Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (STEM)

Overview

Clinical embryologists are trained medical laboratory professionals who specialize in helping infertility case treatment via the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Nationally, there is a critical shortage of experienced clinical embryologists due to the lack of educational training programs in the United States as well as an increased need for IVF and ART across the country. As a result, the job demand in this field is high.

GW's bachelor of science in health sciences in clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology (CEART) program explores the latest in clinical embryology. Over the duration of the program, students develop a foundational understanding of health sciences and further explore the interconnected sciences of endocrinology, cryobiology, and andrology. The program provides a blend of online didactic courses with on-campus laboratory courses. The lab courses are held at GW's Ashburn, VA campus and can be completed in one semester. Students in this program need to reside within commuting distance to Ashburn, VA, or temporarily relocate for at least one semester to complete the lab courses.

The program is designed for those who wish to:

• Complete their bachelor’s degree in an in-demand field.
• Specialize in fertility laboratory science.
• Pursue a viable career path in addition to a degree.

As this is a field typically offered only at the master’s level, students need to be independent, organized, and able to manage their time effectively.

This is a STEM designated program.

Admissions

Adminssion Requirements Article | Requirement
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Admission Deadlines | Fall: July 20
| Spring: December 1
| Summer: March 20
Standardized test scores | SAT/ACT optional
Recommendation(s) required | One letter of recommendation from an academic instructor who can strongly attest to your academic ability, and/or an Individual who served in a supervisory capacity for you, and who can strongly attest to your work ethic.
Prior academic records | Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended (including via dual enrollment), whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts must be forwarded in their original sealed envelopes. Official transcript may also be sent electronically directly from the institution.
| Applicants may receive credit for college-level coursework through International Baccalaureate (IB) or College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Official score results must be forwarded directly from the College Board.
| Non-traditional credit sources may be considered on a case-by-case basis (i.e. military coursework, credit-by-exam, and non-college based health programs). Information on transfer credit eligibility may be found in the Bulletin under Regulations (see Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing for Undergraduates), including minimum letter grade requirements.
Statement of purpose | All applicants are required to submit a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at the George Washington University. Focus on your academic objectives, career goals and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and extra-curricular activities relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form as well as obstacles you have overcome that influenced your desire to pursue this program of study.
Additional requirements | All students must meet Essential Functions requirements, and successfully meet the criminal background check and drug screen requirements.
| Transfer coursework must be earned with a C or better (C- grades and lower do not transfer to GW SMHS).
| A resumé or curriculum vitae is required.
Prerequisites | At least 45 semester hours of college with a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Students applying under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Prerequisite coursework must include the following:
| English Composition (6 credits)
| General Biology (lecture and ‘hands-on’ lab) (8 credits)
| College Mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher 3 credits)
| Humanities (3 credits)
| Social and Behavioral Science (3 credits)
International applicants:

• International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship.
• Applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test scores to be considered for admission. The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:
  • Academic IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: 600 paper-based or 100 internet-based.
  • PTE: Overall score of 68
  • DET: Overall score of 120
• Undergraduate applicants who meet one of the following conditions can be considered for admission without submitting TOEFL, PTE or IELTS or DET scores:
  • You have earned an associate’s degree or higher from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction
  • You are a citizen of an English-speaking country

Requirements

Course List Code | Title | Credits
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The following requirements must be fulfilled: 120 credits, including 45 to 60 transfer credits to satisfy general education, advanced standing requirements, and a minimum of 60 credits taken at GW in a selected concentration.
University General Education Requirement

• 3 credits in critical thinking in the humanities
• 6 credits in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences
• 6 credits in English composition
• 3 credits in a course that has an approved oral communication component.
• 3 credits in quantitative reasoning (must be in mathematics or statistics)
• 3 credits in scientific reasoning.
• Two Writing in the Disciple (WID) courses. Program prerequisites
• 8 credits in general biology I and II
• 3 credits in chemistry or biochemistry
• 4 credits in microbiology with lab
• 3 credits in biotechnology
• 19 to 24 credit in elective and/or additional required courses. Core courses for the major that must be taken at GW
• CERT 3004: Endocrinology for Health Sciences
• CERT 3005: Current Topics in Biomedical Sciences
• CERT 4010: Clinical Human Embryology
• CERT 4012: Clinical Human Andrology
• CERT 4014: Human Reproductive Cryobiology
• CERT 4021: Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Medicine
• MLS 2007W: Microbes and Society
• MLS 3000: Clinical Laboratory Mathematics
• MLS 3001W: Professional Ethics for Medical Laboratory Scientists
• MLS 4141: Immunology and Serology
• MLS 4151: Molecular Diagnostics
• MLS 4158: Laboratory Management and Operations
• MLS 4171: Human Genetics General studies concentration requirements
• At least 21 credits in Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Technology (CERT), Health Sciences Programs (HSCI), or Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) elective courses.