Standardized Patient Trainer

Title: Standardized Patient Trainer (Temporary and Casual)
Work Location: Based in Minneapolis in the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC)
Compensation: $30 per hour

Job Summary

Reporting to the Lead SP Educator, the Standardized Patient (SP) Trainer serves as a team member in the recruitment and preparation of participants in the Standardized Patient (SP) Program (e.g. standardized/simulated patients, MUTA/GTAs, patient educators, interpreters, and other special populations/community partners). This position is focused on supporting the performance quality and consistency of SP Program participants in order 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, hybrid and mixed modality simulation.
• Collaborating with simulation team to coordinate the implementation of complex, detailed projects.
• Providing support across the simulation team to maximize team efficiency and capacity.
• Supporting diversity and inclusion in human simulation.

Training and development of SPs (50%)

• Collaborate with the Lead SP Educator and other simulation team members in identifying training strategies that fulfil educational objectives and program requirements.
• Assist the Human Simulation Program Managers to develop online resources and other resources to support SP Program participants' development and performance.
• Align training processes with the Association of Standardized Patient Educators Standards of Best Practices.
• Train SPs, patient educators, and other simulation participants for teaching and assessment activities across the health sciences at the University of Minnesota and beyond. Training includes: coaching SPs to portray patients, families, and other simulated participants; providing constructive verbal and written feedback; and in assessing learners according to health sciences faculty standards.
• Collaborate with Lead SP Educator and SP Education team in routine editing and management of SP case materials.
• Support dissemination of project materials to SPs, (i.e. sending post-training updates to SPs).

Operational support for SP education activities (45%)

• Assist Human Simulation (SP) education staff to implement onsite SP events in HSEC facility.
• Occasional support needed to assist Human Simulation (SP) education staff to implement onsite SP events in offsite locations, (i.e. Rochester and Duluth system campuses, the Minneapolis VA, and other locations in the Twin Cities metro area).
• Supporting SP orientations prior to simulation events and post-event debriefing sessions with SPs.
• Observe SP performance during simulation events and provide constructive feedback to support performance goals.
• Assist team members in developing staging requirements and implementing staging activities.
• Assist with technical simulation operations as needed and as related to Human Simulation/SP events, (i.e. basic manikin operations).
• Operate digital technologies to support simulation logistics, fidelity and data capture.
• Serving as a backup/understudy SP for onsite simulation events as needed.

Other (5%)

• Other duties and projects as assigned.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Minimum/Essential Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of experience in an education or training environment.
• A post-secondary degree in education, theater/performance, communication, healthcare, science (e.g. biology), or a related field can substitute for this experience.
• Possess 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.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and using Zoom and/or online conferencing platforms.
• This position requires some lifting, walking, and standing.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Experience as an SP or Patient Educator (e.g. MUTA, GTA).
• Professional simulation experience in an academic setting.
• Experience or ability to be coached in related technical simulation skills.

M Simulation is one of the most active comprehensive healthcare simulation education programs of its kind in the United States, designing, implementing, and assessing over 40,000 learner contact hours per year. M Simulation supports an expansive educational project portfolio utilizing a range of simulation modalities including Human Simulation both onsite and online, (e.g., Standardized/Simulated Patient (SP) program), Technical Simulation, and is also equipped to provide video production services.

In May 2020, the M Simulation team moved into a brand new, 24,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, equipped to solve the next generation of healthcare education needs. In this new 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.

Pay Range: $30/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.