Training Overview

In order to conduct research with animals or working with animals in a teaching setting, all staff and students must complete the required general training, and attend a facility orientation (if applicable) in accordance with the UMBC IACUC Guideline on Training Requirements for Protocol Personnel. Additionally, all staff and students conducting research with animals must be listed on an approved IACUC protocol.

To access the courses, first create a free account with CITI, affiliate with the University of Maryland Baltimore County as part of the account set-up, then select the course(s) you wish to complete. For more information on how to navigate the CITI website, please refer to the UMBC ORPC Website.

Requirements for Principal Investigator, Trainees and Research Staff

  1. CITI Training: CITI Training may be waived if an individual provides training documentation from similar online training programs, such as AALAS Learning Library.
    1. Working with the IACUC
    2. Animal Biosafety
    3. All applicable species-specific modules
      • Working With Amphibians in Research Settings
      • Working with Mice in Research Settings
      • Working with Rats in Research Settings
      • Wildlife Research: If working with wild animals
      • Working With Zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Research Settings
      • Other applicable modules
    4. Post-Procedure Care of Mice and Rats in Research: If performing Surgical procedures
    5. Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats: If performing procedures which could cause pain and/or distress in rodents
  2. Hands on or Didactic provided by AV or Designated Trainer:Animal User Training and Orientation: All new users (staff or students) of laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats, fish, birds, and reptiles in laboratory setting) and the animal facilities must attend a mandatory facility orientation and tour. Facility orientation sessions are offered on an as-needed basis. Please contact Attending Veterinarian (samineni@umbc.edu) for more information. This can be substituted for CITI refresher training (Working with IACUC), which is required every three years. All new Principal Investigators (PIs) and research staff must take this training.
    Topics to be covered include:

      • Training Requirements
      • Housing and Animal Care
      • Following Standard Operating procedures
      • Humane and Experimental Endpoints
      • Resources and Technical Capabilities
      • Personal protective equipment and common hazards
      • Facility Access
      • Animal Welfare Concern Reporting

    Bio-methodology for Rodents (Rodent Handling and Restraint as well as blood collection, injection and euthanasia): This training requited for all animal users perform hands on activities work with rodents. Requirement waived if prior work experience or demonstrates proficiency. Please contact Attending Veterinarian (samineni@umbc.edu) to schedule a training session.

    Aseptic Surgical Technique: Required if performing Surgical procedures. Requirement waived if prior work experience or demonstrates proficiency. Please contact Attending Veterinarian (samineni@umbc.edu) to schedule a training session.

  3. Protocol-specific training provided by the PI or Designee: The PI is responsible for ensuring that all personnel listed on her/his protocol(s) are appropriately trained and qualified, and for documenting that training and qualifications. Training of research personnel by the PI must be documented and records must be available upon request.
    Examples of required training include:

      • Reviewing the animal protocol(s) and any amendments to the protocol thoroughly with the research staff
      • Reviews the IACUC Guidelines or protocol-specific SOP’s that are embedded within the protocol(s)
      • Provides hands-on training for any techniques or procedures that not covered by training provided by the Attending Veterinarian

Request Training Form