Laboratory Animal Technician

Laboratory Animal Technicians In our day in age, humanity is constantly threatened by evolving viruses and diseases that could possibly wipe out our population. To combat these dangers, we create vaccinations that give our bodies a kind of shield. However, scientists can not immediately test the vaccination on humans, for there may be some undesirable side effects that make the vaccination hurt more than it helps. This is why scientists first test the vaccinations on animals. Although this practice further helps mankind stay healthy, many are against this because many companies mistreat the animals they test their products on. That’s why there are laboratory animal technicians. These workers ensure that the animals in laboratories are treated

To become a simple vet technician, or another entry-level position, a student must take a two year associate degree program in the topic of veterinary technology. However, to become a vet technologist, a student must take a four year veterinary technology program as well as study subjects like science, biology and math during high school (“Bioscience Careers”). After their college classes, the average LAT then begins as a trainee under the constant supervision of a veterinarian. However, if the LAT has had more hands-on experience with medical equipment during their college courses, it is possible for them to have less on-the-job training. Once the LAT has had enough training and education, they can then take the exam for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Once they pass this exam, they are officially certified, which is highly recommended for the LATs looking for employment in a research facility. The AALAS has three levels of tests- the lowest being for an assistant lab animal technician (ALAT), the other for a lab animal technician (LAT), and the highest for a lab animal technologist (LATG). Each level has it’s own fee, the ALAT for $160, the LAT for $210, and the LATG for $260 (Kramer). With each test focusing on animal husbandry, facility management, and animal health and welfare, this certification is almost necessary for any

According to Mary Kramer, an animal career expert, the growth in LATs from 2014 to 2024 has been predicted to increase 19%, which is a faster growth than normal (“Professional Certification”). This is partly because LATs can be employed for veterinary practices, biomedical research, education, wildlife medicine, and pharmaceutical sales. According to About Bioscience, “The employment opportunities seemingly are endless and at the present time are plentiful” (“Bioscience Careers”). Also, LATs are known to make anywhere from $32,000 to $44,000. Non-certified LATs are usually paid the lowest, with a mean income of $32,336 a year, while a level two certified LAT’s mean income is $35,606, and a level three certified is $44,297