Post-Graduate Categorical Certificate Program Specialist in Blood Banking

Admissions

Applicants to the UTMB Specialist in Blood Banking Program are initially evaluated based on numerical scoring for several areas, including GPA, previous certifications, type, length and location of experience in Transfusion Medicine, professional references and a personal narrative. Professional memberships, awards and presentations or publications are also evaluated. For the 2021, 2022 and 2023 classes, the average overall GPAs of the accepted applicants were 3.12, 3.22 and 3.34, respectively.

Admission Requirements

All application materials must be submitted through the AHCAS system by December 1st.

Applications received after this date may be considered if there is class space available.

A supplemental application will be provided to applicants from UTMB Enrollment Services after verification of the AHCAS application. This application must be submitted no later than January 15th.

Applications for the 2023 class will be accepted after August 1st.

Admission Requirements

1. Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, biology, or a related science.
2. Have a minimum of two full years Post-Baccalaureate work experience relevant to an immunohematology area within an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
3. Be currently employed in some aspect of Blood Banking..
4. Complete an application for admission, including official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework from all institutions attended.
5. Have a minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a scale of 4.0) for the SBB Certificate program.
6. Identify a mentor (preferably 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.
7. Submit three letters of recommendation.

International applicants will be considered. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

Application Process

1. The application must be completed using the AHCAS system. We recommend that you contact the SBB program director (LeeAnn Walker - lpwalker@UTMB.edu ) for program information and requirements before beginning the application process.
2. Submit official transcripts of ALL undergraduate and graduate college work, along with MT/MLS training (if applicable) through AHCAS. If any college work was completed outside of the United States, also provide official evaluations of foreign college credit from one of the approved evaluation services (found on the UTMB International Student Applicant Information web page).
3. Include 3 professional references, who must complete the online reference form that will be provided. References should be completed by individuals who can evaluate your work and professional ethics, study habits, and classroom/laboratory outcomes. At least one reference must be from a work supervisor, manager or director.


4. Prepare a narrative answering the following questions:
   


• How did you develop an interest in Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine?
• Why do you want to be a Specialist in Blood Bank Technology?
• Why did you apply to the UTMB SBB program?
• What would you like to be doing in 5 years?
• Why do you think you are qualified to do the distance education program? Outline any previous distance education courses you have completed.
5. Applicants must also submit the following items to Diana Riddle, MSTM, MLS(ASCP)SBB (dlriddle@UTMB.edu)
• Experience Evaluation Form to further detail level of experience
• Mentor Agreement with mentor's CV or resume showing experience and education
• Facility Information where you currently work and/or plan to gain most of your clinical experiences
• Facility's Memo of Understanding to indicate that your facility will support your SBB training.
6. All complete applications that are verified through AHCAS will be reviewed and evaluated. A numerical system based on grades from undergraduate courses, personal narrative, type and length of experience, references and other miscellaneous items will determine the student's qualification for this program. 
7. You will be notified of eligibility and will receive the supplemental UTMB application. Complete and submit this application as soon as possible.
8. If the applicant meets the required number of admission points, he/she will be notified and provided additional information about the UTMB enrollment process.

Official University Application

After initial CLS review, qualified applicants will be notified of requirements for completing the UTMB enrollment process.

International Students

Applicants whose tertiary-level education has been completed at international institutions in a non-English speaking country must meet the following requirements, in addition to providing the credentials for their prospective program

1. Take and score satisfactorily on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if the native language is not English. A minimum satisfactory score is a total of 550 for the TOEFL PBT (or a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT (internet based)) or 6.5 for IELTS; however, TOEFL or IELTS score requirements are one of the many criteria of a student's admission, and the requirement could vary based upon previous education, GPA, and related factors. Test of Spoken English is recommended for applicants to the SBB program.
2. Submit an acceptable English translation with the transcripts if the transcripts are not in English. If the degree is not indicated on transcript, a copy of the diploma and/or certificate issued by the school is required.

A summary of TOEFL Requirements for International Students is available on the UTMB SHP Academic and Student Affairs web page.

NOTE: Acceptance into the UTMB SBB Program does not ensure eligibility to sit for the SBB(ASCP) exam. Education and experience requirements must be evaluated by ASCP to determine eligibility.