Guide For Students Enrolled in a Course Involving Animals

Students who come into contact with animals, their tissues, body fluids or wastes as a result of their coursework are required to participate in the MSU Occupational Health and Safety Program for Academic Students.

Potential health risks associated with working with animals include:

  • Physical injuries
  • Allergies caused by or aggravated by animal allergens
  • Zoonotic illnesses (infection spread from animals to man)

In addition, there may also be potential risks inherent in the chemicals used and the procedures that are performed.

In order to protect students, Environmental Health and Safety has a mandate to insure that facilities are maintained and procedures designed to provide as healthy a learning environment as possible. In addition, MSU Occupational Health will provide recommendations for health screening and services, as determined by the exposure risks.

To enroll in the program, complete the required health and safety training. The training can be accessed at ehs.msu.edu. You must enroll in the program BEFORE you come into contact with live animals.

What do I need to do?

Complete Training to Enroll in the Program

Complete the Occupational Health and Safety for Academic Students course. Link is available at https://ehs.msu.edu/lab-clinic/animal

You can print or save a certificate of completion (using any browser except Explorer) for your records or for your course instructor.