North Carolina Wesleyan University is celebrating a milestone in its growing academic offerings and its commitment to workforce development with the completion of its inaugural Applied Reproductive Biology Laboratory (ARTLAB) cohort.

The first cohort of 11 students has completed NC Wesleyan’s Applied Reproductive Biology certificate program, designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of assisted reproductive technology and in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory science.

And the results are already translating into careers.

Of the 11 students in the inaugural cohort, seven have confirmed job offers in the field, while the remaining four are currently in various stages of the interview process. Based on the progress of those students, the program projects 100% employment placement within the next month.

For NC Wesleyan, that early success represents more than the completion of a first class. It demonstrates the potential of ARTLAB to connect specialized education directly to workforce demand while creating new career opportunities for students and contributing to economic development in a growing industry.

“This is the first class — the first of many — to complete the nation’s finest training for positions in IVF labs across the nation under the auspices of North Carolina Wesleyan,” said Dr. Joe Lane, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at NC Wesleyan University. “We look forward to working with Dr. Schenkman and her colleagues to continue growing this program and to launching new programs in related fields.”

The Applied Reproductive Biology certificate is an accelerated, specialized program that provides students with hands-on training and academic preparation aligned with the needs of assisted reproductive technology laboratories. Students are prepared to pursue opportunities within IVF laboratories and related reproductive science settings.

The program was developed under the leadership of Dr. Eva Schenkman and her colleagues, whose expertise has helped establish NC Wesleyan as an emerging destination for specialized training in reproductive biology.

The inaugural cohort’s career outcomes underscore the value of that industry-focused approach.

Building a Workforce for a Growing Industry

The demand for professionals trained in assisted reproductive technology continues to create opportunities for individuals interested in laboratory science and reproductive health. NC Wesleyan’s ARTLAB program is designed to help meet that demand by providing focused training for students seeking a pathway into this specialized field.

For the University, the program also represents a broader commitment to creating educational opportunities that have a direct impact beyond the classroom.

Students gain specialized skills. Employers gain access to trained talent. And communities benefit when graduates are able to transition into meaningful careers.

The inaugural cohort provides an early example of that workforce-development model in action.

With seven students already holding confirmed positions and the remaining four actively interviewing, the first ARTLAB cohort is poised to achieve a 100% placement rate shortly after completing the program.

Applications Open for 2027 Cohorts

With the success of its first cohort, NC Wesleyan is preparing to welcome the next group of students interested in entering the field of applied reproductive biology.

Applications are now being accepted for two 2027 cohorts:

• Spring 2027 Cohort: January 18 – March 26, 2027
• Summer 2027 Cohort: May 24 – July 30, 2027

The University encourages individuals interested in pursuing careers in IVF laboratory science and applied reproductive biology to learn more about the program and apply for an upcoming cohort.

The first cohort may have been the beginning, but NC Wesleyan sees it as just that, the beginning.

As the University continues to expand its offerings in applied reproductive biology and related fields, ARTLAB is positioned to become an important part of NC Wesleyan’s commitment to innovative education, career preparation and workforce development.

To learn more about NC Wesleyan’s Applied Reproductive Biology program or apply for an upcoming cohort, visit ncwu.edu.