Blood Bank Technologies

<h2 id="section---IsBloodBankTechnologiesForMe">Is Blood Bank Technologies for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Blood bank technologists, also called immunohematology technologists, are specialized <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Technology_Degree_Program_and_School_FAQs.html">medical technologists</a> who prepare blood for transfusions. This involves collecting and typing blood, assisting <a href="https://learn.org/articles/General_Physician_Education_Requirements_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">physicians</a> in transfusion therapy and investigating abnormalities, like hemolytic anemias. </p> <p>As a blood bank technologist, you could be employed in one of a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, blood centers and independent laboratories. Non-traditional work schedules can include holiday, night and weekend work; on-call and rotating shifts may also be required. While laboratory settings are usually clean and well lit, your might have to spend a lot of time on your feet. Although you'll come into contact with infectious specimens, you'll be trained to avoid any potential hazards. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for medical and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Clinical_Lab_Technologist_Salary_and_Career_FAQs.html">clinical laboratory technologists</a>, including blood bank technologists, are expected to increase by 14% nationwide, or faster-than-average, from 2012 to 2022. As of May 2012, medical and clinical laboratory technologists in general earned a median annual salary of $57,580 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <p>With experience, you might advance to a blood bank supervisor position. Based upon information provided by <i>Payscale.com,</i> the median annual salary for a blood bank supervisor in March 2014 was $69,872 (<i>www.payscale.com</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInBloodBankTechnologies">How Can I Work in Blood Bank Technologies?</h2> <h3 id="section---EducationalRequirementsForBloodBankTechnologists">Educational Requirements for Blood Bank Technologists</h3> <p>According to the BLS, a bachelor's degree in a relevant area is the minimum educational requirement for a medical technologist. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Technology_Bachelors_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">Medical technology majors</a> are offered at many universities and hospitals. A major in one of the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Life_Science_Degree_Programs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">life sciences</a> may also be applicable to a career in blood bank technologies. </p> <p>In addition to a bachelor's degree, you'll most likely need to complete a 1-year post-baccalaureate certificate program in blood bank technology. Master's degree programs are also available in blood bank technologies and generally take two years to complete. Admission requirements for a master's program may include a professional certification and blood bank experience. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationalRequirementsForBloodBankTechnicians">Educational Requirements for Blood Bank Technicians</h3> <p>If you're not ready for five or more years of education, you might consider becoming a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Blood_Bank_Technician_Career_and_Salary_FAQs.html">blood bank technician</a>. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Technician_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Certified_Medical_Tech.html">Medical technician</a> jobs usually require a certificate or an associate degree, which can be earned in 1-2 years. A list of schools that offer blood bank technology certificate or associate degree programs can be obtained from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs website (<i>www.caahep.org</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationAndLicensingRequirements">Certification and Licensing Requirements</h3> <p>Although employer and state requirements can vary, a professional certification or license may be needed to work in blood bank technologies. A variety of associations offer specialized <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_to_Earn_a_Medical_Technologist_Certification_Online.html">medical technologist certifications</a>. For example, the American Society for Clinical Pathology's Board of Certification offers both a technologist certification in blood banking and a specialist certification in blood banking.</p>