Veterinary training can be divided into three main domains:

• Cognitive domain:
  The veterinarian as a scientist - includes analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Psychomotor domain:
  The veterinarian as clinician - refers to manual and technical skills.
• Behavioral domain:
  The veterinarian as a professional - includes ethical behavior and communication.

The psychomotor domain is particularly relevant for skills labs as it focuses on the step-by-step development of practical skills - from simple hand movements to complex clinical procedures.

The number of skills labs is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. These facilities provide a standardized, structured and student-centered acquisition of practical skills and optimally prepare students for working with live animals. The main goal of skills labs is to teach day-one skills and provide a space for students to practice them.

In veterinary medicine, day-one skills are the basic practical skills that students must be able to apply confidently and independently immediately after graduation. These include, for example, venipunctures, injections, inserting venous and urinary catheters, inserting nasogastric tubes, applying bandages, various suturing techniques and wound care as well as restraining and handling different animal species - from pets to pigs. Various diagnostic measures are also included, from general examinations to advanced procedures such as rectal examinations in horses or cattle.

Our aim in teaching is for students to learn these day-one skills during their studies and practice them on models before applying them to live animals. This increases the safety and well-being of animals and humans and ensures the best possible preparation for future professional practice. This also complies with the animal welfare requirements of EAEVE accreditation and the internationally established principle: "Never the first time on a live animal".

In order to meet these requirements, the VetSim Skills Lab was set up at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, a specially equipped teaching laboratory that enables students to learn clinically relevant skills in a safe, controlled environment using models and simulators. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by enabling realistic scenarios without risk to animals or humans.

Benefits for all involved:

• For students:
  They gain confidence and experience before working in practice. Mistakes can be made and reflected on the model - without consequences for a living being.
• For animals:
  Less strain and stress through animal-friendly teaching. The number of necessary animal experiments and applications is significantly reduced.
• For teachers:
  More flexibility, better standardization of teaching and objective assessment of skills.
• For society:
  Modern, responsible training creates trust in veterinary medicine and meets ethical expectations.