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 Master’s 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 consultations. In 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 [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming individuals who share our commitment to education, service, and community!