IACUC Training/Personnel Requirements

The NDSU IACUC requires all personnel using live vertebrate animals for teaching, testing or research to complete training on animal welfare. 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, barn and animal care personnel, research team members, assistants, extension agents, or outside collaborators).

To complete training requirements:

  1. Complete the series of online modules 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) at 701.231.7830 or delegated trainer.
  4. Document training completed on the Individual Training Log.

 

Species/Procedure Specific Training

Species and/or procedures specific training is required to ensure proficiency in species-specific or 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 or by qualified individuals designated by the IACUC (e.g. faculty, PIs, facility managers, lead technicians).

Individuals must also complete an online species-specific training. The species-specific training is provided via the CITI Program.

  • The CITI Online Training includes modules for: mice, cattle, swine, frogs, toads, amphibians, fish, rats, hamsters, horses, gerbils, guinea pigs, reptiles, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, and genetically-modified mice.
NDSU Single Sign On to CITI Training

How to set up your CITI Account

 

Need technical support?  Contact CITI toll-free at 888.529.5929 or support@citiprogram.org.

CITI accounts for Non-NDSU Personnel

Non-NDSU collaborators of NDSU research teams or members of one of our partnering institutions may complete the CITI training through NDSU.  Please follow the instructions below when setting up your CITI account.

To set up a CITI account:

  • From the CITI homepage, Click on "REGISTER."
  • Select Your Organization Affiliation as 'North Dakota State University.'  NOTE:  Do not select the 'North Dakota State University (SSO) option if you do not have an ndsu.edu email address.
  • Click that "I AGREE to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for accessing CITI Program Materials."
  • Click that "I affirm that I am an affiliate of North Dakota State University."
  • Select "Continue to Create Your CITI Program Username/Password."

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Program

In accordance with IACUC Guiding Principles1, individuals who have substantial contact with animals and/or are listed on an IACUC protocol in any capacity, must participate in the NDSU Occupational Health and Safety Program administered by the Public Health and Safety Office.

Refusal to enroll in this program may be further evaluated by the IACUC in conjunction with the Institutional Official for further action, up to and including termination of animal use privileges.1

Participants must complete each of the following steps:

  1. Supervisor completes the Hazard and Risk Assessment Form
  2. The participating individual completes all sections of the Health Assessment Form
  3. Participating individual schedules an appointment with the Safety Office by calling (701) 231-6740

Steps 2-3 must be completed within 30 days of completing the Hazard and Risk Form.  Failure to do so requires the individual to start the process over. There are no reminders.

OHS Guidance

Participation in the NDSU Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Program is required before:

  1. Beginning working with animals
  2. Beginning the IACUC protocol approval process.

Things to Know:

  • Participation can take up to 20 days.
  • The OHS Health Assessment review may result in vaccination recommendations which will extend the time it takes to complete participation.
  • Neither the Public Health and Safety Office nor the IACUC office can or will waive any recommended vaccinations.

To avoid delays:

  • Complete your Health Assessment form accurately and completely.
  • Obtain your Immunization Records.
    • The OHS Program does not have access to your personnel file or medical record.
    • If immunizations are not up-to-date, visit one of the following to have them updated.

1. Guiding Principle - Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Animals

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