Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About University Medical Center’s Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Program
Our Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBBBT) program offers students an exciting new opportunity to pursue a career in and learn more about cutting-edge technology that can improve lives. We have included answers to some frequently asked questions below. For those with questions or in search of additional information, please contact Leslie Granier, MT (ASCP) SBB at bbeducation@lcmchealth.org.
What role does my current work facility play?
Each SBB student’s employer must acknowledge and support the student’s application to the SBB program. The facility must complete a Memo of Understanding. Any changes in the facility will require a new mentor form and/or facility form.
What is a mentor? What qualifications must a mentor have? What are the mentor’s responsibilities?
The mentor plays a critical role in the success of the student in completing the SBBT program. They must be a SBB (ASCP), a Medical Director, or someone with extensive blood bank experience. Their role is to provide counseling and guidance to the student.
This guidance includes but is not limited to:
- Providing assistance to the student if the student has problems
- Communicating with the SBB Program Director if the student is having problems with the program
- Helping the student find facilities to provide clinical experience
- Providing expertise as an experienced role model in the field
Who selects my mentor?
You, the student, must select a mentor. The mentor must complete a Mentor Agreement and send in a CV and/or resume. Any changes in mentor will require a new mentor form.
What is clinical experience and what are some examples?
Clinical experience is acquired through work experience or rotations.
Work can include but is not limited to:
- Donor recruitment, collection, and testing
- Component preparation, labeling, and storage
- Transfusion service
- Reference laboratory
- HLA and molecular genetics
- HPC processing
- Quality assurance
- Management
- Education
Comprehensive checklists are provided for each clinical rotation which must be completed.
Must I complete all clinical experiences listed on the rotation checklist during my SBB program year even if I have prior experience?
If a student already has the required clinical experience, that particular clinical experience may be waived. The clinical rotation checklist for the experience must be approved and signed by your mentor or by the management of your facility.
How will I obtain the necessary clinical experience?
You can acquire some experience at your present place of employment. However, if the required experience is not offered at your place of employment, you will have to locate other facilities to provide the experience. Additional facility agreements (Memo of Understanding) must be signed and sent to the Education Coordinator. Your mentor may be able to assist in finding a facility to obtain the clinical experience required. The length of time spent on each checklist varies as to the complexity of the experience.
What textbooks are required for this SBBT program?
At a minimum, the SBB student must have access to the current edition of the AABB Technical Manual and AABB Standards as well as other general blood bank textbooks. We strongly recommend each student obtain his/her own copy of the technical manual.
How will I take written and practical exams?
Written exams/quizzes will be given online during and at the end of each 12 modules.