Update on programs for achieving Specialist in Blood Banking certification in the United States: 2023
Article Category: Program Report
Pubblicato online: 16 ott 2023
Pagine: 101 - 133
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/immunohematology-2023-017
© 2023 G.M. Meny et al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
A Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) frequently becomes an expert member of the clinical team in the hospital laboratory, donor center, immunohematology reference laboratory (IRL), or cellular therapy laboratory. SBBs are involved in all operations of hospital blood banks and donor centers. While they may perform laboratory testing, many are technical supervisors and laboratory managers who use their expertise in IRLs, cellular therapy laboratories, and/or regulatory agencies. SBBs are also educators and researchers.1
An individual becomes an SBB by successfully passing an examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).2 There are seven pathways or “routes” to qualify for the examination (Table 1).3 The first route requires a candidate to possess a baccalaureate degree in a sciencebased field and complete a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited SBB program. The remaining six routes do not require completion of a CAAHEP-accredited SBB program but consist of combinations of different academic degrees and either laboratory or education experience. The number of routes for examination qualification has increased over time as acceptable academic degrees and types of experience have changed.
Eligibility routes for qualifying for the SBB certification examination
| Baccalaureate degree; includes biology and chemistry courses | Complete CAAHEP-accredited SBB program | ||
| Baccalaureate degree | MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification | 3 years FT BB laboratory experience | |
| Master’s degree† | 3 years FT BB laboratory experience | ||
| Doctorate degree† | 2 years post-doctural fellowship in BB OR 2 years FT BB laboratory experience | ||
| Baccalaureate degree | MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification | 3 years as FT BB educator‡ | |
| Master’s degree† | 3 years as FT BB educator‡ | ||
| Doctorate degree† | MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification | 1 year FT BB laboratory experience OR 1 year FT BB research experience |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; FT = full-time; BB = blood banking; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking.
Abbreviated information. Details available from
Degree in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or related field.
Educator in college/university or acceptable laboratory.
Byrne et al.4 published an overview of the organization and design of the 16 CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs in existence in the United States in 2010 (Fig. 1A). At that time, programs delivered instruction either face-to-face or online but not both, and only five programs offered part-time enrollment (Fig. 2A).4 Since 2010, and more recently after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020, the majority of programs offer online-only instruction or online combined with face-to-face instruction (hybrid), and many offer enrollment for working professionals. Current SBB program locations and modes of education are presented in Figures 1B and 2B.
Fig. 1A
Location of CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs in the United States in 2009.
Fig. 1B
Location of CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs in the United States in 2023.
Fig. 2.
Comparison of modes of education in CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs in the United States in 2009 and 2023. CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking.
Staffing shortages in health care5 and specifically among clinical laboratory staff6 are well appreciated. Though an aging workforce and burnout are significant factors contributing to the high vacancy rate, another is the lack of knowledge about certification programs for medical laboratory scientists and the shrinking number of such programs. With regard to SBB programs, CAAHEP7 and the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB)1 only provide directories with individual SBB program descriptions. Hence, a more up-to-date understanding and analysis of the current status of SBB programs in the United States is needed.
A survey of SBB programs in the United States was conducted in 2023. The survey questions were designed to query both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the programs, such as program location, length, design, and cost; instructional modality, contact information, available resources and clinical affiliates; admission and graduation requirements; and SBB certification pass rates. The survey was sent to SBB program coordinators, completed, and returned within 2 months. The data were tabulated for comparison of current program status as well as analyzed for changes over time. Data were queried from the ASCP for comparative purposes (Table 2).8
Pass rates for the ASCP SBB certification examination*
| First-time CAAHEP | First-time non-CAAHEP | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total pass |
Pass rate (%) | Total pass ( |
Pass rate (%) | Total examinations ( |
Total passes for year ( |
Total pass rate (%) | |
| 2013 | 62 | 84 | NP | NP | 173 | 94 | 54 |
| 2014 | 53 | 79 | NP | NP | 153 | 79 | 52 |
| 2015 | 47 | 63 | NP | NP | 164 | 77 | 47 |
| 2016 | 46 | 79 | NP | NP | 166 | 76 | 46 |
| 2017 | 32 | 68 | NP | NP | 170 | 70 | 41 |
| 2018 | 41 | 62 | NP | NP | 174 | 84 | 48 |
| 2019 | 52 | 68 | NP | NP | 174 | 92 | 53 |
| 2020 | 53 | 74 | NP | NP | 143 | 79 | 55 |
| 2021 | 58 | 73 | NP | NP | 179 | 99 | 55 |
| 2022 | 51 | 70 | NP | NP | 185 | 88 | 48 |
ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; NP = not published.
Data available from
The survey results are summarized within this report (Table 3) with complete information on each of the current programs provided in Exhibits 1–12. The number of CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs in the United States has declined from 16 in 2009 to 12 in 2023 (Fig. 1A and B). Six programs based in Ohio, Indiana, and California became inactive, and two programs in Florida and Louisiana became accredited. Besides gaining or losing accreditation, programs may have changed in approved number of students. Class sizes range from a single student to 25 students. The American Red Cross program has experienced the most growth, expanding from an annual class of 6 in 2010 to a class of 12 in 2022, with plans for future student increases.
Summary of demographics and statistics of Specialist in Blood Banking programs in the United States*
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN† | Bethesda, MD | San Antonio, TX | Baltimore, MD | Shreveport, LA | Gainesville, FL | Bethesda, MD | St. Petersburg, FL | Chicago, IL | New Orleans, LA | Galveston, TX | Milwaukee, WI | |
| Certificate | Certificate/MS | Certificate | Certificate | Certificate | Certificate | Certificate | Certificate | Certificate/MS | Certificate | Certificate | Certificate/MSTM* | |
| Hybrid | In-person | Remote | In-person | Remote (on-site orientation) | Remote | Hybrid | Remote | Remote | Remote | Remote (on-site orientation) | Hybrid | |
| Full-time§ |
Full-time§ | Working professional¶ | Full-time§ | Full-time§ |
Working professional¶ | Full-time§ | Working professional¶ | Full-time§ |
Working professional¶ | Working professional¶ | Full-time§ |
|
| CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | CAAHEP | |
| 4 | 2 | 5 | 3-5 | 6 | 3 | >10 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 3 | |
| 12 months | 12-18 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 or 24 months | 12 months | 12 months | 18–28 months | |
| September | July | May | September | May | June | July | May | September | October | May | August | |
| March 1-June 1 | May of the previous year | December-January | Deadline November 30 | July 1-December 15 | Anytime, midApril application deadline | Applications are welcome throughout the year | January–February | October–July | Deadline February 28; will accept applications until July 31 if class size has not reached capacity | July 1–March 1 | January 1–April 1 | |
| 10-20 | Average 6 | Maximum 5 | Maximum 3 | No maximum | Up to 5 | 1–3 | 6 | 18–24 | 4–12 | Maximum 25 | 4 | |
| Offered to select American Red Cross and academic partner employees throughout the United States at no cost, if employer post-graduation employment commitments are met | No tuition for the SBB certificate |
$5000/year |
No tuition | $6000 |
$6000; students responsible for travel expenses; no charge to employees with a 1-year commitment to work for LifeSouth as an SBB | No charge to employees | $50 application fee $6000 tuition | Approximately $16,000 for all students. | $6000 tuition Employees of LCMC Health facilities receive exemption of $3000 after successful completion of the program | Texas residents: approximately $9600 |
Installments over five semesters, minimum of $1232/semester Fees reviewed annually; subject to change | |
| None | Regular military service pay | None | Students are paid as employees | None | None | Students work part-time in transfusion services laboratory | None | None | None | None | None | |
| 89% (25/28 graduates) | 97% | 92% (11/12 graduates) | 89% (8/9 graduates) | 74% | 71% |
90% (9/10 graduates) | 77% | 70% | 88% | 94% | 89% | |
| Marvin (Marty) Moore, |
William L. Turcan, MLS(ASCP)SBB | Ronny Fryar, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB | Lorraine Blagg, MA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBB | Katrina Billingsley, MSTM, MLS(ASCP) SBB | (8/9 graduates) |
Karen M. Byrne, MDE, MLS(ASCP) SBB | Julie Laureano, MLS(ASCP)CM SBBCM | Laurie Gillard, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB | Leslie Granier, MT(ASCP)SBB | LeeAnn Walker, MEd, MLS(ASCP) SBB | Natasha (Tasha) Leon, MLS(ASCP) SBBCM |
LCMC = Louisiana Children’s Medical Center; MS = Master of Science; MSTM = Master of Science in Transfusion Medicine; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; UH = University Health; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Data compiled February 2023.
St. Paul, MN, is headquarters; there are 11 satelite locations in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Through Marquette University.
Full-time/part-time = student works in his or her transfusion service department, either part-time or full-time, and is enrolled in the on-site SBB program.
Working professional = student works in any transfusion service department/immunohematology reference laboratory and is enrolled in an online SBB program.
| Headquarters: St. Paul, MN Satellite locations: Baltimore, MD; Cleveland, OH; Douglassville, GA; Nashville, TN; Norfolk, VA; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Richmond, VA; Roanoke, VA; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Louis, MO | |
| American Red Cross Blood Services | |
| In-person program existed from 2006-2018 which was then transformed to a hybrid program in 2019 | |
| Certificate | |
| Hybrid | |
| Full-time, working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 4 | |
| 12 months | |
| September | |
| March 1-June 1 | |
| 10-20 | |
| The program is offered to select American Red Cross and academic partner employees throughout the United States at no cost, if employer post-graduation employment commitments are met. | |
| None | |
| 89% (25/28 graduates) | |
|
Current employee of the American Red Cross or one of its academic partners in select locations A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in clinical laboratory, biological, or related science MT, MLS, or BB certification ≥ 2 years of full-time blood banking experience (preferred) U.S. citizen |
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Learner guides Clinical rotations Research project Professional development activities Hybrid program that includes 22 directed and self-study learner guides, on-line lectures, 12 clinical rotations (6 in-person and 6 virtual), a required research project (proposal, submission/approval by IRB, execution, written paper, and presentation), and monthly professional development activities Students supported by their selected mentors and local leadership and by program staff in the form of weekly office hours and monthly group meetings Attendance and participation at scheduled learning events is mandatory; however, program staff take every opportunity to be flexible with working professional students when scheduling learning events. |
|
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SUCCESS® library of recorded lectures Live learning events every 2 weeks Access to PubMed literature by article/by request |
|
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Currently available at 10 ARCBS regional facilities located throughout the United States Each ARCBS program facility partners with an academic medical center in their region to provide a comprehensive educational experience for the students. Additional locations may be onboarded in the future. |
|
| Yearout S, Smith A, Keller J, Keller MA. Novel KEL allele associated with loss of Kpb antigen identified in a white blood donor. Immunohematology 2022;38:51-4. DOI: 10.21307/immunohematology-2022-041. | |
| Development and incorporation of virtual rotations and creative solutions to such | |
| Applications only accepted from participating American Red Cross sites and their respective hospital partners | |
| David Mair, MD | |
| Marvin (Marty) Moore, MHA, MLSCM(ASCP)SBBCM | |
| Michelle Lodermeier, MBA, MLSCM(ASCP)SBBCM | |
| 404-234-5199 | |
| Marvin (Marty) Moore, MHA, MLSCM(ASCP)SBBCM |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; MT = medical technologist; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; BB = Technologist in Blood Banking; ARCBS = American Red Cross Blood Services; IRB = institutional review board; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
| Bethesda, MD | |
| Walter Reed National Military Medical Center | |
| 1958 | |
| Certificate/MS | |
| In-person | |
| Full-time | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 2 | |
| 12-18 months | |
| July | |
| May of the previous year | |
| Average 6 | |
|
No tuition for the SBB certificate Tuition for George Washington University MS courses |
|
| Regular military service pay | |
| 97% | |
|
BS degree MLS certification Active-duty U.S. military member | |
|
Lectures Clinical rotations Research project Military-specific training |
|
| Walter Reed Bethesda and George Washington University libraries | |
| None | |
| N/A | |
| None | |
| Open only to active-duty U.S. military members | |
| Dr. James O. Long | |
| William L. Turcan, MLS(ASCP)SBB | |
| William L. Turcan, MLS(ASCP)SBB | |
| 301-295-8605 | |
| William L. Turcan, MLS(ASCP)SBB |
MS = Master of Science; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; BS = Bachelor of Science; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; N/A = not applicable; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
| San Antonio, TX | |
| BioBridge Global and University Health | |
| 2018 | |
| Certificate | |
| Remote | |
| Working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 5 | |
| 12 months | |
| May | |
| December-January | |
| Maximum 5 | |
| $5000/year, discount for BBG and UH employees | |
| None | |
| 92% (11/12 graduates) | |
|
BS in clinical laboratory sciences, biology, chemistry, or related field Minimum of 2 years post-baccalaureate full-time experience in transfusion services, blood donor services, or an IRL |
|
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Lectures Rotations Projects Professional development Participation Courses include homework, quizzes, and examinations; a student must maintain ?80% grade for each course and is required to have ?80% score on the comprehensive final exam. Clinical rotations, a student research project, and a journal presentation are required. |
|
| Excellent location for clinical rotations (level 1 trauma center, IRL, HLA laboratory, blood donor centers) and several board-certified TM pathologists | |
| None provided | |
| None provided | |
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, MD | |
| Ronny Fryar, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB | |
| Jose Quesada, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB | |
| Ronny Fryar, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB: 210-358-2812 |
|
| Ronny Fryar, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; BBG = BioBridge Global; UH = University Health; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; BS = Bachelor of Science; IRL = immunohematology reference laboratory; HLA = human leukocyte antigen; TM = transfusion medicine; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; N/A = not applicable.
| Baltimore, MD | |
| Johns Hopkins Medicine | |
| 1971 | |
| Certificate | |
| In-person | |
| Full-time | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 3–5 | |
| 12 months | |
| September | |
| Deadline November 30 | |
| Maximum 3 | |
| No tuition | |
| Students paid as employees | |
| 89% (8/9 graduates) | |
|
BS degree with a minimum of:
16 credit hours of biology 16 credit hours of chemistry 3 credit hours of math MLS, MT, or BB certified Minimum GPA: 2.5 (3.0 preferred) 2 years full-time blood bank experience preferred by program start date; candidates with ?1 year full-time experience in a tertiary medical center transfusion service or blood bank with greater than 400 inpatient beds who have performed specialized immunohematology serologic testing will be considered. Students must work 40 hours per week during the program; students are to start employment at least 90 days before the program start date; 120 days is preferred. |
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Students participate in didactics, discussions, and clinical rotations Students to complete exams with scores ?80%, present journal articles and patient cases, and prepare a research project |
|
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Laboratory resources Textbooks Learning management system |
|
| Johns Hopkins Health System and the American Red Cross | |
|
Buban KR, Lawrence CE, Zhu XJ, et al. Algorithm-based selection of automated red blood cell exchange procedure goals reduces blood utilization in chronically transfused adults with sickle cell disease. J Clin Apher 2022;37:1–8. doi: 10.1002/jca.22004. Blagg LN, Hruban RH, Gehrie EA. A department-sponsored, hospital-based pathology education symposium is a cost-effective method to provide laboratory staff with highly rated continuing education experiences. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021;145:231–39. doi:10.5858/arpa.2019-0694-EP. Haddaway K, Bloch EM, Tobian AA, et al. Hemostatic properties of cold-stored whole blood leukoreduced using a platelet-sparing versus a non–platelet-sparing filter. Transfusion 2019;59:1809–17. doi: 10.1111/trf.15159. Erony SM, Marshall CE, Gehrie EA, et al. The epidemiology of bacterial culture–positive and septic transfusion reactions at a large tertiary academic center: 2009 to 2016. Transfusion 2018;58:1933–39. doi: 10.1111/trf.14789. Lokhandwala PM, O’Neal A, Patel EU, et al. Hemostatic profile and safety of pooled cryoprecipitate up to 120 hours after thawing. Transfusion 2018;58:1126–31. doi: 10.1111/trf.14550. |
|
| N/A | |
| Applications accepted from all qualified individuals; eligibility for employment required | |
| Elizabeth Crowe, MD, PhD | |
| Lorraine Blagg, MA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBB | |
| Kathy Haddaway, MLS(ASCP)CMSBB | |
| Lorraine Blagg, MA, MLS(ASCP)CMSBB |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; BS = Bachelor of Science; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; MT = medical technologist; BB = Technologist in Blood Banking; GPA = grade point average; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; N/A = not applicable.
| Shreveport, LA | |
| LifeShare Blood Center | |
| 2016 | |
| Certificate | |
| Remote (on-site orientation) | |
| Full-time, working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 6 | |
| 12 months | |
| May | |
| July 1-December 15 | |
| No maximum | |
| $6000; students responsible for travel expenses | |
| None | |
| 74% | |
|
Degree: BA/BS with required science/math Experience: 2 years GPA/exam scores: GPA >3.0 preferred; lower GPA may be considered Residency/employer requirements: none |
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Lectures Rotations Professional development tasks Research project Education project |
|
| UTMB Moody Medical Library | |
| UTMB | |
|
11 graduates reported publication of abstracts or papers 3 graduates have presented nationally 4 graduates are serving on industry committees at the national level 4 graduates have become AABB assessors or MLS educators Graduates awarded the SCABB Sol Haberman Scholarship Award in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 |
|
| Addition of multiple virtual practicums to replace or augment in-person rotations | |
| None | |
| Tim G. Peterson, MD, FCAP | |
| Katrina Billingsley, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBB | |
| Kaitlyn Taylor, SBB(ASCP) | |
| 318-673-1463 | |
| Katrina Billingsley, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBB |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; BA = Bachelor of Arts; BS = Bachelor of Science; GPA = grade point average; UTMB = University of Texas Medical Branch; AABB = Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; SCABB = South Carolina Association of Blood Banks; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
| Gainesville, FL | |
| LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Inc. | |
| 2020 | |
| Certificate | |
| Remote | |
| Working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 3 | |
| 12 months | |
| June | |
| Anytime, mid-April application deadline | |
| Up to 5 | |
| $6000; students responsible for travel expenses; no charge to employees with a 1-year commitment to work for LifeSouth as an SBB | |
| None | |
| 71% (5/7 graduates) | |
|
National accreditation as an MT in immunohematology At least 3 years of full-time clinical experience in a blood bank in an accredited laboratory within the last 5 years; 3 years of experience acquired after completion of a baccalaureate degree |
|
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Maintain an average of ?75% for exams of the six courses in the program and achieve an average of ?75% for the midterm and final exams. Complete clinical, technical, and administrative rotations as assigned. |
|
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Access to content and medical library resources via Blackboard Access to three IRLs (two accredited IRLs), and HLA, molecular, QC, and stem cell-processing laboratories
Laboratories directed by three board-certified, blood banking/transfusion medicine pathologists Laboratories staffed by 10 SBBs and 40 MTs Group and individual communication via Slack Review/discussion meetings via ZOOM (at least monthly) |
|
| UF Health Shands Hospital, Blood Bank/Transfusion Services | |
| None provided | |
| Increased the number of virtual content options | |
| Faculty members with current working experience as medical director, technical director, and QA coordinator as well as experience teaching blood banking. | |
| Christopher M. Lough, MD | |
| Christopher M. Lough, MD | |
| Guillermo (Bill) Martinez, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB, LSSBB (ASQ) | |
| Guillermo (Bill) Martinez, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB, LSSBB (ASQ) |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; MT = medical technologist; IRLs = immunohematology reference laboratories; HLA = human leukocyte antigen; QC = quality control; UF = University of Florida; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; QA = quality assurance.
| Bethesda, MD | |
| National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine | |
| Instituted in 1966; program appeared as accredited in the AMA directory in 1973 | |
| Certificate | |
| Hybrid | |
| Full-time | |
| CAAHEP | |
| >10 | |
| 12 months | |
| July | |
| Applications welcome throughout the year | |
| 1-3 | |
| No charge to employees | |
| Students work part-time in transfusion services laboratory | |
| 90% (9/10 graduates) | |
|
U.S. citizenship required Education: baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university including biological science, chemistry, and mathematics courses Experience: ?2 years full-time blood banking experience |
|
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Attendance: required (three excused) Didactics: >75% on examinations, complete homework, participate in Journal Club Clinical rotations: attendance required, completion of post-rotation questions, and satisfactory instructor evaluation Student project: choose, conduct, report progress, write, and present |
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NIH Library Government-issued laptop AABB Technical Manual and Standards AABB eCasts |
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ARCBS, Philadelphia, PA Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, VA |
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Remley VA, Collins A, Underwood S, et al. Optimizing a fully automated and closed-system process for red blood cell reduction of human bone marrow products. Cytotherapy 2023;25:442-50. Byrne KM, Collins AA, Seifu R, Paige TD, Flegel WA. Using social media to recruit for a face-to-face Specialist in Blood Bank (SBB) Technology program. Immunohematology 2022;38:62-3. Byrne KM, Paige TD, Flegel WA. An outcome-based review of an accredited Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) program: 25 years and counting. Immunohematology 2020;36:7-13. Tynuv M, Flegel WA. Quality improvement with platelet additive solution for safer out-of-group platelet transfusions. Immunohematology 2019;35:108-15. Byrne KM, Mercado CMC, Nnabue TN, Paige TD, Flegel WA. Inhibition of blood group antibodies by soluble substances. Immunohematology 2019;35:19-22. Lodermeier MA, Byrne KM, Flegel WA. Red blood cell sedimentation of apheresis granulocytes. Transfusion 2017;57:2551-2. |
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| Lecturers may opt to present lectures via WebEx: student and presenter not in same location (hybrid/synchronous) | |
|
No cost is associated with this 1-year certificate program. Students are employees of the transfusion service laboratory. Affordable housing may be available from https://faes.org/housing. |
|
| Willy (Bill) A. Flegel, MD; since 2009 | |
| Traci D. Paige, MLS(ASCP)SBB; since 2017 | |
| Karen M. Byrne, MDE, MLS(ASCP)SBB; since 1995 | |
| 301-496-8335 | |
| Karen M. Byrne, MDE, MLS(ASCP)SBB |
NIH = National Institutes of Health; CC = Clinical Center; DTM = Department of Transfusion Medicine; AMA = American Medical Association; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; AABB = Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies; ARCBS = American Red Cross Biomedical Services; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
| St. Petersburg, FL | |
| OneBlood, Inc. | |
| 2020 | |
| Certificate | |
| Remote | |
| Working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 2 | |
| 12 months | |
| May | |
| January–February | |
| 6 | |
| $50 application fee, $6000 tuition | |
| None | |
| 77% | |
|
Baccalaureate degree from accredited college/university including 24 semester hours of biological sciences and chemistry MT(ASCP), MLS(ASCP), or BB(ASCP) certification ≥ 2 years of full-time hospital transfusion service, reference laboratory, or blood bank experience Undergraduate GPA 3.0 (preferred) U.S. citizenship or eligible to work in the United States |
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7 courses, maintaining ≥70% average 12 clinical practicums 7 professional development tasks Research abstract |
|
| University of Texas Medical Branch library | |
| None | |
| Three abstracts accepted at SCABB and AABB annual meetings:
J Laureano – Ultrasensitive ELISA for the detection of immunoglobulin A-deficient blood donors K Stein – Reducing STAT turnaround time and potential cost savings using lean six sigma methods M Prieto – An enzyme-linked antiglobulin test for D antigen screening using microplate and an automated process |
|
| None | |
| None | |
| Richard Gammon, MD | |
| Wyenona “Nonie” Hicks, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB | |
| Julie Laureano, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM | |
| Julie Laureano, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; MT = medical technologist; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; BB = Technologist in Blood Banking; GPA = grade point average; SCABB = South Carolina Association of Blood Banks; AABB = Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
| Chicago, IL | |
| Rush University Medical Center | |
| 2007 | |
| Certificate/MS | |
| Remote | |
| Full-time/part-time, working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 5 | |
| 12 or 24 months | |
| September | |
| October-July | |
| 18-24 | |
| Approximately $16,000 for all students | |
| None | |
| 70% | |
|
Baccalaureate degree or U.S. equivalent (after transcript evaluation by WES or ECE) GPA 3.0 preferred but not required 2 years full-time blood bank/transfusion service experience preferred; 1 year full-time experience required Employer verification of clinical experience in the blood bank or transfusion service |
|
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All curriculum mapped to the CAAHEP SBBT/TM Standards and Guidelines as well as the ASCP SBB Exam Content Outline Guideline Students attend the program asynchronously. No specific required time for lectures, projects, attendance, and participation Required participation; weekly due dates for all assignments, quizzes, case studies, and discussion boards Recorded lectures for students; faculty contact with students through frequent announcements and feedback on assignments, case studies, exams, and quizzes |
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Rush University Library and Archives: comprehensive collection of printed materials with access to over 9200 full-text electronic journals, 115 databases, and 8200 electronic books Center for Clinical Wellness: network of on-site and virtual tools and provides free counseling, coaching, and other services to Rush students Center for Academic Excellence: holistic, targeted learning support for Rush University students; provided services range from support in science, statistics, and writing to academic coaching Center for Innovative and Lifelong Learning: innovative, cutting-edge, research-based, and expert-driven continuing education; all Rush students have access to these courses; many are free to Rush students |
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| Many; contact program director for specific locations | |
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Hukill M. An adjusted process to improve efficiency and efficacy of adsorption procedures to resolve warm autoantibody cases. Lab Med 2022;54:e85-90. Gillard L, Royeen C. Promoting global health through improved blood collections and transfusion practices: a pilot project between Rush University and University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda; November 2021. Caudill J, Gillard L. HDFN resulting from anti-U: alternatives to allogeneic intrauterine transfusion. Lab Med 2022;53:79-82. Matthew Hukill, a recent graduate, was the recipient of the 2021 AABB Future Leader, Specialty in Blood Banking Scholarship Award. |
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| Beginning in 2021, as a global health initiative, the Rush University SBB program began a collaboration with the UGHE, Rwanda, Africa, to provide education to their selected candidates for 3 years. In 2023, the Rush faculty will assist UGHE in the creation of a distance blood banking program to benefit sub-Saharan countries, ultimately impacting donor and patient transfusion safety throughout Africa. | |
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The mission of the Rush SBB program is to provide advanced blood banking and transfusion education to all qualified applicants. The applicants must have the required degree and experience; GPA is not a deciding factor. All interested individuals are encouraged to contact the program director with any questions regarding admissions. |
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| Mark Pool, MD | |
| Laurie Gillard, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB | |
| Laurie Gillard, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB | |
| Laurie Gillard, MS, MLS(ASCP)SBB(ASCP) |
MS = Master of Science; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; WES = World Education Services; ECE = Educational Credential Evaluators; GPA = grade point average; SBBT = Specialist in Blood Banking technology; TM = transfusion medicine; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; UGHE = University of Global Health Equity.
| New Orleans, LA | |
| University Medical Center New Orleans | |
| 2016 (distance); previously on-site began in 1974 | |
| Certificate | |
| Remote | |
| Working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 10 | |
| 12 months | |
| October | |
| Deadline February 28; accept applications until July 31 if class size has not reached capacity | |
| 4–12 | |
| $6000 tuition; exemption of $3000 to LCMC Health employees after successful completion of the program | |
| None | |
| 88% | |
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MT/MLS(ASCP)/BB(ASCP) certification or equivalent A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for math and sciences ≥ 2 years full-time equivalence experience in a hospital transfusion service or donor center Citizenship or legal residency in the United States Other students considered on a case-by-case basis |
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Lectures Rotations Projects Professional development Attendance Participation Passing all written exams and quizzes with a minimum composite score of 80% per course as well as passing all practical exams, completing rotation checklists, presenting at a journal club, and completing a research project with accompanying paper suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal |
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| Availability of textbooks for student use | |
| Locations chosen by student near his or her geographic location | |
| Completion of a scientific paper with the expectation it will be publishable | |
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Since COVID-19, some clinical rotations conducted virtually Online orientation in 2021; now on site |
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| Students of any race, color, creed, sex, age, disabling conditions (handicaps), and national origin welcomed | |
| Shaun Lawicki, MBBS | |
| Sharon Stradley, MT(ASCP)SBB | |
| Leslie Granier, MT(ASCP)SBB | |
| 504-702-3482 | |
| Leslie Granier, MT(ASCP)SBB |
CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; LCMC = Louisiana Children’s Medical Center; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; MT = medical technologist; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; BB = Technologist in Blood Banking; GPA = grade point average; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
| Galveston, TX | |
| University of Texas Medical Branch | |
| 1955 | |
| Certificate | |
| Remote (on-site orientation) | |
| Working professional | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 4 | |
| 12 months | |
| May | |
| July 1-March 1 | |
| Maximum 25 | |
| Texas residents: approximately $9600; non-residents: approximately $18,500 | |
| None | |
| 94% | |
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BS degree in appropriate science field Minimum 2.75 GPA Current employment in some aspect of blood banking ≥2 years full-time post-baccalaureate experience relevant to immunohematology in an accredited facility Ability to be on-campus in Galveston for orientation week in late April |
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Lectures Practicums Projects Professional development Participation in synchronous sessions Attendance at orientation week in late April |
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| Library, Student Success Center | |
| American Red Cross facilities | |
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Blake DE, Crews WS, Wortman S, Walker L, Burnett-Greenup S. Implementation of a molecular genotyping protocol for patients with warm autoantibodies. Transfusion 2023; in press. Munyikwa R, Walker L, Rajendran R. Improvement in platelet product wastage and reduction of costs through implementation of the Pan Genera Detection Test. Lab Med 2023;54:287-90; https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmac111. Wafford TR, Walker LP. Prevalence of Rh, Kell, Kidd, Duffy and MNS antigens in the Hispanic donor population of South Texas. Immunohematology 2022;38:43-50. SBB and MSTM graduates have presented 26 abstracts at national and regional meetings since 2016. Sydney Klausing, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBB: AABB Future Leader’s Award (2023); Erin Westby, MLS(ASCP)SBB: AABB Future Leader’s Award (2020); SCABB Sol Haberman Scholarship Award (2019) The UTMB SBB Program received the ASCP Program Director Education Grant in 2016 and 2023. |
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| Addition of several virtual clinical practicums and interactive educational activities | |
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Grants 19 graduate credits for the SBB courses Can be combined with the MSTM degree program Fully on-line, distance education program; students are required to be on campus for the 1-week orientation at the beginning of the program Since the program grants graduate credits, students are eligible for tuition reimbursement from many employers. Students can also apply for UTMB scholarships, with many students receiving funds each year. |
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| Christopher Lough, MD | |
| LeeAnn Walker, MEd, MLS(ASCP)SBB | |
| N/A | |
| 409-772-3055 | |
| LeeAnn Walker, MEd, MLS(ASCP)SBB |
UTMB = University of Texas Medical Branch; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; BS = Technologist in Blood Banking; GPA = grade point average; MSTM = Master of Science in Transfusion Medicine; AABB = Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies; SCABB = South Carolina Association of Blood Banks; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; N/A = not applicable.
| Milwaukee, WI | |
| Versiti | |
| 1965 | |
| Certificate/MSTM | |
| Hybrid | |
| Full-time, part-time | |
| CAAHEP | |
| 3 | |
| 18–28 months | |
| August | |
| January 1–April 1 | |
| 4 | |
| Installments over five semesters, minimum of $1232/semester; fees reviewed annually and subject to change | |
| None | |
| 89% (8/9 graduates) | |
| Applicants must meet the following ASCP BOC requirements for SBB certification: | |
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1 year of full-time clinical laboratory experience with an emphasis/interest in blood banking preferred One of the following two options:
MLS or BB (ASCP) certification and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university Baccalaureate degree from an accelerated college/university with a major in a biological or physical science |
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Lectures Professional development Wet workshop Host/coordinate a Versiti blood drive Minimum acceptable grade average for courses is 80%; minimum passing score for virtual practicals is 85%; minimum passing score for the final written exam is 80%. Rotations Attendance Journal Club Projects in Progress (PIP) Projects Participation Abstract development and presentation at a state blood bank meeting |
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Recognized researchers, lecturers, and educators In-person mentors Flexible clinical scheduling at Versiti Blood Centers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan Guaranteed clinical placement Structured, yet self-paced program with virtual and in-person learning over the course of five semesters Research practicum under the guidance of a mentor Create, develop, prepare samples, and deliver hands-on workshops for working medical laboratory scientists |
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Advocate Aurora Health: St. Luke’s Froedtert Hospital Northwestern Medical Center: Chicago Children’s Wisconsin Marshfield Clinic Health System: Marshfield |
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Karafin MS, Schumacher C, Zhang J, Simpson P, Johnson ST, Pierce KL. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-incompatible mean fluorescence intensity-selected platelet products have corrected count increments similar to HLA antigen-matched platelets. Transfusion 2021;61:2307–16. doi: 10.1111/trf.16430. Epub 2021 June 1. PMID: 34075590. 2022 Poster Presentation: Crystal Theiler, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, Weak and partial D phenotyping: a comparison study between molecular and serologic results. Transfusion 2002;62(S2):I–IV, 1A–291A. 2020 AABB Future Leaders Award: Connie Schumacher, MLS(ASCP)SBBCM, Corrected count increments associated with the transfusion of partially matched platelets transfused in the presence of donor specific antibodies are comparable to HLA-matched platelets. 2021 AABB Future Leaders Award: Jennifer Herring, BS, SBB(ASCP)CM, CHT(ABHI), Laboratory developed lectins using kodecyte technology Tn control cells. 2022 AABB Future Leaders Award: Teri D. Kopish, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM, Comparing warm autoantibody reactivity to number of adsorptions. |
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| Program changes minimal; some non-laboratory rotations moved to/have a virtual option | |
| Versiti’s SBB program is not an online program; weekly lectures can be attended remotely. Weekly lecture series during the student’s first year (September–August) Lectures generally not recorded; must be attended live (online via Zoom or in person at a Versiti blood center) 9:00 Lasts five semesters, beginning in the fall; students register for “fall” and “spring” courses, curriculum; exams and rotations conducted year-round Select clinical experiences at any of the Versiti Blood Centers (WI, IL, IN, MI) |
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| Sue Johnson, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBBCM | |
| Natasha Leon, MLS(ASCP)SBBCM | |
| 414-937-6412 | |
| Natasha Leon, MLS(ASCP)SBBCM |
MSTM = Master of Science in Transfusion Medicine; CAAHEP = Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; ASCP = American Society for Clinical Pathology; SBB = Specialist in Blood Banking; BOC = Board of Certification; MLS = medical laboratory scientist; BB = Technologist in Blood Banking; AABB = Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.
CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs are currently concentrated in the midwestern, south central, and north-eastern areas of the United States. (Fig. 1B). The locale is no longer as relevant as it once was, with only one program fully in-person and most programs fully remote (Fig. 2B). Five (41.6%) programs are linked to employment, with either institutional employees eligible to apply to the program, such as the American Red Cross and Armed Services (40%), or enrollment in the program is linked to employment, such as National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) (40%), or enrollees commit to working for the institution for a period of time after completing the program and becoming certified, such as LifeSouth (20%).
All CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs require full-time participation in the program; however, scheduling varies. Students either already work part- or full-time in their institution and are enrolled in their onsite SBB program, such as Armed Services, JHH, NIH, and Versiti, or students may be working in a transfusion service or IRL and are enrolled in an online SBB program, such as BioBridge Global/University Health; LifeSouth; OneBlood, Inc.; University Medical Center, New Orleans Louisiana Children’s Medical Center (LCMC) Health; or the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). LifeShare and Rush have combination programs whereby the students work at the site while participating in the online SBB program. The American Red Cross program differs by being a hybrid program which offers guided self-study, online lectures, and 12 clinical rotations (6 in-person and 6 virtual) to American Red Cross students and to students at affiliated academic partners. For the six in-person clinical rotations, American Red Cross employees either already work at or travel to one of the 11 satellite locations, and students at an affiliated partner may complete the rotation at their hospital or travel to a satellite location. Rush and Versiti programs offer part-time participation requiring a longer enrollment period.
Eight (75%) programs charge tuition, ranging from $5000 to $18,500, while four (25%) programs are offered at no cost, based on students being hired and paid as employees, students who are already full-time employees of the institution sponsoring the program, or students who commit to working at the institution sponsoring the program for at least 1 year after graduation.
Many CAAHEP-accredited SBB programs partner with other facilities. Blood center-based programs partner with hospitals, and hospital-based programs partner with blood centers to ensure students have exposure to all aspects of transfusion medicine. UTMB, a university-based program, also partners with other facilities to provide students with their clinical experience. One program (Armed Services) does not partner with other sites/centers.
Annual reports are provided by accredited SBB programs. These reports provide an update on program design, as well as include metrics such as graduation rate, SBB certification examination pass rate, job placement, and SBB student/graduate publications/awards. A potential student or employer may seek answers to the following questions:
Which program is the best “fit” to prepare an individual for the SBB examination? What are the chances that an individual passes the SBB exam without attending a CAAHEP-accredited program? What benefit is there in taking the SBB certification exam?
The survey succeeded in providing detailed comparison of accredited programs. The majority of programs have adapted to hold lectures remote or hybrid. Meeting requirements for wet-bench training is more difficult to accomplish remotely. Programs and national organizations should investigate the use of virtual reality to augment or replace face-to-face training. Various metrics, such as graduation or exam pass rates are collected. However, individual program numbers are small and may be difficult to compare.
Certain data are published on a national collective. The first-time SBB examination pass rate for individuals completing a CAAHEP-accredited program ranged from 62 to 70 percent between 2018 and 2022 (Table 2).8 Unfortunately, there are no published data available to compare pass rates for first-time exam takers from examinees who completed a CAAHEP-accredited program versus pass rates from those who took the non–CAAHEP-accredited program route. These data may be helpful in program design and student decision-making when assessing the questions previously stated.
The pathways for meeting examination eligibility requirements have changed over the years. For example, only four approved pathways existed in 2009.4 Byrne et al.4 noted that individuals who completed a CAAHEP-accredited program (route 1) had a pass rate of 86 percent, while those who completed the non–CAAHEP-accredited program routes (routes 2–4) had a pass rate of 53 percent. However, the data from the CAAHEP-accredited program included only first-time examinees, while the data from non–CAAHEP-accredited program routes included first-time and repeat examinees.
Today, eligibility via a CAAHEP-accredited program (route 1) is still an option. However, six non–CAAHEP-accredited program routes (routes 2–7) are alternatively available to apply for the examination based on education, laboratory experience, and type of advanced degree.3 There are no published data distinguishing pass rates for first-time examinees between CAAHEP-accredited and non–CAAHEP-accredited program routes.
Garcia et al.9 noted in 2022 that the overall percentage of blood bank employees anticipated to retire in the next 5 years is 14.2 percent (20.4% highest reported) with a 13 percent staff retirement rate and a 24.3 percent supervisor retirement rate. While this rate is at its lowest level in 6 years, the number of SBB students enrolling in accredited programs will likely not be able to replace individuals retiring, particularly the retiring supervisors.
The lack of published data from national organizations and the anticipated inability to replace retiring SBB personnel does not bode well. National trade organizations, such as the ASCP and AABB, must be transparent while engaging and educating prospective job seekers, especially young people, about careers in laboratory medicine. And organizations such as hospitals and blood centers must provide a compelling argument that will inspire a young person to enter the field of laboratory medicine.
An employment or salary assessment was not performed as part of this survey. The only category of clinical medical laboratory scientist available in the
In conclusion, medical laboratory scientists and, in particular, SBBs are critical in their role as health care workers by providing test results, blood components, and other laboratory information that aid physicians in managing the transfusion needs of their patients. Patients are treated based on hospital testing, and laboratory testing is based on the knowledge of the laboratory staff who determine sample suitability, perform simple and complex testing, assess and interpret test results for accuracy and completeness before their release, and may manage an accredited hospital blood bank, IRL, or blood donor center.
Maintaining trained, knowledgeable medical laboratory scientists in our world of a decreasing workforce and an increasingly aging population adds additional layers of resistance to fulfilling these important roles. Knowledge of the available SBB programs and their suitability to each individual’s needs is paramount in moving this initiative forward.
Exhibits 1–12 providing details of the 2023 Specialist in Blood Banking programs in the United States follow on pages 110–133.