Welcome to the Class of 2024 – 2025!
Specialist in Blood Bank Technology
& Transfusion Medicine (SBBT/TM) Program
The Specialist in Blood Banking Technology and Transfusion Medicine Program (SBBT/TM) at LifeShare Blood Center provides comprehensive and in-depth training in all aspects of blood banking: blood collection, blood component manufacturing, immunohematology, specialized serology, molecular testing, transfusion medicine practice, quality systems, process control, education and research, leadership, and management.
The SBB/TM program is a 12-month course beginning in May. Graduates of the program are awarded a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification examination for SBB certification. Please see answers to the Frequently Asked Questions below for additional information.
Accreditation:
The LifeShare SBBT/TM Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
LifeShare SBB Program FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply for the SBB program?
Requirements include:
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university including biological science, chemistry and mathematics courses; or a master’s or doctorate degree in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, allied health or an appropriately related field. Refer to ASCP website for additional information on requirements at ascp.org
- At least 2 years of full-time transfusion service or generalist blood bank laboratory experience.
- Undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0 preferred. Lower GPA scores will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Note for international applicants:
- Applicants must include a foreign transcript evaluation report.
- Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 110.
2. What is included in the application packet and when is it due?
An application packet includes the admission application, college transcripts, mentor agreement and three reference forms. Completed application packets are due no later than Dec 15 of the year prior to program start.
3. When does the program year start?
The one-year program begins in May. The first week of the program is spent onsite at LifeShare Blood Center in Shreveport, Louisiana for orientation.
4. What does the SBB program cost?
Tuition for the program is $6000, payable in 2 installments. The first half is due the month before orientation (April 1), the second half is due at mid-term (November 1).
5. What is a mentor? Who can be a mentor? What does a mentor do?
A mentor is selected by the student to be a local resource. An SBB or a Pathologist that is board certified in Transfusion Medicine is preferred. The mentor is available to counsel and guide the student as needed, including understanding challenging concepts; and is available for routine communication with the Education Coordinator of the SBB program.
6. What are the requirements to complete the program?
The program is comprised of five didactic courses. Each course includes assignments and exams. There are also a mid-term and final written exam as well as a mid-term and final virtual practical.
The minimum acceptable grade average for courses is 80%. The minimum passing score for the virtual practicals is 85% and the minimum passing score for the final written exam is 80%.
In addition, there are clinical rotations, management development tasks, and education projects.
All requirements must be successfully completed to be eligible for graduation.
7. What if a student is unable to complete the program?
At LifeShare we understand that “life happens.” If a student decides to withdraw from the program, this can be managed in one of two ways.
- Withdrawal from the program – the student will lose access to the course material, no refunds provided.
- Leave of absence – the student temporarily withdraws from the program and intends to return the following year.
8. Where can clinical rotations be completed?
Clinical rotations must be scheduled by each student at appropriately selected facilities. These may include blood centers, hospital blood banks and transfusion services, or other esoteric laboratories.
9. When can a graduate apply for the ASCP Board of Certification SBB exam?
A student may apply for the ASCP SBB exam near the end of the program year, and will be eligible to take the exam after passing the LBC final exam and satisfactorily completing all course requirements.
10. Is there an option to apply credits to a Master’s program after completing the SBB program?
Yes. While college credit is not given for the LifeShare SBB program, successful completion of the this program and passing the ASCP SBB exam qualifies a student to apply to the UTMB Master’s in Transfusion Medicine (MSTM) program, or the MS in Clinical Laboratory Management from Rush University. Visit www.utmb.edu or www.rushu.rush.edu for additional acceptance criteria.
11. What else is important to know?
The program is intended to be both challenging and rewarding. A successful student must be self- motivated and ready to devote a significant amount of time to studying and completing all aspects of the educational courses. The orientation week is designed to provide instruction in how to succeed in the program as well as introduce participants to their classmates and LifeShare support personnel. Joining a distance education program does not mean you are “in it alone”. LifeShare is committed to fostering a successful and supportive educational environment.
Program Outcomes
| Program Year | Number of Examinees | ASCP Pass Rate (%) | ||
| LifeShare | National | LifeShare | National | |
| 2022 | 8 | 185 | 75 | 48 |
| 2023 | 22 | 192 | 82 | 49 |
| 2024 | 11 | 133 | 100 | 55 |
Application Forms
Application to the LifeShare SBB Program begins by completing the forms below. The application due date is December 15 for the program beginning the following May. Completed forms may be emailed to SBB@lifeshare.org or via mail to the following address. Additional submission instructions can be found on each form.
LifeShare Blood Center
SBB@lifeshare.org
Attn: SBB Education Coordinator
8910 Linwood Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71106