Program Overview

Secondary Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology

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 laboratory courses are held at GW's Ashburn, Virginia, campus. Students need to reside within commuting distance to Ashburn, or temporarily relocate for at least one semester to complete the laboratory 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.

The admissions requirements for this program are the same as the primary bachelor of science in health sciences (BSHS) clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology with the exception of a reduced English composition prerequisite requirement of 3 credits.

This is a STEM designated program.

Requirements

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 Discipline (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 credits 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
  • 11 to 21 credits in Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Technology (CERT), Health Sciences Programs (HSCI), and Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) courses