Certificate in Clinical Embryology & ART - EDC-X765Z

Course Description

Credit Validation for American Institute for Training and Development (AITD) Participants Only

The Certificate in Clinical Embryology & ART (Phase I) is the first course within The AITD IVF & Clinical Embryology Certificate Program. Participants are expected to complete Phase I prior to enrolling in the Certificate in Advanced Reproductive Research & Applied ART (Phase II), EDC-X766Z, as the advanced course builds on the foundational scientific, clinical, and laboratory concepts introduced in the first phase.

The AITD IVF & Clinical Embryology Certificate Program is a comprehensive, postgraduate-level educational program designed to train physicians, embryologists, laboratory scientists, and reproductive health professionals in the scientific, technical, and regulatory foundations of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

The program integrates advanced reproductive biology, hands-on embryology and andrology laboratory training, clinical decision-making, quality management systems, and ethical practice. Emphasis is placed on competency-based learning, regulatory compliance, and the translation of evidence-based science into clinical ART outcomes.

Learner Outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of human reproductive physiology and embryology relevant to assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
• Apply evidence-based reproductive endocrinology principles to interpret hormonal profiles, ovarian reserve testing, stimulation protocols, and clinical decision-making in ART cycles
• Perform standard and advanced andrology procedures, including semen analysis, sperm function testing, preparation techniques, and surgical sperm handling, in alignment with international guidelines and laboratory standards
• Execute core clinical embryology laboratory procedures, including gamete handling, fertilization techniques, embryo culture, grading, selection, cryopreservation, and thawing under supervised conditions
• Evaluate embryo development using morphology, morphokinetics, and time-lapse imaging to inform clinical ART decision-making
• Integrate genetic principles into ART practice, including preimplantation genetic testing indications, embryo biopsy concepts, interpretation of genetic reports, and ethical considerations
• Implement cryobiology and quality management systems for fertility preservation, cryostorage compliance, SOP development, QA/QC programs, risk management, audits, and regulatory standards
• Communicate clinical cases, ART outcomes, and scientific findings through written reports, oral presentations, case discussions, and capstone project defense using professional and academic standards

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.

Number of Units: 24.0 graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for American Institute for Training and Development (AITD) Participants.

Course Materials:

• Text, Principles and Practice of Assisted Reproductive Technology: Three Volume Set by Kamini A Rao available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Handbook of In Vitro Fertilization by David K. Gardner and Carlos Simón available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Clinical Embryology: A Color Atlas and Text by Murray Brookes (Author) and Anthony Zietman (Author) available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Textbook of Assisted Reproduction by Gautam Nand Allahbadia (Editor), Baris Ata (Editor), Steven R. Lindheim (Editor) available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Preimplantation Genetic Testing: Recent Advances in Reproductive Medicine by Darren K. Griffin (Editor), Gary L. Harton (Editor) available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Vitrification in Assisted Reproduction: A User’s Manual by Gautam Allahbadia (Editor), Masashige Kuwayama (Editor), Goral Gandhi (Editor) available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore
• Text, Quality Control in the Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratory (Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Techniques Series) by Durai P (Author) available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways. These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (AITD)
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Home Page: American Institute for Training and Development (AITD)
• Contact for additional details: info@aitd.ac 

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 3: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Applies Towards the Following Certificate(s), Professional Programs and Series

• Certificate in Clinical Embryology & ART : Register for Course & Add Certificate Fee for Required Certificate