Training Programs
In order to apply for certification, an applicant must have completed a training or experience requirement.
For the training program option, applicants must have completed a formal laboratory animal training program recognized by ACLAM of at least two years duration following receipt of the veterinary medical degree.
Training programs participating in the recognition process assess their programs using the set of Training Program Minimal Standards. The assessment reports are reviewed by the ACLAM Training Program Oversight Committee which subsequently recommends programs to the Board of Directors for official recognition.
ACLAM Training Program Recognition
The goal of training program recognition is to improve the quality and consistency of laboratory animal medicine training programs and to strengthen their ability to prepare trainees for the ACLAM examination and careers in laboratory animal medicine. Training Program Directors must submit the information requested in the Program Description Outline (below) every three years, and provide annual updates describing changes in their Programs. The deadline for submission of new and renewal Program Descriptions as well as annual updates is March 1st. A Sept 1st deadline is available for new programs needing review before the following March 1 deadline. The standards that follow are used by the ACLAM Training Program Recognition Committee and the BOD as a basis for assessing and recognizing laboratory animal training programs. Candidates seeking to qualify for certification by the two-year route must complete a training program officially recognized by ACLAM.
Training Program Description Outline
I. Faculty
A. Provide the name of the Training Program and the name and contact information for the Program Director.
B. List the Diplomate and non-Diplomate faculty who will be involved with the Training Program, and list relevant qualifications for their role in the program.
C. Indicate the number of residents that will be in training at any one time.
II. Institutional Information
A. List the sponsoring institution(s) where training will be provided, and briefly describe the research, teaching, and/or testing programs involving animals. If some elements of the training program will be provided at other institutions or venues, describe the mechanism to ensure the content and quality of these activities.
B. Provide a brief description of the animal resources that will be used to provide training. Include an overview of animal facilities, and current animal census and annual usage data by species.
III. Assurance of Humane Animal Care and Use
A. Give the AAALAC or CCAC status of all training sites.
B. Describe the institutional system(s) of oversight and accountability for animal resources used to support the training effort that are not accredited by AAALAC or recognized by CCAC.
IV. Training Program Objectives
A. List or describe the objectives of the Training Program.
B. Summarize the key components of the Training Program. Include the duration of training and how satisfactory completion of training is documented.
C. Using the ACLAM Role Delineation Task and Knowledge statements as a guide, critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the training program and describe how weaknesses will be addressed.
V. Didactic Training
Describe the didactic training provided to residents, including information on course instructors and formats, and describe how the required 200 contact hours are provided. Provide course syllabi where applicable, or a listing of the subject matter covered.
VI. Supervised Practice of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Describe the supervised practice of laboratory animal medicine, including information on the species covered, personnel providing training, the specific components of the experience (see Standard 5.b), and the approximate number of hours trainees spend on these activities.
VII. Mentored Research Experience
Describe the mentored research experience, including how mentors and research projects are selected, how credentialing requirements will be met, and the approximate percent effort or hours trainees spend on these activities. (Note that the publication requirement has been changed, effective for candidates sitting the 2003 examination.)
[to top]