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"The introduction of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation,
retrieval by ultrasound, cryopreservation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection,
preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and now blastocyst transfer, all within
a 20 - year period, indicates profound basic science investigation supporting
these clinical advances in the dynamic field of assisted reproductive
technology.
For those in the field, continuing education offers
the most efficient way to understand not only the clinical innovations
but also the basic rationale, which gives them life."
- Howard W. Jones, August 2002
In the early days of assisted reproductive technology
( ART ), there was a huge demand for training in laboratory and clinical
skills such as IVF, embryo culture, cryopreservation, oocyte retrieval
and embryo transfer. When micromanipulation techniques such as ICSI and
embryo biopsy for PGD emerged in the 1990s, another wave of training efforts
began. As a pioneer in the field of ART, the Jones Institute at the Eastern
Virginia Medical School became a training destination for embryologists,
physicians, and researchers from around the globe. Most of these skills
can be learned without traveling to Norfolk or other centers of excellence.
Now continuing education to update knowledge and skills has become a priority.
The explosion of knowledge and technology in reproductive science and
medicine, together with the power of the new genetics, requires practitioners
of ART to keep abreast of developments so that they can provide the best
laboratory practice and patient care. As regulations governing ART tighten,
an advanced degree will become essential.
In 2003, we launched a new master's degree program to
meet the needs of continuing education for:
- Clinical embryologists
- Clinical andrologists
- Physicians specializing in
reproductive medicine
- Nurse practitioners
- Laboratory scientists in
the field of human reproduction and genetics
- Others who seek to deepen
their knowledge of the field without needing to apply it clinically
This online master's degree, organized by faculty at
the Jones Institute and awarded by Eastern Virginia Medical School, is
designed principally for clinical practitioners and reproductive scientists
in North America. Prepared and presented to the highest international
standards, it is taught by faculty based in Norfolk and at other world
- class institutions in the United States and Europe. Distance learning
enables practitioners to undertake continuing education without interrupting
full - time employment while earning the degree; students also may obtain
credit towards a future doctoral degree at leading academic institutions.
For complete details of the program, as well as an application, please
see the Eastern Virginia
Medical School Masters in Biomedical Sciences Clinical Embryology and
Andrology.
- Have successfully completed one year of college level
biology and chemistry.
- 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.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or
universities attended.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from individuals
who can realistically evaluate the applicant's abilities and probability
of success in the program. At least one of these letters should be from
the applicant's current employer.
- Submit a personal statement of no more than 300
words that includes the applicant's career goals.
- International students, or applicants whose native
language is not English, must submit a TOEFL score equal to or greater
than 550 for the paper - based test or 213 for the computer - based
test.
Most of the educational material will be delivered
via the school's teaching and learning software platform: Blackboard. Therefore,
program participants must have access to the Internet and, if a modem is
used, have a connection of 28k or higher. Online learning will be enhanced
substantially by the use of a broadband Internet connection ( e.g., cable
modem, DSL, T - 1 line, etc. ). Other requirements include Internet Explorer
( version 5 or higher ) or Netscape Communicator ( version 6.2 or higher
), and a CD - ROM drive.
Blackboard is used by over 2,000 educational institutions
across the continent. It is intuitive and requires little or no training
to navigate effectively. Besides delivering course material, it is used
for exchanging messages with instructors, tutors and other students through
e - mail for threaded discussion groups and a "Virtual Classroom"
( synchronous online teaching ), as well as for assessment ( e.g., multiple
choice questions ). A guest account for Blackboard at EVMS will be available
soon for public viewing.
Over a two - year period, students will complete nine
courses and a dissertation. There will be two compulsory four - day residential
courses held at the Jones Institute in Norfolk during the first week of
the program and in year two. These courses provide orientation sessions,
lectures, seminars, practical demonstrations and examinations.
Jake Mayer obtained his PhD degree at Johns Hopkins
University and has had over 20 years of experience as a laboratory director
in clinical embryology and andrology. He is currently Director of the
Clinical Embryology Laboratory at the Jones Institute and its affiliates.
He also is a member of, or has recently held office in, numerous professional
committees and boards, including RESOLVE, the Working Group of the Advisory
Committee to the Director of NIH, and the ASRM Practice Committee Task
Force, FDA / Government Affairs Committee of SART. He serves as Director
of the SART Executive Council.
Helena Russell received a Master of Science degree in
Pathobiology from the University of Wyoming in 1992. In 1998 she completed
six years of postgraduate training in Molecular Immunology at the University
of Cincinnati. She was appointed to the Health Professions faculty at
EVMS in 2004. Ms. Russell has been involved in education both at the graduate
and undergraduate levels since 1990. Her experience includes traditional
teaching and course development, as well as development of online learning
tools and laboratory exercises. In addition to being the Associate Director
for the Jones Institute's Online Masters in Embryology and Andrology,
Helena is currently Director of Distance Learning for the Health Professions
at EVMS.
Nancy W. Garcia, Program Administrator
Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine
601 Colley Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23507 USA
( 757 ) 446-8935 ( phone )
( 757 ) 446-5905 ( fax )
embryo@evms.edu
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Phone
800-515-6637 or 757-446-7100