

A Standardized Patient is a person trained to simulate real patients consistently for medical training and assessment. They provide feedback to healthcare students and professionals, helping evaluate clinical skills, communication, and bedside manner in a controlled environment.

What is the difference between Standardized Patient vs Medical Actor?

AspectStandardized PatientMedical Actor
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but training in acting and medical scenariosSimilar, may have acting background or medical knowledge
Work EnvironmentHospitals, medical schools, simulation centersHospitals, clinics, training facilities
Employer & IndustryMedical education, healthcare trainingHealthcare training, medical education
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in medical trainingSimilar roles in medical simulation

Standardized Patients and Medical Actors often perform similar roles in medical training environments, with overlapping skills in acting and medical scenario portrayal. The main difference lies in the formal training and certification, where Standardized Patients are specifically trained to simulate patient scenarios for assessment purposes. Both roles are essential in healthcare education, helping students develop clinical and communication skills.

What Does a Standardized Patient Do?

As a standardized patient, or SP, you portray a simulated patient to help educate medical students as they learn the skills necessary for advancing in the health care field. As an SP, your responsibilities include assisting students with testing and training, accurately portraying case facts, mimicking patient personalities, and participating in interviews and assessments. You may also need to walk, stand, sit, or lie down for long periods, as well as memorize information rapidly and exercise confidentiality about protected patient information. Standardized patients are often videotaped, appear in educational videos, and help grade students after interacting with them during a test.

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

To thrive as a Standardized Patient, you need strong memorization, observation, and communication skills, along with the ability to consistently portray specific medical cases or symptoms. Familiarity with simulation software and comfort working in clinical or educational environments are common requirements, although formal certifications are not always necessary. Reliability, professionalism, and the ability to provide constructive feedback make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate medical training scenarios, helping healthcare learners develop essential clinical and interpersonal skills safely.

What does a typical session look like for a Standardized Patient, and how should I prepare?

As a Standardized Patient (SP), you will participate in simulated clinical encounters, portraying specific patient cases for medical students or healthcare professionals. A typical session involves reviewing the case script, memorizing key symptoms and medical history, and interacting with learners while providing consistent, realistic feedback. Preparation includes studying the provided materials, understanding the scenario's objectives, and sometimes practicing physical exam components. Sessions may vary in length and often involve working closely with educators and other SPs in a supportive, collaborative environment.

What are standardized patients?

Standardized patients are individuals trained to accurately and consistently portray real patients during medical training scenarios. They help medical students and professionals practice and assess clinical skills, communication, and bedside manner in a controlled environment. By simulating various medical conditions and scenarios, standardized patients provide valuable feedback and contribute to improving healthcare education and patient outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Standardized Patient jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Standardized Patient jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Standardized Patient jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Standardized Patient jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Standardized Patient jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Standardized Patient job openings:
Infographic showing various Standardized Patient job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,483 per year, or $19 per hour.

Standardized Patient

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$15.97/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Old Dominion University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 613 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Standardized Patient

A standardized patient (SP) is defined as, "A person trained from a standardized case to present a social and emotional history, as well as specific findings on physical examination with such realism that even an experienced clinician can rarely detect the simulation. They are people from the community who perform four roles: to portray a patient case, document learner performance, provide feedback on clinical and interpersonal skills and represent patient satisfaction."

Standardized Patients (SPs) instruct and assess health providers at multiple levels (undergraduate, post graduate, and practicing providers) in clinical and communication skills, physical examination techniques and procedural skills. SPs may also work with non-medical professionals to instruct and assess communication skills. In addition to teaching and assessment, SPs will provide detailed feedback on learner performance and perform various duties as assigned. All SP events and activities will be recorded for teaching and assessment purposes.

This is a transient position, working no more than 20 hours per week. Hours are not guaranteed.

Rates:

$12.78/hr - Training rate, paid for event trainings

$15.97/hr - Working events, All SP's starting at Level 1

Teaching, assessment and feedback of clinical skills

Teaching, assessment and feedback of physical examination skills and procedural techniques

Teaching, assessment and feedback of communication and interpersonal skills

Performs other duties as assigned

Standardized Patients will be recorded for teaching and assessment purposes

Strong communication skills are desired for this position

Location: Norfolk, VA


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