What is a Standardized Patient?

A Standardized Patient is trained to portray a person with an illness or medical condition.

SPs role-play doctor-patient scenarios with medical students, residents, nursing students, and other health care professionals. These SP scenarios are used to test and/or teach health care professionals-in-training. Skills that are taught and tested include medical interviewing, physical exam, disease diagnosis and management, as well as communication skills. One advantage of using SPs in medical education is their ability to provide verbal or written feedback to the student. SP's are trained to provide objective feedback.

Who can become a Standardized Patient?

The Wasson Center for Clinical Skills at NEOUCOM is looking for dependable people with diverse backgrounds to assist with teaching activities at the Rootstown campus and in the family practice centers at the major affiliated hospitals in Akron, Canton and Youngstown.

Individuals of all ages come to NEOUCOM's Rootstown campus from the surrounding communities to serve as Standardized Patients.

People who participate in SP work need to have flexible schedules, enjoy working with others, be willing to be trained, and have a good memory for detail. 

Why would I want to become a Standardized Patient?

Serving as a SP for NEOUCOM gives a person a unique opportunity to influence the future delivery of health care by participating in the education of future physicians.

What type of training is required to become a Standardized Patient?

SP recruiter/trainers prepare standardized patients for interviews and/or exams with NEOUCOM's medical students, affiliated residents or nurse practitioner students.

SP training consists of case review, role-playing, and question-and-answer sessions.

SPs may elect to participate in cases that vary in length and may or may not require physical exams. SPs select activities according to their schedule and personal comfort level.

SP Recruiter/Trainers will contact eligible SPs regarding their availability for a particular case or assessment.

What is the time commitment for Standardized Patients?

The need for Standardized Patients is sporadic. Time frames for training and activities vary throughout the academic year.

Generally, most activities that requires SPs take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What is the compensation for participation?

Compensation for training and participation is provided for Standardized Patients upon completion of activities.

The pay is based upon the particular activity and training required.

How do I become involved?

Please feel free to request more information on NEOUCOM's Standardized Patient Program by contacting a Standardized Patient Recruiter/Trainer at 330.325.6747 or 1.800.686.2511 x6747.