
LOCATION
MBKU College of Pharmacy
2575 Yorba Linda Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92831
CONTACT INFORMATION
College of Pharmacy Standardized Patient Experience
Description
Go behind the scenes with MBKU’s College of Pharmacy.
Experience life as a first-year pharmacy student (P1) by sitting as a standardized patient (SP) for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)! During the Winter quarter, first-year pharmacy students conduct a patient assessment and counseling OSCE where they assess a standardized patient and are evaluated on their performance. We’re excited to have YOU sit as the patient!
The Exam
The exam will begin with the P1 student asking the patient a series of questions.
The student will then:
- Obtain vitals (blood pressure, heart rate, etc)
- Complete an exam based on the script you have been assigned (see types of exams in the FAQ section below)
- Counsel the patient on how to use a medication.
A script will be provided to guide you on how to respond in the OSCE. You will sit as a patient a few times for different P1s.
Bonus: This will also be a great opportunity to learn some medical terminology in the process!
Perks for Prospective Students
For prospective students, the day will also include:
- A program overview presentation highlighting the College of Pharmacy and the admissions process
- A campus tour with Student Ambassadors
- Lunch
Perks for Incoming Students
- A sneak peek into the OSCEs that will take place in your first year
- Lunch
- An opportunity to meet with Marissa Miara, the Director of Student Services, to learn more about the various resources available to support you as a student, as well as ask any questions you may have.
SP Briefing
Closer to the OSCE day, you will be asked to participate in a mandatory Zoom call (scheduled to align with your availability). During the call, a faculty member will review the SP script along with more details on what to expect during the patient interaction. The faculty will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Scheduling
There are two shifts. If you would like to stay for the entire day, please register for both shifts (you will have to submit two registrations).
Questions & Answers
There are three types of exams being done. Standardized patients will receive their assignments via a Zoom call briefing several days before the event. If you are not comfortable with the assigned exam, you may request an alternative one. You will have 1-2 scripts, depending on the duration of your participation. The three exams are as follows:
Heart & Lung Exam
Student pharmacists will listen to heart and lung sounds with their stethoscopes. They will check pulses in two locations (neck and arm), check for edema/swelling (shin, ankle, and top of foot), and assess capillary refill time (fingers). Standardized patients will need to wear a gown for this exam (provided).
Head/Ears/Eye Exam
Student pharmacists will use an otoscope to examine the ears. They will examine both eyes by shining a light into them. Lastly, they will palpate various lymph nodes in the neck area.
Diabetes Foot Exam
Student pharmacists will check for pulses in two locations in the feet and will check for capillary refill time (toes). Student pharmacists will also use a small filament to apply pressure to various parts of the foot to assess for sensation of pressure. They will use a tuning fork to assess for sensation of vibration on the bottom of the feet.
No. We’ll provide you with the script ahead of time so you can familiarize yourself with the information; however, we will also provide a printed version on the day of the OSCEs. You are welcome to reference the script as often as needed during the exam.
On Top
We recommend a t-shirt with short sleeves or a tank top so your arm is easily exposed for blood pressure measurement. You’re welcome to bring a sweatshirt or jacket that can be easily removed as well.
On Bottom
Shorts, or pants such as jeans, joggers, leggings, or sweatpants that can be easily rolled up to the knees. Please, no skirts.
Shoes and Socks
If you are assigned the foot exam, you will be asked to remove your socks and shoes. Otherwise, foot attire is up to you.
For male standardized patients who are assigned the cardio/pulmonary exam, you will be asked to wear a gown. You will keep your bottoms on but remove your shirt. Restrooms will be available to change before and after the sessions. If you are a male volunteer and do not feel comfortable wearing a gown, please let us know, and we will arrange an alternative exam for you.
If you do not feel comfortable with the above dress code, please let us know before OSCE day, and we will make arrangements to the best of our ability, as long as it does not interfere with the pharmacy student’s ability to successfully complete their exam.
SHIFT 1 - 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
- 8:30-9:00 AM - Briefing with faculty, prepare for exam
- 9:00-10:00 AM - Exam 1
- 10:00-10:10 AM - Break/ Reset
- 10:10-11:00 AM - Exam 2
- 11:00-11:10 AM - Break/ Reset
- 11:10-12:00 PM - Exam 3
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Prospective Students: Program Overview Presentation/campus tour with Student Ambassadors
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - COP Admitted Students - meet with Student Services Director
SHIFT 2 -11:30 AM - 3 PM
- 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Briefing with faculty, prepare for exam
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Prospective Students: Program Overview Presentation/campus tour with Student Ambassadors
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - COP Admitted Students - meet with Student Services Director
- 1:10 PM - 2:00 PM - Exam 1
- 2:00 PM - 2:10 PM - Break/ Reset
- 2:10 PM - 3:00 PM - Exam 2
- 3:00 PM - Brief wrap-up with Admissions
If you choose to participate in both shifts, your time commitment is 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
This event takes place on our main campus located at 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831. We will have reserved parking spots for you in the Visitor Lot located off Yorba Linda Blvd (right next to the fire station). Someone will be in the lot to greet you and show you to the exam rooms.
You are welcome to bring whatever you would like, but we will provide everything you need to sit as a patient, including the script you will be reading off of. Lunch and drinks will be provided!
A buffet lunch will be provided. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available. If you require other accommodations, you are welcome to bring your own food, and our team will be happy to store it in a refrigerator for you.

