Animal Technician
Animal Technicians look after and breed laboratory animals used in medical, veterinary and dental research. Rats, mice and rabbits are often used in research, although Animal Technicians may look after fish, insects, cats, dogs and monkeys. Animal Technicians have to learn to adapt to the different animals' health and nutrition.
Animal Technicians are responsible for the care and welfare of animals in laboratory research. Scientific research uses three million animals each year. Many scientists see the research as essential to human health and quality of life, although alternative methods and technologies are reducing the number of animals involved. Researchers have developed drugs and medicines, and improved knowledge of diseases and surgical techniques.
Animal Technicians carry out routine aspects of animal care. They feed and water the animals, and clean cages, rooms and equipment.
Technicians use nutritional knowledge to prepare special diets. They are in daily contact with animals, and are able to detect early signs of disease, illness, and changes in behaviour.
Experienced technicians help to breed animals especially for use in research. They monitor pregnancies, care for newborn animals, and measure weight gain and growth, often using charts and graphs.
Animal Technicians are sometimes involved in experiments on the animals.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary with the employing authority and should be checked. Most prefer at least five Standard Grades in English, Maths and Science subjects. A desire to care for and work with animals but without any sentimentality (for the animals may have to be put down at the end of the experiment.
Training
Training is normally on the job, under the supervision of experienced staff. Technicians may study part-time for the Institute of Animal Technology examinations.
The IAT qualifications are divided into three levels: Certificate, Membership and Fellowship. Members and Fellows with normally a minimum of five years' relevant experience, two of which must be post qualification (MIAT), may apply to become Registered Animal Technicians.
Career Prospects
The numbers of Animal Technicians has decreased in the past few years, partly because research work has been transferred to other countries.
Opportunities for Animal Technicians within the NHS are normally available in university medical research establishments.
Fully trained technicians are responsible for the daily running of the unit. This includes cleaning and sterilising equipment, assisting in theatre and preparing and administrating anaesthetics.
Those technicians involved in scientific experiments must be a 'named person responsible for the day-to-day care of the animals' under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
How to apply
Click here to view current NHS Scotland vacancies for Animal Technicians
Vacancies are also advertised in the local press and Job Centres.
Further Information
For further information on careers in Animal Technology, contact the Institute of Animal Technology
