Standardized Patient

What are Standardized Patients?

Standardized Patients (SPs), or Simulated Participants, are people who portray patients or family members so learners may practice their examination and communication skills.

UMKC hires many talented SPs from varied backgrounds, including acting, directing, teaching, nursing, public safety, sales, management, pastoral and social work. Sensitive Exam Standardized Patients are responsible for providing experiences to students in performing sensitive exams pertinent to female breast exams, female pelvic exams, and male genitourinary and rectal exams by using their own bodies and providing feedback in real time.

Standardized Patients at UMKC School of Medicine

The Association of SP Educators (ASPE) has published Standards of Best Practice that our programs follow which ensure the growth, integrity, and safe application of SP-based education practices. 

UMKC’s standardized patients also assist with assessments for many other UMKC programs, including:

• EMS Education
• Master of Science in Anesthesia
• Physician Assistant
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nurse Practitioner)
• School of Dentistry programs

At Children’s Mercy Hospital, UMKC’s SPs participate in multiple simulations with CMH physicians, nurses and staff, and often portray parents and family members of pediatric patients.

University Health Truman Medical Center’s (UHTMC) security department utilizes UMKC SPs for communication and de-escalation simulations for UHTMC officers as part of their continuing education.

UMKC's SPs also provide realistic simulations for various residency programs as well as faculty development and continuing education experiences.

Become a Standardized Patient

To apply for work as a standardized patient, visit UMKC’s job application portal.

You can use the search bar to search for "standardized patient" or go to "view all jobs" and then filter by "educational support" to see if any opportunities are currently listed. 

The job ID for Kansas City is 53823. The job ID for St. Joseph is 53821.

Helpful links

• Canvas Access
• LearningSpace
• LearningSpace Faculty Guide
• LearningSpace Student Guide

Standardized Patient Event Request Forms

• UMKC PA Program form
• UMKC School of Nursing Standardized Patient Request form
• UMKC School of Dentistry Standardized Patient Request form
• UMKC School of Pharmacy Standardized Patient Request form
• Children's Mercy Hospital Standardized Patient Request form
• MCC--Penn Valley Standardized Patient Request form
• Park University Standardized Patient Request form
• Rockhurst/St. Luke's  Standardized Patient Request form
• Research College Standardized Patient Request form

Contact Us

Clinical Training Facility
UMKC School of Medicine
2429 Charlotte St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Standardized patient email
816-235-5355