Journal article
Clinical Embryology in the United States: Current Landscape and Considerations for Professional Development and Standardization
Fertility and sterility
05/22/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2026.05.159
PMID: 42176841
Abstract
Clinical embryologists play a central role in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories and contribute directly to technical processes that influence treatment outcomes. As ART utilization and technological complexity increase, the responsibilities and scope of practice of clinical embryologists have expanded. Despite this role, clinical embryology in the United States lacks a nationally standardized educational pathway, competency framework, or profession-specific licensure model. This expert opinion reviews the current landscape of clinical embryology practice in the United States, including laboratory responsibilities, variability in training pathways, credentialing structures, and the use of laboratory performance indicators in competency assessment. The manuscript also summarizes international approaches to training and credentialing of clinical embryologists and discusses considerations that may inform discussions regarding professional development, workforce sustainability, and laboratory quality in the field.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Clinical Embryology in the United States: Current Landscape and Considerations for Professional Development and Standardization
- Creators
- Marina Gvakharia - Sutter HealthDenny Sakkas - Boston IVFMax Ezzati - Sutter HealthSalustiano Ribeiro - University of California - San Francisco School of MedicineAmy E.T. Sparks - University of IowaKathryn Go - CARE FertilityAlison Bartolucci - Houston Fertility InstituteGerry Celia - Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCUStephanie Nichols-Burns - Yale UniversitySheela Ali - Scientific ServicesMichael Baker - Fertility Center of San AntonioJason Swain - National Foundation for Fertility ResearchMatthew Tex VerMilyea - Shady Grove Fertility CenterDavid F. Albertini - Bedford Research FoundationTeru Jellerette-Nolan - Ferring Pharmaceuticals (United States)Sangita Jindal - Institute for Reproductive HealthWashington Initiative for Standardization of Clinical Embryology (WISE)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Fertility and sterility
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2026.05.159
- PMID
- 42176841
- NLM abbreviation
- Fertil Steril
- ISSN
- 0015-0282
- eISSN
- 1556-5653
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 05/22/2026
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Record Identifier
- 9985166817602771
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