Welcome to W.E.S.T

World Embryology Skills and Training

WEST provides a superior international training program for the next generation of clinical embryologists. If you have a BS degree in any life science, can qualify for our comprehensive embryologist training and certification program, designed to advance your embryology education and prepare you for a professional career in the field.

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WEST Training Facility
WEST celebrates 2025 graduates

About WEST

Located in the heart of Carlsbad, California, 2 blocks from the beach—just 25 minutes north of San Diego and a little over an hour south of Los Angeles—the World Embryology Skills and Training (WEST) Center is a state-of-the-art 3,000 sq. ft. facility designed to replicate the environment of a modern IVF laboratory.

Comprehensive Training Program

WEST offers a comprehensive 3-month training program 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.

Training in Progress
View Inside West Training Facility
Expert Instruction
WEST trainees visited the Beckman Center for conservation research. Learning the wide range their skills can be applied and the impact they can have globally.

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.

Upcoming Industry Sponsored Workshops at WEST

For current embryologists

Nexpring

Aug 26-27, 2025
ICSI, Biopsy and vitrification skills

Vitrolife

Sept 4-5, 2025
Biopsy and Tubing Skills

Cryofuture & IVF Store

Dec 4-5, 2025
Levelling up the Junior Embryologist with Embryologist Olympics!

Kitazato

Dec 8-9, 2025
Master Vitrification Skills for eggs and embryos

Our Mission

1
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.
2
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.
3
To foster a global community of skilled embryologists who maintain the highest ethical standards and contribute to improved patient outcomes in fertility treatment worldwide.
4
To make quality embryology education accessible to professionals across diverse geographical and economic backgrounds, breaking down barriers to excellence in reproductive healthcare.
5
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.
"Debbie and Bill truly are the power couple of embryology and their passion for embryology is contagious. The three-month training course 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 / Director of Development at Hamilton Thorne
WEST Training Success

Our Sponsors

We are proud to partner with industry-leading organizations that share our commitment to advancing embryology education and research.

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