Blood Bank Specialist Career Plan

A career as blood bank specialist requires a post-baccalaureate education. The following tips can help you get started.

1. Take a rigorous college preparatory curriculum in high school. Focus on chemistry and biology and learn to write a good lab report. You may want to participate in science fairs.

2. Familiarize yourself with the laboratory science field. The American Society for Clinical Pathology has a number of resources to introduce you to the profession. Spend some time shadowing a professional. Exceptional students can apply for biomedical internships.

3. Select an undergraduate program in biology, microbiology, or a related field. You will take a course of study in blood banking later, but for now, make sure you have adequate math and science coursework. Keep your grades up. If you will be seeking admission to a graduate program, begin preparing for the admission test.

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4. Continue to seek out professional opportunities. These will expand your knowledge of the profession, give you networking opportunities, and possibly provide references down the line. You can become a student member of the ASCP for free. You may want to join your school’s medical laboratory science club or a chapter of the Health Occupations Students Association (HOSA). Look for opportunities to assist in laboratory research.

5. Enroll in a CAAHEP-accredited specialist certificate course in blood banking. Conversely, you can select a program at the master’s level. Make sure your program will qualify you to take BB(ASCP) certification exam.
   Step 6: Pursue licensing if you live in a state where it is mandated. Otherwise, you can pursue professional certification through the ASCP.

6. Look for a position. You network of contacts may be your best asset. You will find tips and resources for job hunting on the ASCP site. The ASCP organization also uses Twitter to post daily job leads for medical laboratory personnel.

Personality Traits: Blood bank specialists are scientifically curious. They are able to communicate well orally and in writing.