Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP)

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Program Overview

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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.

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (CP): Technical Standards

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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

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• 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 Education Credentials Evaluators 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

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• 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

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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.