BSHS in CEART at GW
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) prepares individuals to work in facilities as trained 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. It is a growing field with promising career potential.
This program includes a combination of online coursework and hands-on labs in human embryology, andrology and molecular diagnostics. The required in-person lab courses at the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus, VSTC, can be completed in one semester.
The CEART program explores the latest in clinical embryology. Over the duration of the program, students will develop a foundational understanding of health sciences and further explore the interconnected sciences of endocrinology, cryobiology, and andrology.
In a field typically offered only at the master’s level, you’ll need to be independent, organized, and able to manage your time effectively.
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QUICK FACTS:
Hybrid
(online coursework and hands-on labs)
60 - 75
(dependent on transfer credit)
Total Credits Needed
24 months
Average Duration
Accreditation and Rankings
- GWU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #62 Best National University*
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's Programs*
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#8 for Best Online Programs for Veterans*
* The U.S. News & World Report – 2023 Rankings
Program Highlights
- GW has the only bachelor’s-level ART program in the country.
- Learn from experienced laboratory scientists who are experts in their field.
- Complete a professional program at an accredited, prestigious university that can give you not only a degree, but a career.
- Become eligible to take several board certification examinations in the areas of embryology and andrology.
- Excellent foundation for those wishing to progress to advanced degrees or health professions, such as medicine.
- Rolling admissions Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate current developments and techniques in endocrinology and andrology as they relate to human reproduction.
- Evaluate solutions and corrective actions for effective problem resolution with regard to embryology and assisted reproductive technology protocols.
- Assess the impact of ART procedures on clinical outcomes regarding fertility.
- Apply ethical decision-making to issues related to clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology laboratory practice.
- Apply best practices in clinical embryology and andrology laboratory techniques to reproductive medicine.
Who Is the Ideal Student for This Program?
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.
The CEART program explores the latest in clinical embryology. Over the duration of the program, students will develop a foundational understanding of health sciences and further explore the interconnected sciences of endocrinology, cryobiology, and andrology.
Career Outlook
When you graduate from this program, you’re prepared to work as a laboratory scientist in:
- Assisted reproduction technology laboratories and fertility clinic laboratories.
- Biotechnology companies.
- Research institutes.
Assisted Reproductive Technology/In-vitro Fertilization Technologists earn between $40,000 and $83,500 a year, based on experience, location, and certifications.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into this program, you must have:
- Completed application
- Associate's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. (For GAA applicants a cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required)
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation (letter of recommendation is waived for GAA applicants)
- Applicants must have at least 45 credits, with some specific courses
Tuition Details
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology program at GW consists of 60 credit hours. Please find the cost per credit hour and total estimated program costs here.
Note: Tuition rates are subject to change and additional fees may vary by program.
Meet the Program Director
GW’s experienced faculty provide you with the rich, practical knowledge and support needed for you to succeed in the program and in your career.
Marcia A. Firmani, PhD, MSPH, MT(ASCP)MBCM
- Read Full Bio
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Chair of the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Director of the MSHS in Clinical Microbiology program, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Marcia Firmani has more than 20 years of experience in teaching and research. In addition to her administrative duties, Dr. Firmani both directs and teaches several courses within the BLS department, including Clinical Bacteriology, Molecular Diagnostic Sciences, Molecular Epidemiology, and Plagues, Pandemics & Epidemics. She also mentors undergraduate and graduate research projects and has published peer-reviewed articles with students.
Prior to her arrival at The George Washington University, Dr. Firmani was a principal investigator at the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), where she conducted and managed several research projects involving biothreat agent characterization. Dr. Firmani also held two previous faculty appointments.
From 2002–2007 she was an assistant professor in the CLS department at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans. She taught lecture and laboratory courses and directed a research lab where she performed basic and applied research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and MRSA and mentored master’s student thesis projects.
From 2007–2010, Dr. Firmani was an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (UWM) where she taught various undergraduate CLS courses and graduate-level Biomedical Sciences courses. She also directed a research laboratory where she conducted NIH-funded research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mentored both undergraduate and graduate student research projects.
Dr. Firmani has taught numerous continuing education courses in the laboratory science field, including a DVD for the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) on emerging infections. She has authored several chapters focusing on infectious diseases in textbooks and has also published her research in peer-reviewed journals, such as Infection and Immunity, and the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.