University of Illinois awaits approval of revamped veterinary curriculum

Urbana, Ill.

-- An overhaul of the veterinary curriculum at the University of Illinois will be unveiled to the university's Board Trustees in May.

The changes, according to UI's veterinary dean Herb Whiteley, are big on providing students with clinical experience.

"Unlike the prevailing model for veterinary education, this new curriculum allows veterinary students to tap into their passion for working with animal patients from Day 1 of the program," Whiteley said in a written statement.

The new curriculum is thought to give veterinary students more control of their education through online modules, greater availability of elective courses, peer teaching, milestone examinations and an eight-week professional development period, the university says.

If approved by the board of trustees, the curriculum will be offered to the incoming class of 2013, Whiteley adds.