CLINICAL ROTATIONS
There are clinical rotations that must be completed in order to graduate from the program. Clinical rotations are an important part of the SBB experience and are designed to familiarize students with all aspects of transfusion medicine and blood center operations. It is rarely possible to complete all rotations in one location, and the student, with the help of their mentor, are responsible for locating and scheduling the rotations to meet their needs.
Virtual clinical rotations may be available through the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Web-Based User Group affiliation. Permission to complete a virtual rotation may be granted by the Program Director on a case-by-case basis.
Many of the rotations are observational only and can be completed within a relatively short time. Some rotations may be completed during the orientation at Blood Assurance, Inc. blood center in Chattanooga, TN if time allows.
The Immunohematology Reference Lab (IRL) and Transfusion Services rotations will require approximately 20 – 40 hours each to complete and include required hands-on activities. These 2 rotations are of primary importance for the SBB student experience & program completion. At the discretion of the Program Director, students currently working full time in a hospital transfusion service or IRL may request and be given credit for some checklist activities based on experience.