Embryologist

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in embryologist roles:

• Meet with patients who are struggling to conceive to discuss possible treatment options
• Conduct fertility testing on patients to determine the cause of conception problems
• Harvest sperm and eggs to be used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures
• Monitor inseminated eggs for signs of fertilization
• Ensure that eggs, sperm, and embryos are properly stored and cared for in laboratories

A Day in the Life

Embryologists are scientists and medical professionals who specialize in fertility and help couples overcome fertility problems. When an individual or couple is struggling to conceive, they visit an embryologist who provides counseling, advice, and potential treatment options. Initially, the embryologist may recommend simple treatments to encourage conception. For example, the embryologist may recommend monitoring cycles to determine periods of fertility.

If simple solutions do not result in conception, the embryologist may conduct fertility testing to determine the source of the problem. The results of the fertility test may point to fertility problems for one or both of the parents. With the results of the fertility test, the embryologist can recommend more aggressive treatments, such as fertility drugs, artificial inseminations, or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Embryologists teach patients how and when to administer fertility drugs when needed, and they may conduct artificial insemination procedures.

When patients choose to pursue IVF, the embryologist is responsible for harvesting both the sperm and the egg. The egg and sperm are then combined in a laboratory dish and monitored for fertilization. If fertilization occurs, it results in an embryo. The embryo can then be transferred to the mother’s uterus, resulting in pregnancy. The process of IVF requires detailed work and special care to ensure that harvested eggs and sperm and manually created embryos are properly stored and handled in labs.

Typical Work Schedule

Embryologists typically work full-time schedules but commonly work irregular hours. Because an embryologist must always be available in a lab to monitor embryo development, they commonly work evening and weekend shifts. However, they may alternate weekend shifts with other embryologists in a practice, so weekend work may only be required on occasion.

Projected Job Growth

Because of advances in the field of embryology, modern embryologists can more effectively overcome fertility issues for their clients. This should result in an increased demand for embryologists in the coming decade due to an increased number of successes in the field.

Typical Employers

Most embryologists work for private practices or fertility clinics. They may also work in research and development, for colleges/universities, or they may be self-employed and operate their own practices.