Simulated Patient Educator

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The SP Educator position at the University of Minnesota is based on campus in Minneapolis within the M Simulation team, focusing on recruiting and preparing participants for simulated patient encounters that sharpen medical interviewing and communication skills.

You will develop and deliver SP training, coordinate complex simulation projects, and support LearningSpace-based activities while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare simulation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of related experience or Master's with 3+ years.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends occasionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and online platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Train SPs for on-site and online simulation activities and provide feedback.
• Prepare SP training documents and align practices with SOBPs.
• Support SP events, debriefs, and logistics for hybrid simulations.
• Assist with LearningSpace operations and tech needs.

Skills

Communication

Tech savviness

Flexibility

Education

BA/BS + 5 years experience

MA + 3 years experience

Tools

LearningSpace

Zoom

Job description

Title: SP (i.e. Simulated Patient) Educator

Work Location: Based in Minneapolis in the Health Sciences Education Center this position is designed as a completely on-campus, on-site based position, (i.e., not remote work). There is some travel to UMN system campuses as needed and to offsite locations in the Twin Cities metro area.

University Classification: Ed Pro 4-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt (9704PD)

Hours: 40 hours/week (1 FTE), occasional evenings and weekends

Compensation Range: $67,500-72,500 annually depending on experience, DOQ, Benefits Eligible, FLSA Exempt

Posting: External

Job Summary

Reporting to the M Simulation Education Director, the SP Educator serves as an essential team member in the recruitment and preparation of participants in the Simulated Patient (SP) Program. SPs are individuals recruited and paid to portray patients and other community members in role-play encounters with health science learners, provide constructive feedback to learners, and assess learners. SPs in our program most often interact with learners by helping them practice medical interviewing, communication, and physical exam skills. The SP Educator is essential in assuring SP preparation, portrayal standardization, and assessment consistency to meet educational objectives and program requirements.

As part of the human simulation team within M Simulation, this individual is responsible for:

• Providing training expertise to maximize the educational value of human simulation.
• Collaborating with the simulation team to coordinate the development and implementation of complex, detailed projects.
• Contributing to the successful activity programming and operations of the LearningSpace simulation software used in the implementation of SP-based education activities.
• Providing support across the simulation team to maximize team efficiency and capacity.
• Using an evidence-based approach to drive quality in human simulation programming.
• Actively seeking opportunities to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare simulation to reduce healthcare disparities.
• Supporting the effectiveness and expansion of SP-based activities at the University of Minnesota.

Duties/Responsibilities

Training Development and Implementation (55%)

• Work collaboratively with the Human Simulation Program Manager(s) and all Human Simulation team members to implement SP Program policies ensuring consistent training practices that meet educational objectives and program requirements.
• Train SPs, for on-site and online simulation activities, to portray patients in role play scenarios, provide constructive feedback to learners, and assess learners.
• Prepare and revise SP training documents and other materials.
• Align SP training practices with the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practices (SOBPs).

Human Simulation Event Logistics Support (40%)

• Support SPs during on-site and online simulation events which includes clarifying case scenario questions, providing real-time feedback to SPs about their accuracy of portrayal and learner assessment, and leading post-event SP debrief sessions, and other duties as assigned.
• Implement event set up and take down (e.g., moving equipment, hanging signage, ensuring computers are live) for human simulation educational activities.
• Operate digital and online technologies including LearningSpace to support simulation logistics, fidelity and data capture.
• Assist technology-based simulation staff by supporting SPs as needed for hybrid events in which SPs are paired with other simulation modalities, (e.g. manikins, task trainers, etc.).

Other Duties (5%)

• Contribute to SP-based scholarship including to conference presentations primarily with the Association of SP Educators (ASPE) as budget and time allow.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum/Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) and at least five (5) years of related experience, or a Master's degree and at least three (3) years of related experience. Related experience may include work in education, training, healthcare simulation, instructional design, communications, theater/performance, or a closely related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, be comfortable with a range of technologies (AV, computer, electronics, etc.)
• Able to work a flexible schedule that occasionally includes evening and weekend assignments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and online platforms.
• This position requires some lifting of up to 25 lbs., as well as walking and standing for extended periods.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching adult learners
• Experience as an SP Trainer
• Experience as an SP or Patient Educator
• Professional simulation experience working in an academic setting
• Previous experience with simulation technologies including and especially LearningSpace software and Zoom
• Previous experience in healthcare education
• Degree in education, theatre/performance, communication, healthcare or a related field (e.g., biology).

About the Department

M Simulation is one of the most active comprehensive healthcare simulation education programs of its kind in the United States designing and implementing over 34,000 learner contact hours per year. M Simulation supports an expansive educational project portfolio utilizing a range of simulation modalities including SP-based activities both onsite and online, (e.g., Standardized/Simulated Patient (SP) program), Technical Simulation and provides educational video production services.

The M Simulation department is housed in the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) on the West Bank of the UMN Twin Cities campus. The 24,000 square foot M Simulation facilities include simulated clinic rooms, hospital rooms, ORs, and other training spaces. In this environment, M Simulation collaborates with schools and programs across the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester and other system campuses as well as with external education and industry clients to design effective learning experiences, assessments, and research. As part of this dynamic, highly productive simulation team, this inspired individual must enjoy working in a fast-paced, results-driven team environment. This position also works closely with other M Simulation team members who include professional educators, clinicians, researchers, social scientists, trainers, technicians, first responders, and performing/visual artists.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $67,500-$72,500; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.