Animal Technician
Animal technicians take care of the laboratory animals that are used in biotechnology research, veterinary research, and product testing. Laboratory animals play an important role in helping scientists understand how drugs behave in a biological system.
Animal technicians take care of the laboratory animals that are used in biotechnology research, veterinary research, and product testing. Laboratory animals play an important role in helping scientists understand how drugs behave in a biological system.
The most commonly used animals are mice and rats however; a wide variety of animals can be used. These include birds, fish, frogs, sheep, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, cattle, cats, hamsters, dogs, and monkeys.
Animal technicians may carry out a variety of technical, housekeeping, and record keeping tasks associated with animals and frequently assist scientists with experiments and perform simple medical procedures such as drawing blood.
Animal technicians usually require an Associates degree in animal science, veterinary technology or a related program. Some animal technicians may be hired with only a high school diploma and one to 3 years of experience.
Additional Certificates
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science offers certifications at three levels:
- Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
- Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
- Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)
Commonly requested abilities
- Able to lift 50 lbs
- Must enjoy working with animals
- Able to work and communicate professionally with investigators, supervisors and coworkers
- Able to make accurate observations, keep current, accurate, and complete records
- Able to read, understand, and interpret written and oral instruction and perform math calculations in conduct of experimental procedures
Employer business areas:
InnovATEBIO programs offer degrees, certificates, or teach skills in these areas.
