BSHS in CEART at GW
Hybrid
24 Months*
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 (CEART). 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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*The total number of credits and duration of the program depend on the number of transferred credits
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Accreditation and Rankings
- GW is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #62 Best National University*
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's Programs*
- #7 Best Online Programs for Veterans*
* The U.S. News & World Report – 2024 Rankings
Program Highlights
- GW has the only bachelor’s-level CEART 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 CEART 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 (CEART). 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 CEART 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.
The CEART (hybrid) program requires 60 - 75 credits, depending on how many credits students transfer in, of GW coursework. Coursework taken elsewhere fulfills general education and elective credits. A minimum of 120 credits is required to graduate.
The CEART (hybrid) program provides a blend of online lecture and on-campus laboratory courses. The lab courses are held at our Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) in Ashburn, VA and may be completed in one semester.
Embedded in the program are numerous opportunities for elective credits. For those who want a wide variety of options, elective credits can be chosen from our breadth of medical lab and health science courses. Students who want to specialize and expand career opportunities with additional certification may choose a concentration in molecular biology or microbiology. Students who choose a concentration will complete a clinical rotation and be eligible to sit for the ASCP Technologist exam in that area.
Those who pursue the microbiology concentration will study things such as parasites (i.e., malaria), viruses (i.e., SARS-COV2), bacteria (i.e., influenza), fungi (i.e, Stachybotrys), and the associated testing required to diagnose human infectious disease. The microbiology concentration will allow you to work as a clinical microbiologist in a diagnostic, research, or public health laboratory.
Those who pursue the molecular biology concentration will study things such as human genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and the associated testing using a patient's DNA or RNA to diagnose cancer (i.e., breast and prostate cancer), inherited traits/ diseases (i.e., color blindness and sickle cell), and infectious diseases (i.e., COVID-19). The molecular biology concentration will allow you to work as a molecular biologist in a diagnostic, research, or public health laboratory.
- Open the program outline
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(assuming student is entering with 60 credits)
Fall Start Term Spring Start Term Summer Start Term Semester 1 MLS 3000: Lab Math (3 cr)
MLS 3001W: Prof Ethics (3 cr)
MLS 4141: Immuno/Sero (3 cr)MLS 3000: Lab Math (3 cr)
MLS 3001W: Prof Ethics (3 cr)
MLS 4141: Immuno/Sero (3 cr)MLS 3000: Lab Math (3 cr)
MLS 3001W: Prof Ethics (3 cr)
MLS 4141: Immuno/Sero (3 cr)Semester 2 MLS 2007W: Microbes (3 cr)
MLS 4158: Lab Mgmt (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)CERT 3004: Endocrinology (3 cr)
CERT 3005: Current Topics (3 cr)
MLS 4171: Hum Genetics (3 cr)Semester 3 Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)CERT 3004: Endocrinology (3 cr)
CERT 3005: Current Topics (3 cr)
MLS 4171: Hum Genetics (3 cr)MLS 2007W: Microbes (3 cr)
MLS 4158: Lab Mgmt (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Semester 4 CERT 3004: Endocrinology (3 cr)
CERT 3005: Current Topics (3 cr)
MLS 4171: Hum Genetics (3 cr)MLS 2007W: Microbes (3 cr)
MLS 4158: Lab Mgmt (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Semester 5 Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Elective (3 cr)Semester 6
(Online courses and in-person labs)CERT 4010: Embryology (3 cr)
CERT 4011: Embryo Lab (1 cr)
CERT 4012: Andrology (3 cr)
CERT 4013: Andro Lab (1 cr)
CERT 4014: Cryobiology (3 cr)
MLS 4151: Molecular Diag (3 cr)
MLS 4251: Mol Diag Lab (1 cr)CERT 4010: Embryology (3 cr)
CERT 4011: Embryo Lab (1 cr)
CERT 4012: Andrology (3 cr)
CERT 4013: Andro Lab (1 cr)
CERT 4014: Cryobiology (3 cr)
MLS 4151: Molecular Diag (3 cr)
MLS 4251: Mol Diag Lab (1 cr)CERT 4010: Embryology (3 cr)
CERT 4011: Embryo Lab (1 cr)
CERT 4012: Andrology (3 cr)
CERT 4013: Andro Lab (1 cr)
CERT 4014: Cryobiology (3 cr)
MLS 4151: Molecular Diag (3 cr)
MLS 4251: Mol Diag Lab (1 cr)Note: These are examples of course sequencing. Summer IS included in our program. Students will work closely with their academic advisor regarding any edits that need to be made to the plan based on successful course completion or offerings.
Note 2: Students bringing in less than 60 credits will need to add additional electives to their program.
To view course descriptions, please visit the GW Bulletin.
Download a PDF copy of the Sample program outline
This is an example. Individual plans may be adjusted based on conversation with the student's academic advisor.
- Open the concentration requirements
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Options For Program Concentrations
Microbiology Concentration: 15 credits
MLS 2005: Plagues, Pandemics and Epidemics MLS 4116: Bacteriology I MLS 4117: Bacteriology II MLS 4119: Parasitology, Mycology and Virology MLS 4216: Bacteriology Lab MLS 4219: Parasitology, Mycology and Virology Lab
Students may need additional general electives to meet the credit requirement. Additionally, those who opt not to have a concentration will take their electives from a breadth of courses available in the BLS suite.
Updated 3.2023
Download a PDF copy of the Program Concentration Options
Molecular Biology Concentration: 20 credits
MLS 4170: Introduction to Molecular Biology MLS 4171: Molecular Diagnostics Capstone MLS 4217: Molecular Techniques MLS 4242: Applications of Molecular Testing MLS 4252: Applications of Molecular Testing Laboratory MLS 4266: Molecular Diagnostics Practicum
- MLS 4164: Microbiology practicum
Key Dates
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Summer 2025 |
Fall 2025 |
Spring 2026 |
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| Application Deadline |
March 20, 2025 (Closed) |
July 20, 2025 (Open) |
November 19, 2025 (Open) |
|
Scholarship Application Deadline
|
April 15, 2025 (Closed) |
August 12, 2025 (Paused) |
December 16, 2025 (Closed) |
We aren't accepting scholarship applications at this time.
Learn more about our scholarships
Admission Requirements
GW SMHS does not admit first-time college freshmen or provide general education courses; therefore, students are expected to enroll at another institution of higher education for at least one semester, fall or spring, in the academic year following their high school graduation, and prior to transferring into GW.
To apply for the Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology program (hybrid), you'll need:
- Completed application
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. (For GAA applicants a cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required on the GW-GAA partner transcript.If additional transcripts exist, a cumulative GPA that includes all institutions must be a minimum of 2.5)
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement: Applicants must include a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at GW, your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
- One letter of recommendation (letter of recommendation is waived for GAA applicants)
Letters of recommendation should be from:- Academic instructors who can strongly attest to your academic ability, and/or
- Individuals who served in a supervisory capacity for you, and who can strongly attest to your work ethic.
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The recommender cannot be a family member or friend.
Recommender will submit a letter on letterhead with a signature and credentials/contact information via the application portal.
- Official transcripts from every college and university attended. All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential agency. Please find the list of member organizations here: https://www.naces.org/members.
- Applicants must have at least 45 credits, which include the coursework specified below:
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Prerequisites |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
English Composition (composition I & II) |
6 credits |
|
College Mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher) |
3 credits |
|
Humanities |
3 credits |
|
Social Sciences |
6 credits |
|
Biology (lecture and hands-on lab) |
8 credits |
*If you have an associate degree from a participating D.C., Maryland, Virginia community college, you may be eligible for guaranteed admission to this program. Review the list of participating institutions.
Transfer credit may include dual enrollment coursework. It may also be considered from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Credit (IB) credit as well as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP exams). Please refer to GW Undergraduate Admissions for information on maximum credits, minimum scores, and GW course equivalents for AP and IB credits.
International Students
Effective Fall 2025
International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship. Generally, online and hybrid programs are not eligible for student visa sponsorship from GW. This would include transfer students from any other institution with an existing visa. To be considered for admission, there are required scores that you will need to meet. Score requirements may differ by school and program so check the admissions requirements for your program.
Applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction are required to 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:
- TOEFL: 600 on paper based, 250 on computer-based, or 100 Internet-based,
- PTE: overall score of 68,
- IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0
- DET overall score of 120.
Undergraduate applicants who meet one of the following conditions may 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
Scores may not be more than two years old. To ensure TOEFL scores are sent to GW, use institutional code 5246. An institutional code is not required to send IELTS or PTE scores to GW. DET scores must be submitted via the Duolingo English Test system directly to GW.
Based on the results of your English Proficiency exam results and your application, you may be required to take English for Academic Purposes (EAP) during your first year of study at GW. Please note that GW evaluates each application holistically so applicants may still be recommended for EAP even if they meet the requirements for exemption. Students placed in EAP courses should anticipate additional tuition expenses as well as possible extension of time needed to complete their degree programs.
Official transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grades, U.S. degree equivalency, grade-point averages (GPA), and date of degree conferral (course by course evaluation). For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services, please visit NACES.
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Mail: George Washington University
ATTN: Transcript Processing Center
1415 W 22nd St.
Suite 220
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Alternatively, official electronic transcripts can be sent to: transcripts [at] hsprograms [dot] gwu [dot] edu (transcripts[at]hsprograms[dot]gwu[dot]edu)