Standardized Patient

Current Job Openings – Des Moines University; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences invites qualified individuals to join our Simulation Center as Standardized Patients. In a clinical-like, in-person or online setting, you will accurately portray cases, memorize scripts, and document learner performance using structured tools.

Participation requires training and on-call availability to support flexible scheduling. You will engage in non-invasive exams, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate with faculty to ensure

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong memorization and recall of case details.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work on short notice.

Responsibilities

• Portray standardized patients in medical/mental health scenarios accurately and consistently.
• Memorize and recall case/script facts for evaluation.
• Document performance using checklists and rating scales.
• Provide feedback and debriefing to students on communication and examination skills.
• Participate in non-invasive physical exams as part of training activities.

Skills

Memorization

Communication

Confidentiality

Reliability

Bilingual ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Email

Web conferencing

Job description

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences. In a clinical-like setting (in-person or online), Standardized Patients portray cases similar to what learners would encounter in actual clinical settings. Standardized Patients are expected to consistently and accurately portray trained cases including typical emotions, behaviors and symptoms. Responsible for memorizing a script and recalling actions performed by learners to document performance and skill level of each learner consistently and accurately. Case portrayals may include communication, physical examination or both. Standardized Patients may also provide feedback and/or assess learners using specific measurement tools. Participation in group or individual training is expected in order to prepare for case portrayal. Work hours are variable and on an on-call basis.

DMU seeks individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ages, races, ethnicities, genders, body types, abilities, and lived experiences to serve as Standardized Patients. Diverse representation is essential to supporting healthcare education and preparing learners to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care to the diverse populations they will serve.

To support curricular, assessment, and accreditation requirements, the Simulation Center strives to maintain a broad and representative pool of Standardized Patients capable of portraying a wide range of patient populations, life stages, physical abilities, and clinical presentations. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To support scheduling and case assignments, applicants will be asked to answer questions during the application process regarding the types of patient roles they can authentically portray and any experiences or characteristics that may be relevant to simulation activities. Responses will be used to help match Standardized Patients to appropriate educational scenarios.

What you’ll do:

• Portray and simulate medical/mental health patients in an accurate, standardized, and consistent way repeatedly during an event.
• Accurately memorize, retain, and recall case/script facts.
• Observe and accurately document a focused and objective evaluation of each student’s performance on skills checklists and rating scales.
• Provide feedback, debriefing, and/or direct teaching to students regarding interpersonal communication and physical examination skills.
• Participate in non-invasive physical exams of a medical nature (i.e. muscle strength testing, reflexes, osteopathic examination, range of motion, heart, lung, abdominal examinations).
• Consistently show up prepared, on time, and ready to participate in training and simulation activities.
• Undergo basic procedures such as osteopathic manual manipulation.
• Be evaluated by faculty prior to participating in a special event that could include osteopathic or other manipulation treatments.
• Proficiently utilizes technologies such as email, internet, and web conferencing software.
• Performs other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

What we are looking for:

• High school degree or equivalent.
• Strong ability to accurately and consistently portray assigned roles, memorize case details, and recall encounter information.
• Able to maintain and preserve confidentiality.
• Comfortable with being touched in non-invasive manner by learners in a training and learning environment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including email and internet access.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to memorize case information, accurately portray assigned roles, and consistently recall and document encounter details.
• Reliable and able to work on short notice on occasion.
• Fluency in a second and/or foreign language a plus.
• Commitment to and alignment with DMU’s mission and values.

*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges — the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences. DMU offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health.

Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa’s capital metro, DMU provides a collaborative, student-centered academic environment. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks in board exam performance, certification pass rates and medical residency match outcomes. Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. Our 88-acre campus in West Des Moines brings the entire academic community together in one collaborative, future-focused environment, while the Des Moines University Clinic serves patients within the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in downtown Des Moines. Our state-of-the-art campus features technology-rich, flexible learning environments that support innovative teaching and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Modern research facilities include a vibrant open-concept laboratory that fosters collaboration, accelerates discovery and empowers faculty and students to advance the health sciences.

DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders, providing expert and compassionate patient care, serving the community in diverse ways and contributing to the vitality of central Iowa.

At DMU, you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Required Documents:

Resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission.

Department:

Simulation Center

Status:

Non-Exempt

Position Description

Position Description

Advertised:

01 Sep 2026 Central Daylight Time