ASRM Clinical Embryology Learning Laboratory (“CELL”)
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The ASRM Clinical Embryology Learning Laboratory (CELL) is a tuition-based initiative designed to address the critical need for standardized training in human IVF laboratories across the United States. CELL’s first course provides 10 weeks of immersive, hands-on laboratory experience complemented by in-depth content knowledge. Taught by leaders in the field, the course prepares participants to perform essential techniques independently and sets a foundation for future leadership roles in embryology.
Sending your embryologists to the ASRM CELL accelerates their productivity by equipping them with essential skills to work independently faster, freeing up senior staff from extensive training responsibilities. The investment in this course not only enhances your team’s efficiency but also fosters loyalty and retention by supporting professional development and career advancement.
SART Member laboratories wishing to enroll an embryologist in the 2025-2026 CELL cohort should contact Jeffrey Hayes at jhayes@asrm.org for additional information and an application.
Request an application
Learn More
Read our online brochure to learn more about CELL, including a 2025-2026 timeline, module description, and FAQs.
Request an Application
Have Questions?
ASRM Employer Informational Session for Prospective CELL trainees
Monday, March 3
5:00 PM CT
Sit in for live Q&A with CELL faculty. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
FAQ
CELL will provide graduate-level in-depth education combined with hands-on practice to transform young embryologists into contributing team members who understand the “whys” and “hows” of ART in the IVF Laboratory. The CELL course runs concurrently with work in the home laboratory, allowing for potential immediate application and, most importantly, retention of skills learned.
Trainees will be selected from SART member clinics that commit to supporting the trainee’s full participation in all aspects of the course, including tuition, travel/lodging, and time away from the lab. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and work in the clinic’s laboratory.
SART Member laboratories wishing to enroll an embryologist in the 2025-2026 CELL cohort should contact Jeffrey Hayes at jhayes@asrm.org for additional information and an application.
The duration of the 2025-2026 CELL training is 10 months (40 weeks).
Tuition for the 2025-2026 is $18,500, due in full by June 9, 2025. Tuition does not include travel and lodging expenses. Transportation to the training center and meals on site will be provided.
8-10 trainees will be accepted in the initial CELL cohort.
Upon completing all requirements and passing the evaluation, participants receive an ASRM Certificate of Completion in Clinical Embryology. In addition, participants get 10 weeks of specific hands-on guided lab sessions led by experts from SRBT and across the field. Participants will also receive free access to the ASRM EDGE tool for one year plus one year of free ASRM and SRBT membership.
The CELL course will include 10 weeks of on-site hands-on training. See the CELL Training Timeline for in-person dates.
For both didactic and hands-on activities, trainees must pass competency assessments as well as a mid-term and final exam.
Upon completion, trainees will be able to:
- Identify and use sterile tissue culture techniques
- Identify and prepare IVF supplies and media for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) using various methods
- Use microscopy to identify, handle, evaluate, and manipulate gametes and embryos during ART procedures.
- Demonstrate proficiency with handling and manipulation of eggs and embryos during ART procedures
- Demonstrate proficiency with the following ART procedures:
- evaluation and preparation of semen samples for ART
- oocyte retrieval and culture
- standard insemination of oocytes
- intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- embryo culture
- embryo biopsy and sample preparation skills
- cryopreservation and thaw of gametes, embryos, and reproductive tissue
- Identify quality control procedures and troubleshooting in the ART laboratory.
For more information about CELL, contact Jeffrey Hayes at (205) 978-5980 or jhayes@asrm.org.
