CIP Code:31.01.8301.00
Program Description:
The mission of the Assistant Animal Laboratory Technology (AALT) Program is to prepare students for entry-level employment as technicians in a choice of two animal care career paths:
- Companion animals in a veterinary hospital or diagnostic laboratory setting, or
- Lab animals in a biomedical research facility setting.
The course offers one year of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences with a variety of animal species including mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, birds, and others. (Clinicals require students to provide transportation and a clear background and drug screening.) Both career tracks cover knowledge and skill development in quality animal care, regulatory compliance, and technical support to veterinary and research professionals.
For those choosing the lab animal path, hands-on lab animal clinical experiences may be considered toward eligibility for an internationally-recognized certification exam administered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (www.aalas.org).
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students should demonstrate the competencies required for entry-level positions in the biomedical research field.
- To introduce new students to the career opportunities in the animal laboratory technology field
- To emphasize safety in the classroom and clinical environment.
- To instruct students in the theory and knowledge needed to be successful in the animal laboratory program.
- To ensure that every student understands work ethics and responsibilities of the animal laboratory program.
- To ensure that every student receives relevant industry skill required for employment.
- To assist graduates in locating and successful placement into the animal laboratory tech. field.
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