The NDSU IACUC requires all personnel using live vertebrate animals for teaching, testing or research to complete training on animal welfare, as well as species- and procedure-specific hands-on training on techniques. Documentation of training is verified when a protocol or annual update form is submitted for review.

This requirement applies to all NDSU personnel who plan to work with animals (e.g., principal investigators, co-investigators, facility and animal care personnel, research team members, assistants, extension agents, or outside collaborators).

To complete online training on animal welfare:

1. Complete the course most relevant to your research.  Online training is offered through the CITI Program. (See CITI Online Training below for more details).  Training must be renewed every three years. 
   • Working with laboratory mice or rats?  Complete the Rodent Research Course.
   • Working with live vertebrate (non-wildlife, non-rodent) animals?  Complete the Working with the IACUC Course.
   • Working with live vertebrate wildlife animals?  Complete the Wildlife Research Course.
   • Working in extension and may use live vertebrate animals for demonstration/exhibition? Complete the Extension Agents course.
2. Complete the CITI Online Species-Specific courses for the species you will be working with.
3. Complete in-person species specific or procedural training conducted by the NDSU Attending Veterinarian (AV) office or delegated trainer. 
4. Document training completed on the Individual Training Log.

Hands on Procedure/Species Specific Training:

Hands on species and/or procedure-specific training is required to ensure proficiency in protocol related procedures.

Submitted protocols must include a current training log for each individual listed on the protocol. Training for the procedures described in the protocol must be appropriately and accurately documented in the Training Log.  Hands on species/procedures-specific training is provided by the Attending Veterinarian office or by qualified individuals designated by the IACUC (e.g. faculty, PIs, facility managers, lead technicians).