Competency Portfolio Story 2

I began the three ARCS core modules while I was a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) at Jessop Fertility Clinic. These modules had a direct and meaningful impact on my professional development whilst working as an MLA and on my journey to becoming a trainee embryologist in Manchester.

The ‘Introduction to Laboratory Practice in the HFEA-Licensed Reproductive Science Laboratory’ module strengthened the foundations of my work as an MLA. This module helped me understand the “why” behind the tasks I carried out daily and the steps required to maintain them. Such as, following SOPs, accurate witnessing and traceability, and maintaining the environmental conditions necessary for safe gamete and embryo culturing.

The ‘Principles and Organisation of Services in the HFEA-Licensed Fertility Clinic’ module gave me a much clearer understanding of how the wider multidisciplinary team functions, how treatment cycles are organised and how the HFEA Code of Practice shapes every part of patient care. This knowledge strengthened my awareness of compliance requirements and helped me appreciate how my role supports the patient journey.

Finally, the ‘Reproductive Science Human Body Systems’ module consolidated my understanding of reproductive physiology. I have previously completed a Master’s degree in Reproduction and I found this module to be a great refresher on key concepts and linking them directly to clinical and laboratory practice.

I found all three modules genuinely interesting and enjoyed completing them. By completing these modules, I deepened my knowledge whilst directly applying what I learned to real clinical scenarios. Completing these modules not only enhanced my performance as an MLA but also prepared me with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence needed as I transitioned into my new role as as a STP trainee embryologist. I believe that completing these modules supported my successful progression into clinical embryology.