Programs
Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Program
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The three-year Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Program at Penn State College of Medicine is designed to advance the training of graduate veterinarians (DVM, VMD) and build a strong research foundation.
Expanding Veterinary Skills to Research
The Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Program, recognized by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, is open to graduate veterinarians (DVM or VMD) seeking advanced training in comparative medicine. Residents rotate through diverse research environments, providing veterinary care for seven commonly used laboratory animal species. They actively train research staff and students in proper animal handling and welfare and support research compliance by working with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Each resident also completes a mentored research project with the goal of presenting and publishing, gaining skills in scientific inquiry, collaboration, and scholarly contribution to the field.
Learn More about the Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Program
Penn State College of Medicine’s Laboratory Animal Medicine MS program requires application through the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
All students must submit an application through VIRMP.
Prerequisites/Requirements
Admission is open only to students who have received graduate veterinary degrees (DVM, VMD).
Because of the major commitment that this intensive three-year training program entails, those who accept a residency position may not hold part-time employment or devote significant portions of their time to activities unrelated to the training program.
Key Dates
Oct. 12: Applicants can view programs and begin registering at VIRMP.
Nov. 4: Application deadline; letters of reference and transcripts must also be received by VIRMP.
Jan. 18: Last date for applicant rank order lists to be submitted through VIRMP.
Feb. 11: Match results posted on VIRMP website.
July: Laboratory Animal Medicine MS/Residence program begins.
Didactic Curriculum
The didactic portion of the Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency provides residents with a broad foundation of knowledge and practical skills through a combination of seminars, hands-on experiences, and scholarly discussions. The curriculum is designed to support professional development in both clinical medicine and research administration. Key components include:
Core Seminar Series – Covers essential topics in laboratory animal medicine, including:
Biology and care of laboratory animals
Regulations and policies governing the use of animals in research
Laboratory animal pathology
Experimental and clinical surgery
Genetics
Experimental techniques, with practical training in commonly used laboratory procedures
Colloquium – Facilitates in-depth discussions, case presentations, and integration of knowledge across clinical, regulatory, and research domains.
Journal Club – Develops critical appraisal skills by reviewing and discussing current scientific literature in comparative medicine and related fields.
Management Seminar Series – Introduces residents to the principles of animal resource program management, administrative practices, and leadership development to prepare them for future supervisory and programmatic responsibilities.
Accreditation & Recognition
AAALAC International: Our Animal Resource Program is fully accredited by AAALAC International demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of animal care and sue in research.
ACLAM Recognition: Our Laboratory Animal Training Program is recognized by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) supporting excellence in training for laboratory animal professionals.
Professional Affiliations & Industry Engagement
We align with the values and standards of leading professional organizations in the field of laboratory animal science and research: