Training & Development

The LARC is pleased to offer instruction to investigators and research staff that promote safe, humane handling of animals as well as teach various techniques that are often required in experimental studies. Below are brief descriptions of the current classes being offered.

AALAS TRAINING CLASSES

The Laboratory Animal Resources Center is pleased to begin offering AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science) certification training classes. AALAS' Certification and Registry Board (CRB) certifies three levels of technician competence:

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
• Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)

Currently, the LARC will only be offering ALAT training classes. All of these technician certification designations are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care. Whether you are interested in becoming certified to advance in your career field or are simply looking to expand your technical knowledge of laboratory animal science, we invite you to join us for this unique learning opportunity.

These training sessions will be offered free of charge. However, each individual will be responsible for providing their own ALAT reference/study materials. You can obtain these materials through the AALAS website: http://www.aalas.org/bookstore/categories.aspx?category=ALAT.

ALAT training sessions will be held every Friday from 3:00-4:00 pm in MS 4.01.76.

We encourage you to visit the AALAS website for additional information regarding these certifications and also for eligibility requirements (education & work experience requirements): http://www.aalas.org/certification/tech_cert.asp.

Click the link below to view class syllabus:
ALAT Syllabus

Biomethodology

Biomethodology instruction is offered for mice and rats at this time.

Biomethodology topics include:

• Methods of handling and restraint
• Methods of aseptic substance administration {intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intravenous, and oral (gavage)}
• Methods of blood collection
• Methods and principles of sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia
• Methods of euthanasia

Mouse Biomethodology Handouts
Rat Biomethodology Handouts

Rodent Surgery Instruction

LARC surgery instruction is offered for only rodents at this time.

Rodent surgery topics include:

• Principles of aseptic rodent surgery
• Proper instrument selection and handling
• Appropriate use and selection of suture materials
• Proper tissue handling and dissection
• Proper body wall and skin closure techniques after entering a body cavity
• Federal and IACUC rodent survival surgery requirements
• Perioperative care of rodents

Rodent Survival Surgery Handouts

Click here for a list of currently scheduled training workshops.