Development and Evolution of the Clinical Skills Learning Center as an Integral Component of the Illinois Veterinary Professional Curriculum

Abstract

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine opened a clinical skills laboratory in August 2009, making it one of the earliest North American veterinary schools to do so. The Clinical Skills Learning Center has been an integral component of the Illinois veterinary professional curriculum since its inception. However, its role in the curriculum has changed over time, which has had an impact on its size, scope, and staffing. In this article, we describe the development and growth of the Clinical Skills Learning Center, with an emphasis on its evolving curricular role and the lessons we have learned over nine years.