Caretakers of laboratory animals will get their education mostly within practical work. They need also theoretical education for being able to understand basis of their daily work. Laboratory animal centres of the universities have co-operated former in organising common courses for students practising for the professional exam of animal caretaker. However, there were many problems to find resources enough for education on basic knowledge in biology that is necessary for students of them many coming directly from comprehensive school. Now, the basic education of caretakers of laboratory animals is connected partly to the modular education of the students of other lines of animal caretakers at the vocational school of agriculture. Besides they will get education on laboratory animal science in short course modules that are organised further in co-operation with animal centres of universities.

Staff of animal centre still has main responsibility for proper practical education of students and the progression of their individual education should be followed regularly. The staff of the Central Animal Laboratory of the University of Turku has made the professional skill booklet of the staff taking care of laboratory animals and/or performing experimental procedures on animals. The booklet consists of different modules according to the requirements of the professional exam. Detailed phases of duties are listed and the requirement level is signed according to the classification of FELASA ranging from the level A1 to the level A3. The module of Procedures and Laboratory Work includes experimental procedures also that demand special skills and better includes in duties of staff in category B or C. The dates of individually given instruction and qualifications will be signed by supervisor phase by phase.

The booklet helps student to figure professional field widely as well as supervisor to inspect progression of education and to tailor it individually according to the demands of the working place and will of the student. The booklet will be professional portfolio for all staff working with laboratory animals and/or performing procedures on animals like staff of category B and C. Developing education further in each category is a very important refinement in the field of laboratory animals.