Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 University Catalog 
    
2022-2023 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degree and Certificate Programs

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Program Overview


The online Specialist in Blood Bank, or SBB, Technology certificate program is intended to meet the needs of experienced medical laboratory scientists seeking advanced knowledge of immunohematology and its related disciplines. The SBB program is designed to prepare students for the SBB certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.

Mission Statement


Our mission is to prepare outstanding Specialist in Blood Bank Technology laboratory professionals who will have a spirit of inquiry, a commitment to lifelong learning and service, and who are dedicated to advance the quality and availability of safe blood donations and transfusions.

Vision Statement


The Specialist in Blood Bank Technology certificate program will provide a high-quality, distance-learning program for blood banking and transfusion medicine laboratory professions that is recognized among the best in the United States.

Student Learning Outcomes


At the completion of the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology program, the learner will be able to:

  • Develop and evaluate blood bank and transfusion service protocols and procedures, including molecular testing and advanced technologies
  • Incorporate current regulations and standards set by various agencies for blood banks and transfusion services into the daily operation of a clinical laboratory
  • Identify and apply the most current theoretical principles and serological methods to the practice, supervision and management of blood bank and transfusion services
  • Identify and resolve blood bank and transfusion questions, problems and clinical case studies through the application of theoretical principles and serological methods
  • Engage in scientific investigations, questions and problems through applied research and appropriate use of resources, such as literature review and internet searches
  • Apply basic finance and accounting principles to prepare and analyze budgets and cost justifications
  • Develop technical and supervisory competencies in immunohematology, blood component manufacturing and transfusion medicine
  • Function as managers, educators, researchers or technical consultants and work as part of the health care team in providing care to patients

Program Accreditation


The Rush University SBB certificate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or CAAHEP, upon the recommendation of the AABB Committee on Accreditation of Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Schools.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
mail@caahep.org

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Technical Standards


Rush University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will make the population of health care professionals representative of the national population.

Our core values-I CARE (innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence)-translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Rush actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful, accountable culture through our confidential and specialized disability support. Rush is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations.

The following technical functions are required of all students enrolled in the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology program:

Acquire information

  • Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in courses such as lecture, group, and physical demonstrations.
  • Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searches & data retrieval).
  • Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description, and credible websites.

Use and Interpret

  • Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers/procedures. Use and interpret information generated from diagnostic tools.

Motor

  • Possess psychomotor skills necessary to perform or assist with day-to-day responsibilities commensurate with the student’s discipline.
  • Practice in a safe manner and perform universal precautions against contamination.

Communication

  • Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families.
  • Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors, employees, other professionals and all members of the healthcare team during practicum, internship and/or other learning experiences.

Intellectual ability

  • Measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize data related to diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations.
  • Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the role of a Specialist in Blood Bank Technology.
  • Synthesize information, problem solve, and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment, management or treatment strategy.

Behavioral

  • Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances.
  • Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need.
  • Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to rapidly changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings.

Character

  • Demonstrate concern for others. Integrity, accountability, interest and motivation are necessary personal qualities.
  • Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the Rush University and Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Program Code of Ethics.


The technical standards delineated above must be met with or without accommodation. Students who, after review of the technical standards, determine they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs.

Given the clinical nature of our programs, time may be needed to implement the accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged. Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to learn more about accommodations at Rush University:

Marie Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Director, Office of Student Accessibility Services
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 901
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5237
Marie_Lusk@rush.edu

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Admissions Requirements


  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (The program will accept a BS/BA degree from a foreign institution for admission into the SBB program, with the following stipulations):
    • The foreign transcript must be evaluated by Educational Credentials Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES), and the evaluation must result in a determination that the student has earned a BS/ BA that is equivalent to a U.S. BS/BA
    • The applicant must satisfy the CHS policy for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, exam  
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
  • Documentation of MLS (ASCP), MT(ASCP) or CLS (NCA) certification
  • Two years of working experience in an accredited blood bank laboratory
  • For non-native English speakers: TOEFL scores to satisfy the College of Health Sciences’ policy on the TOEFL
  • Evaluation by the Educational Credential Evaluators of coursework completed at a non-U.S. college or university
  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended
  • Three reference letters
  • A phone interview

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Graduation Requirements


  • Completion of all required coursework with a grade-point average of 2.75 or better
  • Completion of all University requirements for graduation

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Curriculum


The SBB curriculum is a one-year program consisting of six courses. Students may complete the program in three terms, including a summer term. A part-time option is available.

The SBB curriculum consists of both online lecture/discussion and clinical experience components. Clinical experiences may be arranged at blood centers and hospitals near the student’s home. In some cases, the student’s place of employment may qualify. Students with prior clinical experience may be eligible to earn credit by proficiency based on a standardized departmental evaluation.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degree and Certificate Programs