Understand the SP Role 

Learn what Simulated Participants do, how SP methodology supports simulation-based education, and the professional expectations that guide safe and effective practice.

Build Role Portrayal & Feedback Skills

Learn how to prepare for a case, portray emotions and behaviours consistently, respond naturally without changing the case, use cues appropriately, and provide useful learner-centred feedback

Practice Safely and Professionally

Explore boundaries, confidentiality, psychological safety, assessment, virtual and hybrid simulation, de-roling, wellbeing, and working effectively with simulation teams.

About the course

Simulated Participants play an important role in creating realistic, safe, and meaningful learning experiences. Effective SP practice requires more than acting—it requires preparation, consistency, responsiveness, professional judgment, and an understanding of the educational purpose behind the simulation. The Simulated Participant (SP) Certificate provides structured foundational training for people preparing to work as SPs or seeking to strengthen their existing practice. Throughout the course, you will explore the complete SP experience—from understanding a case and preparing for training to portrayal, feedback, professional conduct, virtual and hybrid simulation, and post-simulation recovery. The course combines practical examples, case-based decisions, interactive activities, self-checks, and reflection to help you apply what you learn to real simulation environments. By the end of the course, you should be better prepared to contribute as a reliable, responsive, and professional member of a simulation team.

Curriculum

7 Chapters · 28 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Simulated Participants

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      ASPE Standards of Best Practice

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      SP Terminology

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Physical Safety of SPs

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Psychological Safety of SPs

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Working with Learners

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 2 Quiz

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Anatomy of an SP Case

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Case Fidelity and Standardization

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Bias, Representation and Cultural Humility

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 Quiz

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Preparation for Training

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Role Portrayal

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Virtual, Hybrid and Mixed-Modality Portrayal

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      De-Roling, Recovery and Wellbeing

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 Quiz

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Why SP Feedback Matters

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Feedback in Different Contexts

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 Quiz

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Understanding Assessment Context

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Completing Checklists and Rubrics

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Consistency and Rater Calibration

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 6 Quiz

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Confidentiality in SP Practice

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Professional Conduct

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Supporting New SPs and Peer Learning

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Continuing Development and Professional Communities

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 7 Quiz

Who Is This Course For?

The certificate is designed for: New Simulated Participants Build a strong foundation before beginning SP work. Current SPs Refresh your knowledge, strengthen your portrayal and feedback skills, and examine contemporary SP practices. Healthcare Simulation Programs Provide structured foundational education for SPs joining your program. Educators & Simulation Professionals Develop a clearer understanding of SP methodology, training, portrayal, feedback, and professional expectations. No previous acting or simulation experience is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous SP experience? No. The course is designed to provide foundational education for people who are new to SP work while also providing useful review and professional development for experienced SPs. Is this an acting course? No. Although portrayal skills are part of SP practice, the course focuses on the educational role of the SP, including case preparation, consistency, communication, feedback, boundaries, professionalism, safety, and working within simulation programs. Is the course self-paced? Yes. Complete the online lessons at your own pace. Will I receive a certificate? Yes. Learners who successfully complete the required course components receive a Simulated Participant (SP) Certificate of Completion from Healthcare Simulation Academy. Does completing the course guarantee SP employment? No. The certificate provides foundational SP education. Individual simulation programs determine their own recruitment, selection, additional training, and employment requirements. That final question is especially useful because it prevents the certificate from being interpreted as a professional licence or employment credential.

Prepare to Step Into the Role

Effective Simulated Participants help create learning experiences that are believable, consistent, safe, and educationally meaningful. Build the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to contribute confidently to a simulation program.

$65.00

Start the SP Certificate