ARCS training support
ARCS has created a suite of digital training guides and a comprehensive competency portfolio designed to support clinics in developing both trainees and support staff. These resources combine practical experience with essential theoretical learning to help Reproductive Scientists build confidence and expertise.
Click the links below to explore the resources, and visit our FAQs to learn more.
Andrology Training Guide
The ARCS Andrology Training Guides are ideal for anyone working in an Andrology clinical setting, whether that be in a fertility clinic laboratory or a district general hospital as a Biomedical Scientist, who wishes to evidence the extent of their training and knowledge in the field of Andrology. The guides can also provide practical training in all aspects of Andrology, as well as general transferrable laboratory skills, and as a precursor for those wishing to undertake the Andrology Scientific Training Programme.
A candidate’s progress will be monitored by a local supervisor (on-site senior scientist) who has considerable experience in both scientific and medical aspects of reproduction and will assist with the training and sign off each section at appropriate times. All candidates will be provided with an off-site mentor who is an experienced healthcare scientist nominated by the ARCS Education Committee and recognised as being competent in the skills and knowledge covered in the training guide. A final assessment will take place via viva with an external assessor nominated by the ARCS Education Committee.
Embryology Training Guide
This is an exciting new programme that has been developed by and for national and international scientists who wish to embark on an ARCS endorsed training programme for the clinical Reproductive Scientist.
The ARCS Embryology Training Guide enables Fertility Centres to invest in their scientific team by ensuring they acquire the high standard of academic knowledge and practical skills expected of a Clinical Embryologist. It is comprised of a comprehensive, internally assessed, in-house training programme culminating in an ARCS endorsed Certificate of Completion.
ARCS Competency Portfolio
The ARCS Competency Portfolio is designed to provide a flexible training framework for HFEA-licensed centres to deliver externally-assessed training for their support staff. Both candidates completing the modules and their supervisor must be registered members of ARCS.
Three core modules are compulsory for all those choosing to undertake the ARCS modular training. These cover key underpinning knowledge required as a member of the multidisciplinary team within a licensed centre. Upon completion of the three core modules, candidates and their employers can “pick and mix” from the task based modules as required.
Activities are designed to give the candidate a sound base on which to build their professional practice. The balance between taught and self-directed learning will be set by the supervisor in line with the candidate’s existing knowledge and aptitude. In each module, the candidate is invited to use a range of methods to demonstrate their understanding, such as diagrams, tables, bullet point lists or discussions with their supervisor. Use of reflective learning, case studies, participation in or observation of activities such as consultations or treatment events and undertaking practical tasks can all contribute to a rounded learning experience to meet the candidate’s training needs.
