For individuals involved in animal care and use at the University of Southern California (USC), comprehensive training is paramount. The Department of Animal Resources (DAR) offers a structured Animal Care Trainee Training Program designed to ensure all personnel are well-versed in ethical and regulatory standards. This program is crucial for researchers and staff working with animals, providing the foundational knowledge necessary for responsible animal care and regulatory compliance.
The core of the USC animal care trainee training program is built around a series of species-specific online modules, supplemented by audiovisual resources and assessments. The training curriculum is carefully assigned based on the animal species and experimental procedures detailed in the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol synopsis form. It is essential that all individuals requiring training are listed on the relevant IACUC protocol by the Principal Investigator to gain access to these vital resources.
To ensure you receive proper credit for your training, it is crucial to follow each step of the outlined process meticulously. While this document serves as your guide through the initial formal training, DAR staff are also available to provide further practical, hands-on training within your laboratory or animal facility as needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Animal Care Trainee Training Program
To navigate the animal care trainee training program effectively, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Initiate Your Training with the Information Form
The first step in the animal care trainee training program is to complete the Animal Care and Use Training Information Form.
Flowchart of the Animal Care Trainee Training Program at USC outlining the steps from registration to veterinarian consultation.
Note: You will need information from your approved IACUC Protocol Synopsis Form to complete the Training Information Form. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, please reach out to the IACUC training coordinator at [email protected] for assistance.
Begin by completing the Registration Training Form, accessible via Registration Training Form. Submit the completed form via email to [email protected].
Upon contacting the training coordinator, you will receive an email containing a list of your assigned training materials and a unique access code for the AALAS Learning Library. Use this access code to log in to the AALAS Learning Library and register for your assigned courses using your personal username and password. Please wait for a confirmation email granting you permission to access the courses before proceeding to Step 2.
Step 2: Complete Web Courses on AALAS Learning Library
Once you have received confirmation, the next stage of the animal care trainee training program involves completing your assigned web courses. Log in to the AALAS Learning Library to access these modules. Detailed instructions for navigating the web courses will be provided on the course site itself.
After you have successfully completed the online coursework on the AALAS Learning Library, you can move on to Step 3 of the animal care trainee training program.
Step 3: Review Your IACUC Protocol
A critical component of the animal care trainee training program is ensuring you are thoroughly familiar with the IACUC protocol(s) relevant to your animal work. It is mandatory to read and understand the approved procedures before engaging in any animal-related activities. A comprehensive understanding of your protocol is vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring ethical animal handling. Be prepared to discuss your protocol with a DAR veterinarian during your training session.
Step 4: Schedule a Consultation with a DAR Veterinarian
The final formal step in the animal care trainee training program is to schedule a training session with a DAR veterinarian by contacting the training coordinator.
This session is didactic, consisting of a one-hour lecture followed by a hands-on component. While it is recommended to follow this order, it is not mandatory. During this session, a DAR veterinarian will guide you through federal regulations, USC policies concerning animal care, proper animal handling techniques, and euthanasia procedures. This is also an opportune time to arrange for a veterinarian to visit your laboratory for a practical demonstration or observation of any experimental techniques involving animals specific to your research.
Contact the IACUC training coordinator to schedule your veterinarian consultation once you have completed all assigned training materials.
Upon completion of all assigned training materials and your consultation with a DAR veterinarian, you will have successfully finished the formal portion of the animal care trainee training program at USC. This comprehensive program ensures that all personnel working with animals are well-prepared to uphold the highest standards of animal care and ethical research practices.
