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About the Neis Clinical Skills Lab

Clinical skills are a combination of discrete and measurable knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for patient safety and quality patient care. A clinical laboratory - or simulation learning and testing space - is an immersive environment where participants can safely learn and test their knowledge, skills and abilities in a simulated clinical setting.

Originally, a 4,000 square foot facility complete with 14 recorded mock exam and procedure rooms. The NCSL space allowed students to participate in a number of assignments and simulated experiences that focused on proficiency in the fundamentals of basic clinical skills. In early 2001 The University of Kansas School of Medicine proposed the development of a clinical simulation laboratory to help students' proficiency in essential clinical skills. Major funding for the skills lab was made possible through the generosity of the Delbert D. Neis family and in September of 2002, The Delbert D. Neis Clinical Skills Laboratory (NCSL) was officially dedicated.

Learn more About Delbert D. Neis, M.D.

In July 2017, KU Medical Center expanded the health education program with the opening of the Health Education Building (HEB). The 170,000 square foot building is now the primary teaching facility for the KU Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions. The expansion and relocation of the NCSL program has provided an additional 8,300 square feet of simulation space and immersive education opportunity.

HEB building view from the west

Located on the 3rd floor of HEB, the NCSL is designed to mimic a clinical care facility and includes 17 out-patient suites, 8 in-patient rooms, 1 task-trainer room, 2 classrooms, 6 debrief rooms, 1 out-patient lab, 1 in-patient lab, 1 SON bed lab, and 1 home-care suite.

Neis Clinical Skills Lab floorplan layout diagram

Each exam room is equipped with video cameras to record learner performances for evaluation and remediation purposes.

In addition, the lab houses a variety of simulation equipment, including mannequins and other modeling devices that can be calibrated to teach learners fundamentals of various medical conditions and protocols, such as cardiac life support.

Standardized Patients (SPs) and Physical Exam Teaching Assistants (PETAs) are hired regularly by faculty and staff to assist in learners' development of clinical techniques. Trained to consistently portray a patient or other individual in a scripted scenario for the purposes of instruction, practice, or evaluation. Standardized Patients are an intricate part of the NCSL program pedagogy because they help make simulated clinical encounters feel lifelike, and in many cases are trained in providing patient-perspective feedback. 

collage of standardized patients andlearners

Interested in becoming an SP? All of our programs are based on certain patient demographics (age, gender, medical conditions, etc.) and we are always looking for new people with an interest in medical education! Please go to our Standardized Patient Program page for more information and fill out the Standardized Patient Profile survey to apply! The information is confidential and is needed to help us assign standardized patients to appropriate medical cases. If a role opens up that may look to be a good fit and matches your availability, someone on staff will be in touch!


The University of Kansas School of Medicine commits to enhance the quality of life and serve our community through the discovery of knowledge, the education of health professionals, and improving the health of the public.

KU School of Medicine

University of Kansas Medical Center
KU School of Medicine Office of Medical Education
Mailstop 1049
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City KS 66160
Phone: 913-588-7200
Fax: 913-588-7235