The UNSOM Standardized Patient Program

University of Nevada School of Medicine students have been fortunate to have been able to interact with Standardized Patients since 1996. A Standardized Patient (SP) is a person who has been coached to accurately and consistently portray a patient’s history, personality and emotions, body language, movement and response patterns, and physical findings as appropriate. SPs may fill out history and physical exam checklists, rate students’ communications skills, and offer feedback for both student learning and evaluation. Their scenario is repeated for each student assigned to them. Being an SP takes energy, memorization, discipline, concentration, excellent communication skills, and a high degree of comfort with one’s own body and health issues. For more information and to apply to become a Standardized Patient, follow the links below.

Coordinator: William Murphy-Sharp, M.S. Ed., contact at

Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Standardized Patient Application Form (PDF)

Job Description Agreement (PDF)