The College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University is looking for simulated clients to assist in teaching professional-grade communication skills to our veterinary students. 

As part of our Professional Skills program, the simulated clients are given a simulated veterinary scenario to study and role-play with the students and their coaches. You will be expected to embrace the role of an animal owner who is seeking professional veterinary guidance and/or medical treatment. Your ability to adopt the role, eb & flow with a range of emotions and concerns, and provide believable responses will be important in helping our students to see how impactful professional clinical communication skills can be. It will contribute to stronger client relationships, greater client retention, and higher quality medical care for their animals.

Simulated learning is a fun way to help our students experience and practice their communication skills in real-life situations! A sort of “rehearsal for the real world”, if you will.

Class, for the fall semester, is Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and it runs in three 3-week role-play rounds from Sept 2nd through Dec 2nd. The dates and times for the Spring semester will be determined at a later time. You may or may not be needed for every round. How much involvement you have in the semester will be determined by case & casting needs. The simulated client is expected to have transportation to/from the USU Veterinary Medical Education Building and participate in time blocks of up to 4 hours at a time. There is also an expectation that you are prepared, prompt, and present for all appointments, as determined/agreed on by your coordinator.

Fall class days are as follows, with training meetings in between throughout the semester. Please check your schedule before applying.

• Aug 21st - Orientation
• Aug 24 - 31st - Rehearsals (Exact dates & times for rehearsals will be determined by survey at a later time)
• Round 1 - Sept 2, 9 & 16
• Round 2 - Sept 30, Oct 7 & 14
• Round 3 - Oct 28, Nov 4 & 11
• Assessment (Final) - Dec 2

Come join us as we help our students learn to offer high-quality care through positive and professional communication.

• Study and memorize specific scenarios & the facts within
• Work cooperatively in a team setting
• Be punctual and dependable.
• Give constructive feedback (Some training provided)
• Receive constructive feedback & develop your skills as a simulated client
• Wear character appropriate attire in order to embrace your role as an animal owner

• Willingness to be audio and video recorded for educational purposes
• Some basic knowledge of animals (Dog, Cat, Equine, Farm etc.)
• Acting experience is an advantage, but not required (Some training provided)
• Ability to commit to the time needed to fulfill the job duties

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The simulated client position will involve working with people, both students and colleagues, in a group setting. The simulated client is expected to read, memorize, and act (through role-play) as an animal owner. Some studying/learning will be required outside of the class setting. Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  This position requires moderate physical activity, including the handling of objects up to 25 pounds and/or standing or walking more than one hour per day.  

The simulated client will be joining the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at an exciting point of transformation. In 2022, the state of Utah approved the creation of a full four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program at USU. The CVM has received approval through its accrediting agency, the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, to admit its inaugural class of 40 students in the fall of 2025, and cohorts of 80 veterinary students in subsequent years. The new college is the only veterinary medical education program in Utah. The CVM is dedicated to providing top-tier education and training to the next generation of veterinarians. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to excellence in veterinary care. Join our dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 07/2026

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025