Hands-on Training Opportunities
Tufts CMS offers a number of courses, wet labs, and workshops that are designed to teach a variety of basic rodent techniques and to provide valuable information to investigative staff. All techniques are demonstrated under the supervision of experienced Tufts CMS staff, and you will have the opportunity for hands-on practice. These training sessions can also serve as a refresher course for those who need to practice techniques that they haven’t utilized recently.
- To register you MUST be included on an approved IACUC protocol
- To register you MUST have your Occupational Health Clearance
- Registration is required as class size is limited
- Closed-toed shoes must be worn for all trainings
Discovery CMS' Training Catalog
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Tufts CMS staff provides investigators a tour of the animal facility, including information on locations of necessary supplies and equipment, use of procedure rooms, security access, contacts for specific needs and issues, and proper attire and personal protective equipment requirements for animal rooms.
Click here to register for Orientation of Boston – Stearns/Arnold/South Cove (BRPH Complex) Animal Facility
Click here to register for Orientation of Boston – Ziskind Animal Facility
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Introductory workshop on handling, restraining, euthanizing, and identifying rodents.
Limit 4 trainees per session, due to COVID-limitations
Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands-on training in this introductory wet lab on rodent handling, restraint, identification, and euthanasia. Investigators are provided opportunities to perform these techniques under the trainer’s supervision.
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- Intermediate-level workshop on common drug administration techniques (e.g., PO, IV, SQ)
- Prerequisite: ROD 101 Animal Handling and/or must be proficient in manual animal handling and restraint.
Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands-on training in this intermediate-level wet lab on drug administration using the following common routes: intraperitoneal (IP), subcutaneous (SQ), intravenous (IV), and oral gavage (PO). Investigators are provided opportunities to perform these techniques under the trainer’s supervision.
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- Intermediate-level workshop on common blood collection techniques (e.g., tail vein, facial vein).
- Prerequisite: ROD 101 Animal Handling and/or be proficient in manual animal handling and restraint.
Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands-on training in this intermediate-level wet lab on blood collection from the following locations: tail vein puncture, tail snip, submandibular technique, and cardiac puncture. Investigators are provided opportunities to perform these techniques under the trainer’s supervision.
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- Advanced-level workshop on surgical preparation, technique, and post-operative care
- Limit 4 trainees per session, due to COVID limitations
Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands-on training in this advanced-level wet lab on performing surgeries on rodents. During this training, investigators will learn about the importance of aseptic technique; providing adequate care during pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery periods; and basic nursing care to post-surgical animals. Investigators are provided opportunities to perform surgeries on euthanized rodents. This training is strongly recommended for anyone who is or will be performing survival surgery on rodents.
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Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands on-training in this introductory wet lab on how to operate the isoflurane anesthesia machines in Tufts CMS animal facilities. Training on these machines is mandatory before using them in the facility.
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Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands on-training on performing a basic mouse necropsy, including appropriate tissue handling techniques, normal mouse anatomy, tissue collection procedures, and basic pathology documentation.
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Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands on training in this introductory wet lab and the basic information for working with zebrafish at Tufts. This includes an orientation to the zebrafish facility, where to find the appropriate supplies, learn about the facility’s SOPs and protocols, and who to contact for specific needs or issues. Our Zebrafish Facility Coordinator will train you on how to properly remove or add tanks on and off the system, how to handle fish, how to move fish from one tank to another, anesthesia, and euthanasia of zebrafish. Investigators are provided the opportunity to perform these techniques under the trainer’s supervision.
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Tufts CMS staff provides investigators hands-on training on the proper methods to prepare mouse and rat tissues when submitting them to the Animal Histology Core in Tufts CMS, including fixation, tissue trimming, decalcification, tissue orientation, and cassetting. During the training, trimming of tissues will be demonstrated. Investigators are provided opportunities to trim tissues under the trainer’s supervision. Participants are welcome to bring fixed tissues that they work with in their laboratory.
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Tufts CMS staff provides a lecture-based training on the essentials and advanced topics associated with rodent breeding and rodent colony management. This lecture is an excellent source of information on all aspects of mouse reproduction and breeding colony management including basic breeding terminology and rodent colony maintenance.
Investigators will be informed about Tufts CMS’ Rodent Breeding Services (RBS), which is designed to aid investigators in the creation, propagation, and maintenance of rodent breeding colonies. Services may include, but are not limited to, mating, weaning, collection of samples for DNA analysis, and record keeping. All breeding services are provided by qualified Veterinary Technicians with training in laboratory animal technology under the close supervision of the Tufts CMS veterinarians.
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We offer several individualized trainings for specialized surgical and non-surgical techniques not covered in the group trainings. These trainings are offered for both rodent and non-rodent models. Tufts CMS staff can train investigator to perform protocol specific techniques. Fees are based on an hourly rate, but may also include additional charges for specialized supplies, animals, etc. not covered in our standard training cost.
For pricing, see the current CMS Fee Schedule
Tufts Learning Center
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Tufts Learning Center provides online training and registration. First time users will need to login and create an account. If you do not have Tufts user credentials (username and password for single sign-on), please contact us. Review the Learning Center Overview and check out our FAQs
Once you have signed in to Tufts Learning Center for the first time, you can sign up for one or multiple courses by clicking the links below. Upon signing up for a course, CMS staff will contact you to schedule a training.