Online Training

Please visit https://research.virginia.edu/acuc-covid-19 for updated information on UVA Research's COVID preparations! 

The Office of Animal Welfare offers access to a variety of web-based online training modules that require completion in order to become an Approved Animal Handler on an IACUC animal use protocol. Some modules are recommended for enhancing an animal handler’s understanding of different aspects of animal care and use in a research environment. Any online training module designated as “required” must be completed prior to ACUC protocol approval. Any incomplete online training will prevent and therefore delay protocol approval. For a complete list of online module offerings, see below.

For Online orientation dates please check the in-person training page! 

How to Access Required Online Animal Handler Training

  • Enter the ACUC protocol system through the Animal Handler Access portal. UVA NetBadge credentials will be used to log into the system. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Scroll down the Animal Handler Profile Data page, or select Training Records & Responsibilities at the top of the page to navigate to the training section.
  • After the orange dividing bar, the training sections are separated into completed training (green font) and incomplete required training (red font).
  • Online training modules were created either internally ("UVA") or externally through AALAS Learning Library or "ALL". In either case, select "click here to start" to be redirected through NetBadge to the beginning of the required training module. The module will open in a new tab or page in the browser.
  • After successfully completing the training and associated assessment, documentation of the training completion date will be recorded in the Animal Handler Training Profile Data page automatically. External AALAS-ALL module completion data is updated hourly.

Types of Required Online Modules

Below is the list of required online modules associated with animal care and use. Requirements are based on the ACUC animal use protocol and animal facility access. Certain modules are required for all animal users, and others are based on species and approved procedures in the ACUC animal use protocol. Access to an animal facility is based on the completion of associated online modules regardless of species.View a list of required training based on species and procedures.

UVA Working Safely with Animals

This module presents information on the most common hazards associated with animal research and best practices to minimize risk of injury. This module is required for all Animal Handlers regardless of species.

 

AALAS Library logo

AALAS Learning Library (AALAS-ALL)

These required modules provide species specific information and technical information based on the species and procedures approved in the ACUC animal use protocol. Species designations exist between different types of rats, fish, frogs, and amphibians as well as differentiate between "laboratory" and "wildlife/field station" research animals. Some non-traditional species may not have a species specific module completion requirement. All required online training modules are automatically designated by the ACUC protocol system and are accessible through the Animal Handler Access portal.

Animal Handlers are invited to explore and complete any of the +250 different optional laboratory animal modules offered by ALL which include: aseptic rodent surgery, inhalational anesthesia systems, transgenic rodent breeding and colony management, bio-imaging, regulatory guidelines, compliance issues, and controlled substance use. For a sampling of the course catalog click here. The completion data related to any optional modules will remain in the Animal Handler’s transcript information within the ALL system. Take advantage of this FREE source of information!

AALAS-ALL modules are only accessible through the Animal Handler Access portal.

Download the AALAS-ALL navigation guide for UVA

Download the AALAS-ALL FAQs for UVA

UVA Orientation to the Animal Care and Use Program Part 1

This module is part 1 of 2 for the Orientation Seminar. Currently, it does not show up in your Animal Handler profile so you will need to search "UVA-Orientation to the Animal Care and Use Program" in order to complete it. After you have completed the assessment, email Nicky Rose @ dlt9h@virginia.edu in order to register for part 2. 

UVA Large Animal Surgery

This module provides an overview of proper surgical technique and basic considerations for anesthesia, pre-operative preparation, and post-operative care in USDA regulated species. The format requires flash software. This module is required for all Animal Handlers performing survival surgery on non-rodent mammals.

UVA Refresher for Animal Handlers & UVA Refresher for PIs

These modules are required once every 3 years based on the date that the Animal Handler or Principal Investigators completed the Orientation Seminar requirement.

UVA Animal Facility – Animal Rules and Procedures (Barrier Training)

This module reviews several policies and procedures regarding animal husbandry, veterinary care and intervention, barrier methodology, carcass disposal, and appropriate cage labeling. Completion of this module is required for any Animal Handler prior to requesting access to a Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) managed animal facility. The module must be completed before requesting an Animal Facility – Access Tour with any CCM animal facility supervisor.

UVA Animal Facility – Animal Biosafety Level 2 Procedures

This module presents information specific to Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL2) hazardous agents, hazardous communication requirements, cage handling, and carcass disposal. Completion of this module is required for any Animal Handler that has been approved to work with ABSL-2 agents and requires access to ABSL-2 areas located within a Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) managed animal facility. This module must be completed before requesting an Animal Facility – Animal Biosafety Level 2 Tour with any CCM animal facility supervisor.

LATA Modules

Online training modules offered by this vendor are no longer offered or accessible. AALAS Learning Library (ALL) modules have replaced modules once offered by LATA. Animal Handlers who have previously completed LATA modules may be required to complete ALL modules depending on the species and procedures approved in the ACUC animal use protocol.