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:

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.

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 accepted into the program will be given specifications for their computer needs.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for students admitted to the program in May 2011 is projected to be $900 per credit hour. Graduation fees will occur at the beginning of the second year.

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a bachelor's degree.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 (B-) or better. This requirement may be waived by the program director 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. Other English proficiency exams may be considered, please contact the program administrator for further details.

Application Procedures

• Log into the electronic application, create a username/password and complete and submit the online form, including your personal statement and job history, 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.

International Applicants/Additional Procedures

• International students please contact one of the following credentialing agencies to submit your transcripts for official interpretation: www.wes.org or www.aacrao.org/credential. Instruct the credentialing agency to send the official interpretations and translations directly to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions (address below).
• International applicants must have official transcripts sent to BOTH the interpretation agency AND the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions.
• International applicants, please go to the ETS website and request EVMS as a recipient of your official TOFEL scores.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is December 15, 2010 this year for students seeking entry into classes beginning May 2011. Applications received after that date may be considered based on merit and space availability. Applications will be reviewed in December and 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.

Additional Resources

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
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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 )

Admissions Office 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
P.O. Box 1980
Norfolk, VA 23501-1980

Tel: (757) 446-7437/7153
Fax: (757) 446-8915
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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
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