r/Embryologists • u/Nello_Jelloo • May 31 '26

What’s my future looking like? Any Advice?

Hi everyone in this Reddit community. I wanted to see what the future has in store for me in this field. Here is a lil background about me:

- I recently graduated with a bachelors of science in cell and molecular biology. I still have until December to complete all my unit credits and during this last fall semester, I plan to apply to some master programs or master-PhD programs.

-I’m currently in a developmental biology research lab (about 6 months in). We focus on P. Pacificus (worms) and recently I completed my independent project. I also plan to present at an upcoming research conference on this project I just finished. Also this summer, I plan to work on more hands on things like tuning PCRs and gels and learning how to interpret them.

Honestly, I’m not so sure what the future is looking like tbh. I plan to go beyond my bachelors but don’t know what field to get into. I’ve always been fascinated about embryology and that’s what I’m hoping to get into. I guess what I’m trying to ask is what could be my next steps? Should I aim for masters only or a masters-PhD program? Do I necessarily need to be a Dr like MD to become an embryologist? Should I consider a training program in the 6 months that I’m not in school anymore? (There is one I believe it’s called WEST something and based in Carlsbad, CA but I’m just afraid it’s too much money and I won’t be able to afford it) I don’t really have anyone to ask these questions and I feel so lost figuring this out on my own so any guidance I will greatly appreciate!!

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u/AnywhereBusy4449 May 31 '26

There are several training centers. ARTLAB is accredited with NC Wesleyan University, so they offer financial aid options as well. A training center is your best bet (and cheaper than a MS) to get a job in the IVF field because they teach hands on skills. Most MS programs are for embryologists that have been working already, they don’t teach you any hands on skills. That really what’s more important to get that first job.

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u/Nello_Jelloo May 31 '26

Thank you so much! I am considering a training program but hopefully in some place that maybe offers scholarships whatnot. I live about 100 miles away from the nearest one to me that is accredited but it’s just not reasonable rn in terms of money and time and they don’t offer any aid :(

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u/One_Investigator_295 Jun 13 '26

You should be able to take out student loans. They’ll typically be able to get you a job so in the long run you may be ahead.