Standardized Client Volunteer
Job Summary
Standardized Client Volunteer - Unpaid
Sonoran University of Health Sciences Remote/Online
Tempe Arizona
Sonoran University is pleased to invite College of Nutrition alumni to consider serving as a Standardized Client for personalized nutrition care consultations. This role supports our MSACN students in gaining experience conducting a nutritional consultation via telehealth.
Volunteer Opportunity
Sonoran University is seeking alumni passionate about the nutrition profession who are interested in giving back to their alma mater by helping to shape the next generation of nutrition professionals.
When you volunteer you not only lend your time but you also contribute to a respected nonprofit institution dedicated to advancing personalized nutrition education.
Overview
This standardized client consultation is part of the Interprofessional Experience (IPE) which fosters teamwork communication and collaboration between students from the MSACN and Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs at Sonoran University.
The Standardized Client Volunteer is an individual who supports student learning by portraying a client scenario in a realistic consistent and professional manner during educational activities conducted as nutritional this role volunteers help create a safe authentic practice environment where students can strengthen their clinical communication interviewing and counseling skills.
Notably the client scenario will be a fictional case scenario. Volunteers will not share any personal information in these activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Portray an assigned client case in a realistic consistent and professional manner during student learning activities. The client scenario primarily focuses on mental health and requires nutrition students to professionally communicate the need for a referral to a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in addition to making nutritional recommendations.
- Participate in one initial consultation (90 minutes) and one follow-up visit (60 minutes) in order to receive and discuss the student-developed care plan.
- Review the assigned case background and any preparatory materials in advance of scheduled sessions.
- Respond to student questions in a manner that aligns with the assigned scenario while maintaining consistency across interactions.
- Attend scheduled appointments on time and communicate promptly with faculty or program staff regarding availability scheduling changes or concerns.
- Engage respectfully and professionally with students faculty staff and other participants throughout the experience.
- Provide honest constructive feedback when requested regarding the student experience communication style professionalism and overall interaction.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student performance educational materials and any information shared as part of the training experience.
- Follow program guidance instructions and expectations to help ensure a safe supportive and effective learning environment.
Qualifications
- Graduate of Sonoran University MSCN program
- Interest in supporting student education mentorship and the development of future nutrition professionals.
- Ability to portray a fictional client in a consistent realistic and professional manner. The client case scenario will be provided to you.
- Comfort in participating in telehealth nutritional consultations with a Quarter 7 nutrition students.
Time Commitment
- Review case scenario and expectations: Approximately 30-60-minutes
- Initial Consultation: 90-minutes
- Initial Follow-Up Consultation: 60-minutes held 3-5 days following Initial Consultation
- Dates: Spring and Fall quarters flexible scheduling between weeks 8-10 of the quarter
Benefits of Volunteering
- Give back to Sonoran University by helping shape the next generation of nutrition professionals.
- Support student learning in a meaningful and practical way through real-world educational experiences.
- Stay connected to the Sonoran community faculty and future graduates.
- Contribute to the continued growth excellence and mission of your alma mater.
- Share in the professional fulfillment of helping students build confidence in their clinical communication and counseling skills.
- Re-engage with the university in a unique role that highlights service mentorship and professional connection.
- Strengthen your connection to the profession by supporting applied practice-based education.
- Enjoy a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on student development and training.
To Express Interest:
Please contact the Director of Nutrition Programs Dr. Kim Ross with a brief statement of interest at
We look forward to welcoming individuals who share our commitment to education service and community!