Simulation Participant

Pay Range: $26.00 - $50.00 an hour, depending on qualifications and the particular assignment

Position Summary

Simulation Participant (SPt): An umbrella position within the Department of Healthcare Simulation (DHS), Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare (CAS), reporting directly to the Director(s) of Simulation Programming and Assistant Director(s) of CAS. This designation may include roles such as Standardized/Simulated Patient (SP), Simulation Technician (ST), Simulation Education Assistant (SEA), or other assigned roles.

The primary responsibility of the SPt is to support simulation-based education through a variety of contributions, which may include portraying patients or other roles, assisting with simulation delivery, operating equipment, or supporting faculty and learners. Collectively, SPts help create a safe, structured, and realistic learning environment that enhances healthcare education and prepares learners to provide effective patient care.

This is a part time position, with flexible hours. Availability of assignments may vary each week.

While this position is not eligible for our regular employee benefits, all RFU employees are eligible to accrue personal leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 hours worked per year. All RFU employees are also eligible to make unmatched contributions to voluntary supplemental pre-tax and post-tax retirement plans

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.

The Department of Healthcare Simulation provides simulation-based learning activities to help students master their clinical skills, preparing them to provide safe and effective patient care of the highest quality.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Standardized/Simulated Patient (SP): SPs are individuals trained to consistently and accurately portray patients with specific symptoms, medical conditions, histories, or behaviors in a clinical learning environment. SPs assist future healthcare professionals in developing the skills necessary to enhance patient care by participating in simulation-based education and assessment. They may be physically examined, interviewed, or observed by learners, and often provide structured feedback on communication, professionalism, and clinical performance within a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Simulation Technician (ST): Support healthcare professionals in developing skills to improve patient care by providing technical, operational, and logistical support for simulation-based education and assessment. STs operate equipment, prepare environments, voice manikins, and help deliver simulation activities. They work closely with educators, faculty, and standardized patients to ensure sessions run effectively, reliably, and safely.
• Simulation Education Assistant (SEA): Assist Simulation Operations Specialists (SimOps) and faculty with simulation activities, setup, and delivery of simulation-based learning. SEAs typically have prior healthcare experience (e.g., nurse, paramedic, EMT, or other clinical role) and apply that background to support participants, faculty, and standardized patients during sessions.
• Other Designated Roles (PETA, SETA, etc.): Additional role types may be assigned depending on curricular or institutional needs.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior education or experience in healthcare or education (required for those serving as Simulation Education Assistants [SEAs]).

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Professionalism in maintaining confidentiality, reliability, and integrity.
• Ability to follow instructions and incorporate coaching and feedback into performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Adaptability to varying scenarios, learner needs, and role assignments.
• Attention to detail in observing learner performance and completing documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Acting or performance experience (particularly for those serving as Standardized/Simulated Patients).
• Experience with online communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Previous work in simulation, training, or other educational environments.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Selected candidates must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets