The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) advances the humane care and responsible use of laboratory animals through certification of veterinary specialists, professional development, education and research.  ACLAM:

• Establishes standards of education, training, experience and expertise necessary to become qualified as a specialist and recognizes that achievement through board certification.
• Actively promotes the advancement of knowledge in this field through professional continuing education activities, the development of educational materials and the conduct of research in laboratory animal medicine and science.
• Fosters the recognition of its members who contribute to human and animal health improvements by being the leaders of the veterinary medical specialty known as laboratory animal medicine.

Diplomates of the ACLAM are certified specialists in the field of laboratory animal medicine, a recognized specialty within the veterinary medical profession. They provide medical care and management to a wide variety of animal species used in medical, veterinary medical, and biological research and testing. They have unique qualifications which enable them to serve as valuable members of the research team. ACLAM is recognized officially by the American Veterinary Medical Association as the certifying organization for laboratory animal medicine. The College was founded in 1957 to encourage education, training, and research in laboratory animal medicine; to establish standards of training and experience for veterinarians professionally involved with the care and health of laboratory animals; and to recognize qualified persons in laboratory animal medicine by certification examination and other means. Currently, ACLAM has certified over 525 veterinarians as active specialists in the field of laboratory animal medicine.  Details regarding careers in laboratory animal medicine; the process for veterinary board certification and the education, training and experience required can be found here. 

Examples of strategies to advance educational goals include the following:

• providing annual forums that promote skills and knowledge among diplomates,
• sponsoring books on topics relevant to the speciality,
• parternering with AALAS and the AVMA for the presentation of papers on comparative medicine at annual meetings.