How to Be Animal Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The demand for animal technicians has been increasing rapidly, as the need for research and testing of pharmaceuticals, medical procedures and treatments grows. This, in turn, has led to an increased demand for properly trained professionals who are capable of working with animals in a laboratory setting. Animal technicians are responsible for providing care and support to laboratory animals, as well as performing tests and experiments on them.

They must have extensive knowledge of a variety of species, including their anatomy and physiology, as well as the proper handling and care of the animals. Furthermore, animal technicians must be familiar with all safety protocols and regulations, such as the Animal Welfare Act, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. With these skills, animal technicians are able to help advance scientific research and make important contributions to medical advances.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma. To become an animal technician, you must first get a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. After earning a high school diploma, you should pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related field. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field of animal technology.
3. Obtain Experience. As you progress through your undergraduate studies, gain as much experience as possible. Look for relevant internships or volunteer opportunities to increase your knowledge and skills.
4. Apply for Certification. After graduating, you should apply for certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). This certification is necessary to practice as an animal technician.
5. Find Employment. Once you have obtained your certification, you can begin searching for jobs. You can find job openings at research facilities, veterinary clinics, laboratories, and more.
6. Advance Your Career. Once you have obtained a job as an animal technician, consider furthering your education by obtaining a master’s degree or additional certifications. This will help you advance in your career and open up more job opportunities.

Being a skilled and competent Animal Technician requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. It is essential to have an in-depth knowledge of animal biology, anatomy, physiology and behavior in order to provide the best possible care for the animals. It is also important to stay up-to-date on the latest animal care techniques, regulations and standards.

Furthermore, Animal Technicians need to be comfortable working with a range of different species and have excellent communication skills to ensure they can effectively work with other staff members, veterinarians, and pet owners. Finally, Animal Technicians must be compassionate and patient in order to handle animals with care and provide them with the best possible environment. By having a combination of all these skills, an Animal Technician can become highly skilled and competent.

You may want to check Animal Care Supervisor, Animal Welfare Inspector, and Animal Keeper for alternative.

Job Description

1. Animal Caretaker: Responsible for the daily care and well-being of animals in laboratory settings. This includes feeding, cleaning, observing, and maintaining animal housing and living areas.
2. Animal Handler: Responsible for the handling of animals in a laboratory setting, including restraining, positioning, and transporting animals for research purposes.
3. Animal Technician: Responsible for assisting researchers with animal experiments, including setting up equipment, preparing solutions, and monitoring animal behavior.
4. Animal Nutritionist: Responsible for creating and maintaining diets for laboratory animals based on their species, age, and health requirements.
5. Animal Behaviorist: Responsible for observing and analyzing animal behavior in order to understand how it is affected by different external factors.
6. Animal Health Technician: Responsible for providing medical care to laboratory animals, including administering medications and conducting routine check-ups.
7. Animal Technician Supervisor: Responsible for managing a team of animal technicians, assigning tasks and ensuring the safety of laboratory animals in accordance with regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology
2. Ability to understand and follow safety protocols
3. Ability to recognize signs of ill-health in animals
4. Excellent interpersonal skills
5. Ability to maintain accurate record-keeping
6. Proficiency with computers and data entry
7. Ability to observe and analyze animal behavior
8. Knowledge of animal handling techniques
9. Familiarity with common laboratory techniques
10. Knowledge of appropriate sanitation protocols

Having a strong background in animal biology and behavior is essential for any Animal Technician. Animal Technicians must understand the anatomy and physiology of a wide variety of species, as well as the environmental needs of animals. They must also be capable of handling animals in a safe and humane manner.

Furthermore, they must be able to recognize signs of distress and illness, and be able to make decisions on how to address those issues. Animal Technicians must be able to work with veterinarians and other animal care professionals to ensure that the animals’ needs are met. Finally, they must have strong communication skills to be able to effectively interact with owners, as well as the ability to follow instructions accurately and work independently in order to provide the highest quality of care.

having a strong knowledge base, combined with practical experience and interpersonal skills, are essential for Animal Technicians to succeed in the field.

Animal Breeder, Animal Behaviorist, and Animal Restraint Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• How would you rate your experience as an Animal Technician?
• What do you think are the most important qualities for an Animal Technician to possess?
• What experience do you have in handling and caring for animals?
• How do you feel about working with different types of animals?
• What safety protocols do you abide by when working with animals?
• What techniques have you used to successfully train an animal?
• How would you handle a difficult situation involving an animal?
• Have you ever performed any medical procedures on animals?
• Do you have any experience in regulatory compliance relating to animal care?
• Do you have any suggestions on how to improve animal welfare and care standards?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Lab Coat. Protective clothing worn in laboratory environments. (eg: white lab coat)
2. Safety Goggles. Protective eyewear designed to keep hazardous materials out of the eyes. (eg: clear safety goggles)
3. Restraint Equipment. Specialized tools used to safely handle animals for medical procedures. (eg: animal handling gloves)
4. Animal Handling Gloves. Gloves used to safely handle animals. (eg: latex gloves)
5. Syringes and Needles. Devices used to inject or withdraw fluids from animals. (eg: 3cc syringe with a 21-gauge needle)
6. Scales. Devices used to accurately measure the weight of animals. (eg: digital animal scale)
7. Surgical Instruments. Tools used during medical procedures on animals. (eg: surgical scissors)
8. Sanitation Supplies. Products used to clean and disinfect cages and equipment. (eg: disinfecting wipes)
9. Feeding Supplies. Tools used to feed animals, such as water bottles and food dishes. (eg: stainless steel water bottle)
10. Record Keeping Supplies. Items used to document animal care, such as clipboards and notebooks. (eg: animal health logbook)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
2. American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP)
3. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
4. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR)
5. National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR)
6. Society of Toxicology (SOT)
7. American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM)
8. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
9. National Animal Control Association (NACA)
10. Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC)

We also have Animal Shelter Manager, Animal Adoption Counselor, and Animal Farm Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Animal Care. The providing of physical and emotional care and support to animals.
2. Animal Husbandry. The management and care of domesticated animals.
3. Veterinary Medicine. The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries in animals.
4. Animal Behavior. The study of how animals interact with each other and their environment.
5. Animal Nutrition. The study of the nutrients required by animals to survive and thrive.
6. Animal Welfare. The care and use of animals for scientific, recreational, or agricultural purposes, with special attention given to the humane treatment of animals.
7. Animal Training. The teaching of animals to respond to commands and perform specific tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Animal Technician?

An Animal Technician is a professional who cares for animals in a laboratory setting, providing medical, housing and husbandry needs.

What qualifications do I need to become an Animal Technician?

To become an Animal Technician, you must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and complete a formal training program offered by an accredited institution, such as a veterinary technician school.

What type of animals do Animal Technicians work with?

Animal Technicians typically work with a variety of laboratory animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and non-human primates.

What duties do Animal Technicians perform?

Animal Technicians are responsible for providing daily care and maintenance of the animals including feeding, watering, cleaning, and observing any health or behavioral issues. They also provide assistance with research projects and procedures performed on the animals.

What is the average salary for an Animal Technician?

The average salary for an Animal Technician is approximately $30,000 - $36,000 per year.

What are jobs related with Animal Technician?

• Animal Nutritionist
• Animal Welfare Officer
• Animal Caregiver
• Animal Control Officer Supervisor

Web Resources

• Animal Health Technician | Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases ind.ucsf.edu
• Animal Technician Associate | U-M Careers careers.umich.edu
• Animal Technician Associate | U-M Careers careers.umich.edu