Nevada University Uses Actors to Train Medical Professionals

Touro University leverages 'standardized patients' to prepare students before real-world practice.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Touro University in Nevada is utilizing around 80 actors, referred to as 'standardized patients', to help medical students develop specific skills before performing medical procedures on actual patients. This innovative approach allows students to practice and refine their techniques in a controlled environment before applying them in real-world settings.

Why it matters

Providing medical students with a safe, simulated environment to practice critical skills can help improve patient outcomes by ensuring they are well-prepared before interacting with real patients. This training method also allows for more personalized feedback and evaluation of student performance.

The details

The standardized patients at Touro University are trained to portray various medical conditions and symptoms, enabling students to practice diagnosis, treatment, and bedside manner in a realistic setting. The university also utilizes advanced technology, such as high-fidelity patient simulators, to further enhance the training experience.

  • Touro University in Nevada has been using standardized patients and simulation-based training for several years.

The players

Touro University

A private university located in Nevada that offers medical and healthcare-related degree programs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Simulation-based training allows our students to make mistakes and learn from them in a safe environment, which is crucial for developing essential medical skills.”

— Dr. Shelley Berkley, CEO and Senior Provost, Touro University Nevada (fox5vegas.com)

The takeaway

Touro University's innovative use of standardized patients and simulation-based training helps ensure that future medical professionals are well-prepared to provide high-quality care, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader healthcare system.