Education

Make a gift to the EVMS Foundation
Text size
  • Decrease font size
  • Default font size
  • Increase font size

EVMS Clinical Embryology & Andrology Master's Program Print E-mail
Share

Overview

Eastern Virginia Medical School, through its prestigious Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, is a pioneer of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In 1981, the first in vitro fertilization baby in the United States was born through the efforts of The Jones Institute. The Jones Institute is widely acknowledged to be an international leader in clinical and scientific research in ART, and has trained many prominent physicians and scientists.

Today's embryologists and andrologists require a foundation for lifelong learning to:

  • Prepare for and adapt to new technologies
  • Understand the relevance and application of advances in cell biology and genetics
  • Strengthen career opportunities
  • Anticipate future personnel requirements
  • Apply good clinical practices

Through the convenience of the Internet, EVMS now provides online education that meets current and projected training needs in this rapidly evolving field.

With faculty leadership from the Jones Institute, EVMS launched an Internet-based graduate program in Clinical Embryology and Andrology in May 2003.

Curriculum

The program is primarily designed for clinical embryologists and andrologists, physicians, and others involved in the practice of ART. Graduates of the 34-credit-hour program will receive a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in clinical embryology and andrology. The course of study is 24 months, including two mandatory four-day residential sessions at EVMS in Norfolk and twelve courses:

Course Number

Course Name

Credit Hours

EMB-501A Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology 4
EMB-502 Laboratory Technology 3
EMB-503A Female Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility 3
EMB-504 Gametes and Embryos 3
EMB-515 Male Reproductive Function and Dysfunction 3
EMB-506 In Vitro Fertilization Technology 4
EMB-507 Genetics of Reproduction and Infertility 3
EMB-509 Ethics, Society and ART 1
EMB-511 Current Topics IVF - Journal Club 1
EMB-512 Research Methods and Thesis: Statistics Thesis Proposal Development 3
EMB-513 Research Methods and Thesis: Thesis Writing 4
EMB-514 Cryopreservation 2
  Total 34

Students receive a comprehensive education in the scientific basis of assisted reproductive technology and genetics, deepen their understanding of basic and advanced laboratory protocols, and develop critical skills for problem-solving.

technician
Internet-based Graduate Program in Clinical Embryology and Andrology

Courses are taught by experienced basic science and clinical faculty within the Blackboard learning management system. Materials are delivered using streaming media and voiced over lectures; online meetings and virtual office hours connect the students with each other and with the faculty. Program participants must have access to the Internet and a broadband Internet connection (e.g., cable, DSL, T-1 line). Those entering the program will need to purchase an EVMS provided laptop, the cost for this laptop is $1775 and is part of the student budget.   


Tuition and Fees

Tuition for students admitted to the program in April 2012 is projected to be $945 per credit hour for in-state students, $986 for out-of-state students. Graduation fees will occur at the beginning of the second year.

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Admission Requirements

  • Candidates must have completed all undergraduate degree requirements and have been issued a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculating as an EVMS student. If the bachelor’s degree was issued by a U.S. college or university, as a general rule it should be from a regionally accredited institution.  However, the program may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Official transcripts from the awarding institution must specify the date upon which the degree was issued.
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (B-) or better. This requirement may be waived by the program directors based on experience or other factors.
  • Have successfully completed two semesters of college-level biology and chemistry.
  • Currently work or have worked in clinical IVF or basic reproductive research as a clinical embryologist, andrologist, nurse, physician or research scientist. This requirement may be waived by the program directors based on experience or other factors.
  • International students, or applicants whose native language is not English, must take the TOEFL and receive a score equal to or greater than 550 for the paper-based test, or 213 for the computer-based test, or 80 for the iBT exam. 

Application Deadline

The application deadline is January 13, 2012 for students seeking entry into classes beginning April 2012. Applications received after that date may be considered based on merit and space availability. Applications will be reviewed in January, and students will be notified of a decision soon thereafter. Students who plan to seek financial aid are advised to submit their applications as early as possible. Upon acceptance into the program, a $300 non-refundable matriculation fee (which will be credited towards the first semester's tuition) is required to secure class placement. 

Application Procedures

  • Log into the online VZ application, create a username/password and complete and submit the online form, including your personal essay, job history, and CV/resume, along with the $60 application fee. If you cannot complete the form in one sitting, all of your information will be saved and you may return to finish the process.
  • Following the online instructions, applicants must contact every college or university attended and request that transcripts be sent directly to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions in sealed envelopes (address below).
  • Using the form provided within the on-line system, submit two letters of recommendation from two individuals who can realistically evaluate the applicant's abilities and probability of success in the program. Preferably, one of the letters should be from the applicant's current employer.
  • List all related work or volunteer experience.

If English is not your native language and you have transcripts from a non-U.S. college or university, please see International Applicants/Additional Procedures below. 

International Applicants/Additional Procedures

Transcripts               

Evaluation

International students whose native language is not English may contact one of the following credentialing agencies to submit transcripts for OFFICIAL evaluation:  www.wes.org or ies.aacrao.org.

Instruct the credentialing agency to send the OFFICIAL evaluation (and translation) directly to the Director of Admissions & Enrollment (address below).

Translation

If the academic institution that you attended does not issue documents in English, the credentialing agency will require that you submit a word-for-word translation of your transcripts.  You can contact University Language Services (ULS) at www.universitylanguage.com to submit your transcript for translation and instruct them to send the translated transcript to the credentialing agency you chose.

NOTE:  An OFFICIAL transcript must be submitted to the EVMS Office of Admissions & Enrollment as well as the credentialing agency of your choice.

TOEFL

International applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL exam and receive a score as follows:

  • Paper-based test: 550
  • Computer-based test: 213 
  • iBT exam: 80

Please go to the ETS website http://www.ets.org  to take the TOEFL exam, and request your TOEFL scores be sent directly to the Office of Admissions & Enrollment School of Health Professions (address below). 

ETS reports scores for two years after the test date.  If you have previously taken the TOEFL but the two-year period has expired, the program will accept a personal copy if available.

Office of Admissions & Enrollment for the School of Health Professions

Official transcripts from the academic institution(s) you attended and the TOFEL scores (if applicable) should be forwarded to the School of Health Professions Office of Admissions and Enrollment at the address shown below.

Rose Mwayungu
School of Health Professions
Office of Admissions & Enrollment
Attn: Clinical Embryology & Andrology Program
Eastern Virginia Medical School
700 W. Olney Road, Room 1155
Norfolk, VA 23507-1607

Tel: (757) 446-7437/7153
Fax: (757) 446-8915
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contact the CEA Program

For detailed application questions other than technical problems please contact:

Nancy W. Garcia, Program Administrator
Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine
601 Colley Avenue, 4th floor
Norfolk, VA 23507
Phone: (757) 446-8935
Fax: (757) 446-5905
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program Directors

Jacob F. Mayer, PhD, Program Director
Helena I. Russell, MS, Program Associate Director ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Application Technical Difficulties

If you experience technical difficulties or problems in completing your online application, please contact:

Rose Mwayungu
Tel: (757) 446-7437/7153
Fax: (757) 446-8915
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Additional Resources

Last Updated on Monday, 15 August 2011 08:36