Physical Exam Teaching Associate

The PETA program aims to improve clinical excellence through the education of future physicians.

The program provides a unique opportunity for health professional students to learn head-to-toe non-invasive physical exam in a non-threatening, standardized, nurturing and safe environment.

PETAs receive specialized training to portray patient models to teach medical students basic techniques of performing a comprehensive non-invasive physical examination.

PETAs use their own bodies as teaching tools, excluding any invasive exams, in small group settings.

The Physical Exam Teaching Associate is an integral member of the clinical training team, responsible for facilitating hands-on clinical skill education for healthcare learners, using their own body to demonstrate and teach standardized non-invasive physical examination techniques.

In accordance with ASPE Standards of Practice, the Teaching Associate creates a safe, respectful, and learner-centered environment to foster effective skill acquisition, professional communication, and patient-centered thinking.

• Teach, model, and guide learners through standardized non-invasive physical examination techniques (e.g., general exams, focused system exams) using their own body as the model.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all participants, adhering strictly to professional boundaries and personal safety protocols.
• Provide immediate, constructive, and individualized feedback to learners about exam techniques and communication skills, enhancing learner growth and confidence.
• Demonstrate patient-centered behaviors and trauma-informed approaches during all teaching interactions.
• Participate actively in training, program meetings, and quality improvement initiatives to maintain professional skills and uphold ASPE’s Standards of Practice.
• Maintain confidentiality, respect, and dignity for both self and learners at all times.
• Accurately document participation and report any concerns or incidents according to institutional protocols.

• Commitment to ASPE Standards of Practice, including professionalism, safety, learner-centered practice, respect and confidentiality.
• Comfortable teaching and modeling non-invasive physical examination techniques in a clinical educational setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to foster respectful, supportive learning.
• Skilled in providing constructive, nonjudgmental feedback and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Reliable, punctual, and professionally discreet.
• Previous experience as a teaching associate or standardized patient is helpful but not required; extensive training is provided.

• Willingness and ability to participate in repeated non-invasive physical examinations during teaching sessions.
• Ability to sit, stand, or lie on an examination table as necessary.

• Flexible, part-time schedule. Long-term availability required on Mondays during the fall and spring semesters.
• Required training availability from March - July for training one day a week of your choice (Bryan/College Station: either Monday PM or Tuesday AM; Houston: either Wednesday PM or Thursday AM).
• Competitive hourly rate of $50 per hour, commensurate with role complexity.

Application Instructions: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications and interest.

All applications are managed confidentially.

The Simulation & Immersive Learning Center at Texas A&M University is dedicated to advancing healthcare education through innovative simulation-based practices.

Seeking accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, our center collaborates with faculty, learners, and community partners to deliver evidence-based, high-fidelity simulation experiences that improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Note: This position description is informed by the ASPE Standards of Practice (SOP) and SSH guidelines for simulation-based education, ensuring alignment with best practices in healthcare simulation.

For more information on ASPE SOP, visit www.aspeducators.org.

For SSH standards, visit www.ssih.org.