In Person Courses

Below is a list of the in-person training courses that we offer. Click "Course Description" for more information on a particular course. Click "Course Schedule" to view the currently scheduled session times for a particular course.

You may register for a class by downloading and completing the Animal Use Training Registration form found on the "Forms" page. Please refer to the registration form for submission instructions and information on the fee schedule.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or e-mail at dso@u.washington.edu.

  • Mouse Hands-on Laboratory

    • Prerequisite: Completion of the online course "Working with Mice at the University of Washington." Must pass the exam with a 100%.

    Mouse Hands-on Laboratory

    This course is the 2nd of a 2-part series (the 1st being the online course "Working with Mice at the University of Washington") and is intended for all personnel working with or caring for mice.

    The course includes a demonstration of proper techniques for humane handling, restraint, and use of mice. Instruction is provided on recognition of normal and abnormal physical and behavioral changes, gender determination, blood vessel access and administration of medication. There is discussion of appropriate methods of anesthesia, analgesia, euthanasia and aseptic techniques necessary for survival surgery. Participants can be certified (as required by the IACUC) to perform certain euthanasia, bleeding and injection techniques on mice.

    Important Note: While you may learn a variety of procedures during the class, you are only allowed to perform the procedures/techniques outside of the training class if they are approved as part of the IACUC approved animal use protocol that you received IACUC approval to work on.

    Prerequisite: Completion of the online course "Working with Mice at the University of Washington." Must pass the exam with a 100%.

    Mouse Hands-On Lab
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    TuesdayNovember241:30-3:00 
    MondayNovember309:30-11:00 
    TuesdayDecember81:30-3:00 
    FridayDecember1810:00-11:30 
    TuesdayDecember221:00-2:30 
    WednesdayDecember302:00-3:30 

  • Rat Hands-on Laboratory

    • Prerequisite: Completion of the online course "Working with Rats at the University of Washington." Must pass the exam with a 100%.

    Rat Hands-on Laboratory

    This course is the 2nd of a 2-part series (the 1st being the online course "Working with Rats at the University of Washington") and is intended for all personnel working with or caring for rats.

    The course includes a demonstration of proper techniques for humane handling, restraint, and use of rats. Instruction is provided on recognition of normal and abnormal physical and behavioral changes, gender determination, blood vessel access and administration of medication. There is discussion of appropriate methods of anesthesia, analgesia, euthanasia and aseptic techniques necessary for survival surgery. Participants can be certified (as required by the IACUC) to perform certain euthanasia and bleeding techniques on rats.

    Important Note: While you may learn a variety of procedures during the class, you are only allowed to perform the procedures/techniques outside of the training class if they are approved as part of the IACUC approved animal use protocol that you received IACUC approval to work on.

    Prerequisite: Completion of the online course "Working with Rats at the University of Washington." Must pass the exam with a 100%.

    Rat Hands-On Lab
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    TuesdayDecember19:30-11:00 
    WednesdayDecember162:00-3:30 
    MondayDecember2810:00-11:30 

  • Hands-on Training for Species other than Mice and Rats: Scheduled on an as-needed basis

    Hands-on Training for Species other than Mice and Rats

    Scheduled on an as-needed basis. Contact the Training Coordinator at auts@u.washington.edu to arrange a training session.

  • Decentralized Animal Care and Records

    Decentralized Animal Care and Records

    This course provides training on the basic requirements for maintaining animals and providing daily care for them within facilities not maintained by the Department of Comparative Medicine. The session covers basic procedures, regulations and requirements, and documentation. All personnel providing primary care for animals (non-aquatic) in Decentralized Facilities are required to complete this session. The PI or a professional staff lab manager is also required to complete this class. Note: rodent users must also complete the Sick Rodent Recognition session. There are no prerequisites.

    Decentralized Animal Care & Records Class
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    FridayDecember411:00-11:45 
    TuesdayDecember151:00-1:45 

  • Decentralized Sick Rodent Recognition

    Decentralized Sick Rodent Recognition

    This session provides training on the recognition of pain, illness, and injury in rodent species. It also provides detailed examples and discussion of commonly occurring rodent injuries and illness. Attendees will learn techniques for evaluation of pain and illness in rodent species. This session, in addition to the Decentralized Animal Care and Records session, is required of all personnel providing primary care for rodents in Decentralized Facilities. The PI or a professional staff lab manager is also required to complete both classes. There are no prerequisites.

    Sick Rodent Recognition Class
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    FridayDecember411:45-12:45 
    TuesdayDecember151:45-2:45 

  • Decentralized Animal Care and Records: Aquatic Animals

    Decentralized Animal Care and Records: Aquatic Animals

    This course provides training on the basic requirements for maintaining aquatic animals and providing daily care for them within facilities not maintained by the Department of Comparative Medicine. The session covers basic procedures, regulations and requirements, and documentation. It also covers sick animal recognition and evaluation of pain, illness, and injury in aquatic species. All personnel providing primary care for aquatic animals in Decentralized Facilities are required to complete this session. The PI or a professional staff lab manager is also required to complete this class. There are no prerequisites.

    Decentralized Care & Records / Aquatic Animals
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    MondayNovember239:30-11:30 
    WednesdayDecember169:30-11:30 

  • Surgery I

    Surgery I

    This is the first session of a two part series designed to provide instruction on the basic tenets of surgical techniques in research animals. Attendees will learn proper Operating Room conduct including preparation of the animal, preparation of the surgical personnel, and handling of instruments and equipment. A foundation of knowledge on anesthesia, analgesia, and surgical monitoring is provided. Use of sterile and aseptic techniques is stressed, and includes discussion of surgical pack preparation and sterilization methods. The session includes a hands-on lab providing attendees the opportunity to practice the techniques learned in the class.

    Surgery 1 Class
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    TBDJanuaryTBDTBD 

  • Surgery II

    • Prerequisite: Surgery I

    Surgery II

    This is part two of the Surgery training series. This session expands on the knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques learned in Surgery I, and puts them into practice. Attendees will learn to identify and handle a variety of surgical instruments and wound closure materials (sutures, staples, etc.). Emphasis is placed on proper use of the various techniques for achieving hemostasis. Students will learn the advantages and disadvantages of various closure techniques, including practice of a variety of suture patterns and knots. The session includes a hands-on lab giving attendees the opportunity to practice incisions, dissection, and closure techniques.

    Surgery 2 Class
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    TBDJanuaryTBDTBD 

  • 6th Floor Facility Orientation

    • Prerequisites: Must be approved on protocol.

    6th Floor Facility Orientation

    Facility Orientation Sessions are held inside the animal facilities and provide personnel with the training necessary for entering and working in the facility. Instruction is provided on the proper facility and animal room entry procedures, as well as the location of important resources.

    Personnel must complete the 6th Floor Facility Orientation in order to gain access to the 6th floor facility via Proxy card.

    6th Floor Facility Orientation
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    MondayNovember2310:00-10:30 
    WednesdayDecember92:00-2:30 
    MondayDecember2111:00-11:30 

  • T-wing Facility Orientation

    • Prerequisites: Must be approved on protocol. Rodent users must complete the SPF training. Note: T-115 requires a seperate orientation.

    T-wing Facility Orientation

    Facility Orientation Sessions are held inside the SPF facilities and provide personnel with the training necessary for entering and working in the facility. Instruction is provided on the proper facility and animal room entry procedures, as well as the location of important resources. Note: Room T-115 requires a seperate orientation that is scheduled on an as-needed basis.

    Personnel must complete the T-wing Facility Orientation in order to gain access to the T-wing facility via Proxy card.

    T-wing Facility Orientation
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    WednesdayNovember259:00-10:30 
    FridayDecember111:00-2:30 
    TuesdayDecember229:00-10:30 

  • K-wing Facility Orientation

    • Prerequisites: Must be approved on protocol. Rodent users must complete the SPF training.

    K-wing Facility Orientation

    Facility Orientation Sessions are held inside the SPF facilities and provide personnel with the training necessary for entering and working in the facility. Instruction is provided on the proper facility and animal room entry procedures, as well as the location of important resources.

    Personnel must complete the K-wing Facility Orientation in order to gain access to the K-wing facility via Proxy card.

    Note: In order to work in the Bio-Safety Level 2 or 3 (BSL-2 or BSL-3) rooms within the facility, personnel must attend the separate BSL-2 or BSL-3 Room Orientation. Attendance of the Facility Orientation is required prior to registering for the BSL-2 or BSL-3 Room Orientation.

    K-wing Facility Orientation
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    ThursdayNovember191:00-2:30Full 
    WednesdayDecember29:00-10:30 
    FridayDecember181:00-2:30 
    WednesdayDecember3010:30-12:00 

  • Foege Facility Orientation

    • Prerequisites: Must be approved on protocol. Rodent users must complete the SPF training.

    Foege Facility Orientation

    Facility Orientation Sessions are held inside the SPF facilities and provide personnel with the training necessary for entering and working in the facility. Instruction is provided on the proper facility and animal room entry procedures, as well as the location of important resources.

    Personnel must complete the Foege Facility Orientation in order to gain access to the Foege facility via Proxy card.

    Note: In order to work in the Bio-Safety Level 2 (BSL-2) room within the facility, personnel must attend the separate BSL-2 Room Orientation. Attendance of the Facility Orientation is required prior to registering for the BSL-2 Room Orientation.

    Foege Facility Orientation
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    ThursdayNovember191:00-2:30Cancelled 
    TuesdayNovember249:00-10:30 
    ThursdayDecember31:00-2:30 
    TuesdayDecember89:00-10:30 
    ThursdayDecember172:00-3:30 
    MondayDecember219:00-10:30 
    TuesdayDecember2910:00-11:30 

  • Harborview (HR&T) Facility Orientation

    • Prerequisites: Must be approved on protocol. Rodent users must complete the SPF training.

    Harborview (HR&T) Facility Orientation

    Facility Orientation Sessions are held inside the SPF facilities and provide personnel with the training necessary for entering and working in the facility. Instruction is provided on the proper facility and animal room entry procedures, as well as the location of important resources.

    Personnel must complete the HR&T orientation in order to gain access to the HR&T facility via access card.

    Harborview (HR&T) Facility Orientation
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    FridayNovember209:00-10:30 
    WednesdayDecember21:00-2:30 
    TuesdayDecember1510:00-11:30 
    TuesdayDecember292:00-3:30 

  • Brotman Facility Orientation

    • Prerequisites: Must be approved on protocol. Rodent users must complete the SPF training.

    Brotman Facility Orientation

    Facility Orientation Sessions are held inside the SPF facilities and provide personnel with the training necessary for entering and working in the facility. Instruction is provided on the proper facility and animal room entry procedures, as well as the location of important resources.

    Personnel must complete the Brotman orientation in order to gain access to the Brotman facility via access card. Note: This facility is also known as 815 Mercer and South Lake Union (SLU).

    Note: In order to work in the Bio-Safety Level 2 (BSL-2) room within the facility, personnel must attend the separate BSL-2 Room Orientation. Attendance of the Facility Orientation is required prior to registering for the BSL-2 Room Orientation.

    Brotman Facility Orientation
    DayDateDayTimeNoted if Full
    WednesdayNovember251:30-3:00 
    MondayDecember79:30-11:00 
    WednesdayDecember231:30-3:00 

  • Animal Bio-Safety Level 2 and 3 Room Orientation: Scheduled on an as-needed basis

    • Prerequisite: Completion of the facility orientation.

    Animal Bio-Safety Level 2 and 3 Room Orientation

    Individuals who need to work in an Animal Bio-Safety Level 2 or 3 (ABSL-2 or ABSL-3) room within a centralized vivarium must complete the Animal Bio-Safety Level 2 or 3 Room Orientation. Attendance of the Facility Orientation is required prior to registering for the ABSL-2 or ABSL-3 Room Orientation.

    Scheduled on an as-needed basis. Contact the Training Coordinator at auts@u.washington.edu to arrange a training session.

    Please also visit the Environmental Health and Safety Department's website for information on their recommended BSL-2 and bloodborne pathogen training classes: http://www.ehs.washington.edu/psotrain/index.shtm.

  • Helicobacter Free Room Training: Scheduled on an as-needed basis

    • Prerequisite: Completion of the facility orientation.

    Helicobacter Free Room Training

    Individuals who need to work in a Helicobacter free animal room within a centralized vivarium must complete the Helicobacter Free Room Training. Attendance of the Facility Orientation is required prior to registering for the Helicobacter Free Room Training.

    Scheduled on an as-needed basis. Contact the Training Coordinator at auts@u.washington.edu to arrange a training session.