IACUC Training

Required IACUC Training and CITI Account Setup

All training requirements must be completed before any individual may be listed on an approved IACUC protocol and engage in any activities involving live vertebrate animals, whether handling the animals or not. Training must be completed every three years.

New CITI Users

If you have never used CITI before, you will need to create an account. Select San Diego State University as your organization affiliation. 

Previous CITI Users at SDSU

If you have an existing account that is affiliated with another institution, click Log in Through My Organization and enter San Diego State University to add SDSU as your new affiliate institution.

Previous CITI Users at another institution

If you have an existing account that is affiliated with an external institution, click Log in Through My Organization and enter San Diego State University as your new institution.

CITI Animal ​Health and Welfare Training

All research personnel must receive training in the ethical care and use of animals along with the regulations, policies and procedures governing animal use in research and teaching. 

SDSU uses the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) web-based courses to provide basic training in the humane care and use of animals in research and teaching. Content is designed to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) requirements for basic training in the humane care and use of animals.

Below is a list of possible training scenarios based on the type of work you will be conducting involving vertebrate animals.  

NOTE:  The outline below will guide you in determining which CITI training modules must be completed, including the species type.  

  • Laboratory Animal Work - With Animal Handling Mice and Rat Models
  • Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats
  • Working with Rats in Research Settings
  • Working with Mice in Research
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI
  • Waste Anesthetic Gas Training 

  • Laboratory Animal Work - No Animal Handling Mice and Rat Models
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI​
  • Waste Anesthetic Gas Training

  • Wildlife Animal Work - With Animal Handling - Amphibians
  • Working with Amphibians in Research Settings
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI​

  • Wildlife Animal Work - With Animal Handling - Fish
  • Working with Fish in Research Settings
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI​​

  • Wildlife Animal Work - With Animal Handling -  Reptiles
  • Working with Reptiles in Reseach Settings
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI​

  • Wildlife Animal Work - No Animal Handling​
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI​

  • Working with Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) in Research Setting
  • Occupational Health Program Training for CITI​​ 

Office of Laboratory Animal Care (OLAC) Training

The Office of Laboratory Animal Care (OLAC) is dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving the health and well-being of humans and animals through the humane and ethical use of animals in teaching and research.

Sprague Dawley Rat

OLAC Orientiation is required for all personnel who will be in direct contact with animals.

In addition to the CITI Animal Care and Use Training, an OLAC orientation is required for all personnel who will be in direct contact with animals. This orientation includes relevant laboratory animal procedures and/or hands-on training. Refer to the linked OLAC Training Resources document below for a more extensive list.

Once the CITI training courses are complete and personnel have been added to the protocol in iRIS, contact OLAC at [email protected] to arrange orientations.

Once the orientation and any other necessary trainings have been completed, vivarium access and keys will be issued as needed.

OLAC Training Resources

Interested in Supplemental Labratory Animal Training from OLAC staff?

OLAC offers a diverse range of supplemental training for those using animals in research. Training coordinated through OLAC will be provided by highly skilled and experienced technicians, and when necessary, may involve a veterinarian who specializes in laboratory animal medicine. We have a collection of reference materials that may also aid in training or in development of protocols.

Supplemental OLAC Training Request Form (In Progress)

EH&S Occupational Health and Safety and Animal Biosafety Training