Welcome to W.E.S.T

World Embryology Skills and Training

WEST provides a premier international training program for the next generation of clinical embryologists. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in a life science are eligible to enroll in our comprehensive embryology certificate program, which combines rigorous didactic instruction with extensive hands-on laboratory training. The curriculum is designed to develop the knowledge, technical skills, and clinical competencies required for a successful career in assisted reproductive technology.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion from WEST and will be prepared to sit for the Embryology Laboratory Scientist (ELS) and Andrology Laboratory Scientist (ALS) certification examinations administered by the AAB Board of Registry (ABOR), subject to ABOR eligibility requirements. The program is intended to prepare graduates for professional certification and licensure requirements where applicable.

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WEST celebrates 2025 graduates

About WEST

World Embryology Skills and Training offers continuing education embryology programs for graduates, providing hands-on education to prepare for licensure as a successful embryologist in IVF and clinical labs, where innovation meets opportunity.

WEST is providing a desperately needed service in the field of embryology. We are preparing recent graduates with a BS in any life science to become fully trained embryologists. The demand for trained embryologists is high and the supply is low. Currently, the trend is that a large number of lab directors and senior embryologists will be retiring in the coming years leaving the demand even higher. This adds to the rising number of labs already short staffed with nowhere to find trained embryologists. Labs are being forced to hire untrained embryologists and attempt to train in-house without the skills or time to do so. The ELS and ALS exams offered by ABOR offer a path to licensure as an andrologist and embryologist. The WEST continuing education 10-week program prepare you for the demands of this exam.

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Comprehensive Training Program

WEST offers a comprehensive 10-week Certificate in Embryology ideal for aspiring embryologists with little or no prior experience. The course begins with the foundational principles of male and female reproduction and progresses through all key aspects of embryology, including embryo development, culture, vitrification, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), and embryo biopsy.

Training includes both in-depth lectures and extensive hands-on lab work, with weekly written and practical assessments to reinforce learning and skill development. Detailed training records are kept for review with future employers.

How to Become an Embryologist

West Training Facility

Our trainers have over 40 years experience

Expert Instruction & Career Support

Led by Debbie and Gina, two dedicated full-time trainers with over 40 years of expertise, WEST not only delivers high-quality instruction but also supports graduates with job placement assistance and professional references. Mentorship of all WEST grads is provided throughout your professional career. The success of WEST graduates is of utmost importance, as they are the reputation of WEST.

For experienced embryologists, WEST also offers advanced training courses in techniques such as vitrification, ICSI, and biopsy. Customized on-site training is available, allowing labs to receive instruction directly using their own equipment.

The Embryologist Crisis: Burnout, Training, and the Future of IVF

Listen to the Spotify lecture

Upcoming Industry Sponsored Workshops at WEST

For current embryologists

Aug 27-28, 2027

Biopsy and Tubing. All levels of embryologists are welcome.

Dec 3-4, 2027

Junior embryologist workshop

Our Mission

To provide world-class embryology training that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience, ensuring our students master both fundamental principles and advanced techniques.

To advance the field of reproductive medicine by developing innovative training methodologies and staying at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs in embryology and assisted reproductive technologies.

To foster a global community of skilled embryologists who maintain the highest ethical standards and contribute to improved patient outcomes in fertility treatment worldwide.

To make quality embryology education accessible to professionals across diverse geographical and economic backgrounds, breaking down barriers to excellence in reproductive healthcare.

To continuously evolve our training programs based on the latest research, technology advances, and feedback from the international embryology community, ensuring our graduates remain industry leaders.

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Our Staff

Our staff has a combined total of over 50 years experience with embryology. To learn more about our team, please click on the profiles below.

Debbie Venier, MS, TS

Co-Founder / Director of Training

805-748-4248

debbie@worldembryology.com

Gina Cirimele TS (ABB)

Lead Trainer

707-228-6633

gina@worldembryology.com

Bill Venier, M.Sc., TS, ELD

Co-Founder / Trainer

760-445-6047

bill@worldembryology.com

Robyn O'Leary, MS

Trainer

805-748-4248

robyn@worldembryology.com

"Debbie and Bill truly are the power couple of embryology and their passion for embryology is contagious. The 10-week Certificate in Embryology gave me the background knowledge and hands-on training to hit the ground running in my new position. I am beyond grateful for Debbie's expertise, guidance, and support in making my dream of becoming an embryologist a reality!"

Megan Groverman Northern California Fertility Medical Center

"Debbie is not only a brilliant embryologist, but a dedicated mentor as well. In addition to providing you with a thorough and extensive skill set, Debbie will help guide you through the ART field professionally as well. I will always cherish my time spent at WEST and am eternally grateful I chose to trust in Debbie to prepare me for my dream career!"

Chloe Defibaugh Junior Embryologist at Pacific Fertility Center

"Debbie is a life changer. Her love of the science and ability to teach creates an environment rich in experience, knowledge and fun. It is her teaching that cultivated my love of ART, interest in all things embryology and baseline of knowledge that propelled me into the career I have today. It was through her guidance, both in class and in choosing the right program, that has allowed me a career and life I am forever grateful for."

John Whitney Senior Manager Ovation Fertility

"More than just embryology skills. What Debbie teaches is to think critically about the procedure you are performing, to troubleshoot, and to understand the science behind why we do what we do. And it is through that, that you fall in love with the world of IVF, equipped to work in any laboratory across the country and around the globe!"

Catherine Welch, MS, MBA, TS Senior Embryologist