Embryologist & Reproductive Health Specialist - Training, Jobs ...

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a fully online master of science in biomedical diagnostics. The program covers the following four core areas:

• Application of diagnostics
• Business of diagnostics
• Science of diagnostics
• Technology of diagnostics

The program’s admission requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in biomedical informatics, life sciences, biology, chemistry, engineering, biochemistry, or any other closely related field; a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0; official transcripts; two letters of recommendation; and proof of English proficiency.

​Comprising 30​ credits, the program includes courses such as current perspectives in biomedical diagnostics, an introduction to biomedical informatics, health economics, policy, and payment models, the regulation of medical diagnostics, principles of diagnostic technology: immunoassays, and principles of diagnostic technology: molecular diagnostics.

The program introduces students to the role of diagnostics in different aspects of healthcare, such as pharmaceuticals and technology, management of patients, healthcare finance, and healthcare policy.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue opportunities in quality systems, business development, regulatory affairs, clinical research support and management, sales management, and account management. They can take up roles as product heads, general managers, laboratory directors, national sales directors, regulatory and policy leads, and more.

• Location: Tempe, AZ
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers an online master’s degree in biomedical science, which provides students with a strong foundation in biomedical coursework and underlying and supporting medicine.

Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or an equivalent degree from a foreign institute), a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, English language proficiency for international students residing outside of the United States, and test scores.

This is a 30-credit program that requires students to pass a comprehensive exam to graduate. The curriculum includes courses such as ​biomedicine and careers, immunology and disease, virology, reproductive and developmental biology, molecular genetics, and developmental biology.

The program helps students enhance their academic credentials and prepares them for entrance to a health professional school or biomedical career.

• Location: Loveland, CO
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
• Expected Time to Completion: Less than 12 months

George Washington University – School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Many of the courses for the bachelor of science in health sciences in clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology (CEART) at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences can be completed online. Students must travel to campus for laboratory classes; however, this can be completed in just one semester, so relocation can be temporary. Otherwise, coursework can be completed through distance learning.

This program offers a specialization in fertility laboratory science, preparing students to find entry-level work in this field. As this is coursework that is typically offered only at a master’s degree level, students should expect rigorous coursework and to be self-directed.

The curriculum includes courses such as endocrinology for health sciences, topics in biomedical science, clinical human embryology, clinical human andrology, human reproductive cryobiology, biochemistry for laboratory science, molecular diagnostics, and human genetics.

• Location: Washington, DC
• Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• Expected Time to Completion: Four years

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

The genetic counseling program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center offers several online courses, including one in clinical embryology. While these courses are intended primarily to serve as continuing education courses for genetic counselors, they are also ideal for students who have a degree in medical sciences and are aspiring embryologists. This 25.5-hour course can be completed entirely online and covers topics such as sex determination, beginning heart development, clinical aspects of congenital heart anomalies, and more.

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME); Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
• Expected Time to Completion: 25.5 hours

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Eastern Virginia Medical School offers a unique online master’s in reproductive clinical sciences. This six-semester program requires two campus visits, which are five to seven days long. The rest of the coursework, including internships, can be completed from the student’s hometown. Two certificates in this program allow further specialization: clinical embryology and clinical andrology.

This program is completed as a cohort, which allows students to develop relationships with their peers, even through distance learning. Admissions are competitive, and only 25 students are admitted each cycle. Requirements for admission include undergraduate coursework in biology and chemistry, two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and an up-to-date resume.

Applicants must have worked in clinical IVF or basic reproductive research as embryologists, andrologists, nurses, physicians, or research scientists or completed a clinical IVF shadow experience.

The curriculum includes courses such as biochemistry and molecular cell biology, molecular biology and genetics, female reproductive endocrinology and infertility, in vitro fertilization technology, gametes and embryos, genetics of reproduction and infertility, male reproductive function and dysfunction, and cryopreservation.

• Location: Norfolk, VA
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Six semesters