Standardized Patient Program

The UND Simulation Center serves students across all four years of medical school, as well as other health professions programs on campus. Standardized patient simulations provide a safe environment where learners can practice clinical skills, patient interaction, and clinical problem solving.

What is a Standardized Patient?

Standardized patients are individuals who are specially trained to act as patients for the instruction, practice and/or assessment of medical examination skills of medical students, fellows, residents and other health care providers. They are a significant resource for teaching and evaluating clinical skills.

SPs offer a standardized, controlled experience for learners. Sessions are measurable and reproducible, unlike peer role-play or the use of actors who haven’t received SP training. Our SPs receive training and guidance to maintain a consistent, highly realistic portrayal. 

The use of SPs facilitates practice in critical thinking, patient safety, crisis management, team interaction, decision making and communication skills in addition to acquisition of competence in clinical techniques and procedures.