EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  1. United States (U.S.) citizenship or currently eligible to work in the U.S.
     

  2. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, biology, or a related science including 24 semester hours of biological science and chemistry.
     

  3. Undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0 preferred. Lower GPA scores will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
     

  4. MT(ASCP), MLS(ASCP), or BB(ASCP) certification.
     

  5. Minimum of three full years post-baccalaureate work experience relevant to an immunohematology area within an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
     

  6. Until the Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation Specialist in Blood Banking at Blood Assurance is accredited, applicants must qualify to take the ASCP SBB certification exam through Routes 2 – 7 as outlined in the ASCP Board of Certification Examination Eligibility Requirements. For more information on SBB Certification eligibility:  https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed#
     

  7. Selection of a qualified mentor (SBB or MD) who is willing to assist with answering questions, locating facilities for required clinical experience and monitoring student progress through the SBB training is required.
     

  8. Three professional references.

STUDENT SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants are evaluated without respect to race, ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic class, religion, gender, gender identity, age, and disability. Only the items listed above are used to evaluate applicants.

    1. Application for Admission Download Here

    2. Official transcripts of all applicable undergraduate and graduate coursework from all institutions attended.

    3. Certificate of completion of MT/MLS program, if not included in transcript.

    4. Official documentation of ASCP or other national certification.

    5. Current CV or resume.

    6. Personal Statement: applicant must submit an essay/personal statement, minimum 500 words, addressing the following:

      • What are your career goals and how will an SBB certification will help you achieve your goals?

      • What qualities do you have that will help you succeed in a distance-learning program?

      • How will you find time for studying, completing required rotations, and writing a research paper?

      • Describe the personal strengths that make you effective working in a team.

      • List honors, awards, and activities you have received or are involved in (include organizational memberships, publications, and presentations at seminars or meetings.)

    7. Applicant Experience Form Download Here

    8. Agreement for SBB Student Mentoring Form Download Here

    9. Mentor CV or resume showing experience and education.  

    10. Facility Information Form Download Here

    11. Technical Standards for Admission Form Download Here

    • May 1st: Application Deadline

    • June: Notification of admission to program

    • August: Orientation and Classes begin

EVALUATION PROCESS

The admissions process is designed to consider all aspects of an applicant’s academic record and personal experiences. The admissions review process tries to balance the subjective and objective components of the application. Admission officers can exercise flexibility and professional judgment in their reviews and decisions, but they also must apply consistent standards. Every evaluation retains a focus on academic achievement and the applicant’s overall potential for success during and after completion of the program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tuition for the 12-month, distance learning program is $6,000
 

Note: Residents of Virginia may be eligible for a scholarship from Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation.
 

For more information, contact:

Program Director: Vonya Drinnon, MT(ASCP)SBB at ctfsbb@bloodassurance.org