We recruit and employ individuals who have the ability to portray patients with many different conditions and emotional states in both inpatient and outpatient simulated settings. Standardized patient events offer students the opportunity to practice communication and physical assessment skills in a safe environment and further their development as emerging health care professionals. Standardized Patients (SPs) are also utilized in the testing and evaluation of students and are coached to be able to effectively provide meaningful feedback to students verbally or through a written feedback tool.

The GVSU Standardized Patient Program currently serves students from many academic programs which include Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, Therapeutic Recreation, Speech and Communication Disorders, Clinical Dietetics and Social Work.

Our Standardized Patient Team is proud of the work we do to enhance our student’s learning opportunities. Our events are held year round during the day, evenings and on Saturdays. Most standardized patients (SPs) work 4-5 times a semester. SPs (adult and children) are hired as temporary employees of the university and paid an hourly wage.