The Human Simulation (HS) Educator plays a central role in advancing experiential learning within the HS Lab, supporting the design, coordination, and execution of simulation-based educational activities that enhance student assessment and performance. This position partners closely with course directors to develop and refine testing and evaluation materials, ensuring alignment with curricular goals and best practices in simulation education. In addition, the HS Educator is responsible for the recruitment, training, and ongoing development of Simulated Patients (SPs), fostering consistency and quality across all encounters through structured preparation, performance monitoring, and constructive feedback. This role also provides leadership in the planning and facilitation of testing events, practicums, and related activities, while supporting the HS Lab Manager in building and maintaining a skilled and reliable SP workforce.
What you’ll do:
- Collaborate with faculty and simulation leadership to design, develop, and prepare SP-based simulation scenarios aligned with course goals and learning objectives
- Lead and coordinate logistical planning and execution of simulation events, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to departmental standards
- Train, schedule, and manage Simulated Patients (SPs), including onboarding, case preparation, and performance coaching
- Conduct quality assurance of SP performance, provide constructive feedback, and support continuous improvement of simulation delivery and learner assessment
- Provide technical and operational support for simulation activities, including software management, troubleshooting, documentation, and participation in departmental projects and training activities
What we are looking for:
- Associate's degree required, Bachelor's or Master's preferred in education, communication, arts, theater, simulation, or health sciences.
- Minimum of two years related work experience (i.e., training, patient care, medical simulation, education, or standardized/simulated patients, etc) required.
- Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology required.
- Experience with SPs and an understanding of clinical interviewing and physical exams preferred.
- Experience with medical simulation moulage and acting is preferred.
- Experience with Learningspace is a plus.
- Professional certifications and/or licenses including but not limited to CMA, LPN, RN, EMS, EMT, CHSE, CHSOS, CHSE-A, or CHSOS-A is a plus.
- Willingness to flex time for occasional morning, evening, and/or work from home as needed.
*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.
Total Rewards:
DMU offers competitive salaries. For this position, we anticipate a starting salary within the range of low to mid-$60,000’s. However, the final offered salary will be commiserate with the qualifications and experiences of the selected candidate.
Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.
DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.
About:
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.
Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.
It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.
At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.
Required Documents:
Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.
Department: Simulation Center
Status: Exempt
Position Description