Animal Technician

Animal technicians look after the animals used in medical or scientific research. They may also take part in experimental work.

The Work

You might:

• care for the animals and help with scientific and medical research


• work with rats, mice, guinea pigs or rabbits, but sometimes with other animals (85% of laboratory animals are rats and mice)


• feed and exercise animals, clean out cages and control the lighting and heating in the laboratories


• order and store supplies, calibrate (check the accuracy of), clean, sterilise and repair scientific apparatus and operate it as required


• do routine parts of experiments, perhaps weigh animals, give injections and anaesthetics, take blood or tissue samples, help at operations and stitch wounds


• analyse blood, faeces (waste matter) or urine


• record how animals reacted to experiments


• lessen or ease the animal’s pain or distress and sometimes destroy them humanely and get them ready for dissection


• learn about and follow the strict laws relating to animal welfare and vivisection.

Conditions

• You normally work shifts covering evenings, weekends and public holidays, as animals must be cared for seven days a week.


• Work is mostly indoors, in a laboratory, often under artificial lights and it can be smelly and messy.


• You have to wear a lab coat and protective gloves and sometimes a face-mask.


• You may have to lift heavy animal cages.


• You are at risk of bites, injuries and infection and you must have inoculations against various diseases.

• there are strict legal controls for all procedures on animals


• people who are against vivisection may be hostile to you.

Getting In

• You can enter at various levels.


• You can apply direct from school with at least 3 Standard grades (normally including English, maths and a science subject) or Highers including a science subject.


• You could take a National Qualification (NQ) in animal care. For entry you might need up to 4 Standard grades, depending on the college.


• You could take a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in animal care. For entry you need 1-2 Highers.


• It is helpful to have experience of working with animals, either as pets or through dog-walking or kennel work.


• You need IT skills to keep records.


• You should be fit, active and in good health as you will be on your feet a lot.


• You should not be allergic to fur, feathers or chemicals.

What Does It Take?

You should be:

• practical and methodical


• confident when handling animals, which may be distressed or in pain


• concerned for the animal’s welfare and not emotional


• aware of the controversy over research on live animals and assertive enough to deal with any hostile reaction


• good with your hands, for example to give injections


• able to concentrate


• observant


• accurate, with an eye for detail.

Training

• Training is normally on the job and traditionally involved working towards Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) qualifications. The IAT has created three new qualifications: the First Certificate in Animal Husbandry (level 2), the First Diploma in Animal Technology (level 2) and the National Certificate in Animal Technology (level 3). The IAT is developing a National Diploma to give recognition for specialist skills. The IAT is also developing a graduate programme at BSc level. The IAT website has details of the new qualifications structure.


• There are Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Animal Care at Levels 2 and 3. These are recognised by the IAT. Previous experience of working with animals is useful.

Getting On

• You must pass the Membership Diploma of the IAT before you can apply to become a registered animal technician (RAnTech), which allows you to take part in experiments. You must also have at least 5 years relevant experience.


• When you have this qualification you may be able to become a supervisor, manager.


• You could also specialise, for instance in breeding animals, genetic modification or research in perhaps pathology or immunology.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Two-thirds of laboratory animals are used for medical research. Cosmetic and tobacco products are not tested on laboratory animals.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.