Competency Portfolio Story 1

Completing the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists (ARCS) Competency Portfolio has been a highly valuable step in my embryology career. The core modules allowed me to expand my understanding of reproductive biology, laboratory workflows, and regulatory requirements. This theoretical knowledge complimented the hands-on experience I was gaining in my role.

Working through the modules exposed me to aspects of laboratory practice I had previously only observed. This helped me understand why certain procedures are performed in a certain way, reinforced the importance of strict protocols and documentation, and helped me to understand quality-control measures and regulatory requirements that I had not fully appreciated before.

The competency portfolio allowed me to gain more confidence in areas of reproductive science that I had previously not had much exposure to. The portfolio also gave me a good foundation for starting the Scientist Training Programme (STP) and has made me more aware of what’s expected from someone training to become a clinical scientist.