Graduate study in laboratory animal medicine consists of basic training in methodology and the development of scholarship and research capabilities within the specialty. The general plan is one that provides a broad, basic foundation upon which the individual can build a career in teaching and research and/or in the professional direction of research animal facilities.

The research orientation requires a basic knowledge of comparative medicine, which is taught in a core curriculum of lectures. These are designed to review and update fundamental concepts, provide new information, and guide assimilation of such material. Frequent student-faculty discussion supplements formal courses and enables students and faculty to evaluate course content and efficiency of presentation. Laboratory exercises are used as a method of emphasizing a concept or for the development of necessary technical skills. In addition, conferences, seminars, and discussions supplement all aspects of the program. The program normally requires a minimum of two years for completion and meets the educational requirements stipulated by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. More...