Becoming an Embryologist: The Unlikely Paths to the IVF Kitchen
Becoming an embryologist is not a one-size-fits-all journey. The road to this specialized role in assisted reproductive technology (ART) is unique for everyone, with paths ranging from highly structured education to the unlikeliest of experiences. At The IVF Kitchen, we’ve met aspiring embryologists from all corners of the world, and some of their stories are far from traditional—filled with unexpected twists, unconventional training, and even a bit of intrigue.
I’ll never forget my unexpected journey to becoming an embryologist. At the time, I had no idea what IVF even was—I was simply looking for a summer job and applying to any lab position that seemed remotely relevant. Then, a fertility clinic called me back for an interview, and I was floored when they explained what they did and the role I’d play in their team. For two years, I went back and forth, wondering if I should continue down this path or return to my original career. In the end, I chose embryology, and I’m so glad I did. It offers a fantastic work-life balance, competitive pay, and the rewarding satisfaction of helping others. Becoming an embryologist wasn’t even on my radar, but looking back, I’m grateful I found this career.
If you’ve ever wondered how to become an embryologist, buckle up, because it’s not always a straightforward process. The truth is, there are several paths that can lead someone to the heart of the IVF lab, and some of them are downright wild.
The Traditional Path: Education and Training
Most embryologists will follow a more structured path: earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics, or a related field then attempting to get their foot in the door at any IVF clinic. The bachelor’s in science education is critical because accreditation agencies will not accept embryologist without this specific degree background.
From there, embryologists typically undergo specialized training in an IVF clinic, where they learn everything from egg retrieval techniques to embryo culture and selection. They’ll develop an understanding of genetic testing, cryopreservation (freezing eggs), and other critical ART procedures. This path may take anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the educational route and training chosen.
But not everyone takes this conventional route, and that's where things get a little more colorful.
From Andrology to Embryology: A Common Transition
Many embryologists begin their careers in andrology, focusing on male fertility—specifically sperm analysis, motility, and morphology. Working in an andrology lab, professionals gain expertise in sperm collection, processing, and evaluation. Over time, many transition into embryology by expanding their skills to include egg handling, embryo culture, and genetic testing. This shift is often seamless, as the attention to detail and reproductive knowledge from andrology enhances their ability to handle both sperm and eggs in the embryology lab. With further training, these professionals become well-rounded ART experts, involved in the entire IVF process, from sperm analysis to embryo transfer.
The Sketchy Website Path: A Fertility Lab Found Through a Classified Ad
In an age of sketchy websites and unregulated opportunities, it’s no surprise that some embryologists have found themselves in unexpected places. One of our friends at The IVF Kitchen remembers the time she met an embryologist who had found their first job on a sketchy website like Craigslist. Yes, you read that right—a Craigslist ad for a job in an IVF clinic.
This embryologist, a self-proclaimed “adventurer,” had absolutely no formal training in fertility science but stumbled upon the opportunity after responding to a listing seeking "enthusiastic individuals interested in egg freezing." They spent months shadowing senior embryologists and learned the ropes while handling eggs and embryos. Eventually, this turned into a full-time position, and now they’re leading a lab of their own. It's an unconventional story, to say the least, but it worked out—sort of like mixing mystery ingredients in the IVF kitchen, not knowing if the dish will turn out.
The ‘Mom’s Friend’ Training Program
Another curious path to embryology involved a student who was lucky enough to have a friend of their mother’s who worked at a fertility clinic. This "mom’s friend" was an experienced embryologist, and the student was able to get an “informal” apprenticeship, learning how to handle sperm and eggs in the clinic's lab. This was as close to a DIY embryology training as you can get.
The student spent weekends with the mom’s friend, observing procedures, and eventually assisting with embryo culturing. They learned the basics, from identifying healthy sperm to monitoring embryo development. While they lacked formal qualifications, this hands-on experience gave them a significant head start in the field. It was a pretty unconventional way of getting trained, but the love for science and embryos is what ultimately got them into the IVF lab.
The Animal Fertility Jumpstart
Some embryologists start with a focus on animal fertility before moving into human-assisted reproductive technologies. One IVF professional at The IVF Kitchen started out working in a zoo, managing the artificial insemination of endangered species like rhinos and tigers. They learned the art of freezing sperm and eggs for genetic preservation in the animal kingdom. This hands-on experience with animal genetics became a stepping stone to transitioning into human IVF and embryology.
Through this unconventional start, they developed critical laboratory skills like working with frozen sperm, handling delicate cells, and understanding how genetics work. These animal-based techniques proved useful in their move to human IVF, and they later attended a crash course on human embryology to sharpen their focus.
Paying Thousands for a Crash Course
Back then this was a wild story to me, but it is becoming more and more popular. Some aspiring embryologists will pay thousands of dollars to attend a crash course in embryology. This "boot camp" was advertised as the ultimate shortcut to mastering human reproductive technologies, promising to give students everything they needed to land a job in the field.
After the intense (yet highly dubious) seminar, which consisted of long hours of lectures and hands-on experience, the person landed an entry-level role at an IVF clinic. While it wasn’t an ideal training experience, the course helped them find their way into the industry—and they went on to pursue formal education afterward.
Online Embryology Masters: A New Age of Learning
In the modern age of online education, another person learned the ins and outs of embryology by enrolling in an online embryology master’s program. While this path is becoming increasingly common, it’s not without its controversy. Many fertility professionals debate whether online programs can truly prepare someone for the hands-on, high-stakes work of embryo creation.
Nevertheless, this individual passed the course and managed to land an internship at an IVF clinic. They’ve since completed further training under expert guidance, but their journey started with a laptop, a dream, and a very fast internet connection.
Conclusion: Every Journey is Unique
The road to becoming an embryologist is not a one-size-fits-all story. While some follow the traditional academic route, others find their way through Craigslist, zoo labs, or even online courses. At The IVF Kitchen, we’ve seen it all—from sketchy websites to animal fertility experiments to bootcamp-style training programs. While some of these paths might be unconventional (to say the least), they all share one thing in common: a passion for reproductive science and the desire to create healthy, successful embryos. So whether you’re learning the ropes in a high-tech lab or from a friend’s mom, the journey to becoming an embryologist is as unique as the embryos themselves.
Most embryologists we’ve met kind of fell into the field and was at the right place at the right time. A majority of embryologist may be new to this exciting field, but loved it so much that they’ve turned it into their career!
“I was just looking for a job where I could work with cells, but I ended up making babies for a living. Turns out, science has a sense of humor!”
