Certification

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) is by and large the most common laboratory professional association that people choose for certification as generalists after schooling. Medical Laboratory Technicians MLT(ASCP) and Medical Laboratory Scientists MLS(ASCP) representing the 2-year and 4-year education paths. Some feel that the ASCP is too physician-focused and doesn't offer enough critical attention to the non-physician professionals in the field. Others may choose to be certified as generalists by American Medical Technologists (AMT), a more allied health centered association. ASCP certified laboratorians greatly outnumber the AMT certified however. Most hiring centers also tend to prefer or specify ASCP certification. 

Specializing in Blood Banking / Transfusion Medicine in the United States requires a certification by the ASCP. 

The ASCP BOC offers two certification tests for Blood Banking / Transfusion Medicine. Technologist in Blood Banking BB(ASCP) and Specialist in Blood Banking SBB(ASCP).  Typically those who are already certified as an MLS with the ASCP will take the SBB exam if looking to further their Blood Banking career and knowledge. Most certified MLS would not need to take the BB(ASCP). 

BB(ASCP) is geared more towards those who have been working in a Blood Bank setting, have a scientific degree, but have not sat for their MLS(ASCP) and are looking to become certified as a Blood Bank technologist. This is not a very common pathway, as most people would simply spring to get their MLS(ASCP) certification considering it makes you technically 'more employable'. I have yet to see a job posting mention anything about needing or wanting a BB(ASCP) certificate. 

SBB(ASCP) is geared towards those looking to get a step ahead in Blood Bank. Many supervisory/managerial/or technical specialist roles require or strongly prefer a candidate who has their SBB(ASCP) certificate. The SBB certification exam is much more thorough and difficult compared to the BB(ASCP) exam. 

Entry requirements into the certification exams is much like the MLS/MLT route. There are multiple routes or paths one could take to be eligible.  

Blood Bank Technologist -- BB(ASCP) Requirements

Option 1: Have a current MT/MLS(ASCP) certification and a B.S. degree. 

Option 2: B.S. in a scientific field and have at least 1 year experience in the clinical laboratory setting. 

Option 3: B.S. in a scientific field and completed a Blood Bank training program by an organization with a NAACLS recognized MLS program.   

Option 4: Masters in a scientific field AND six months of Blood Bank experience in a clinical setting within the last FIVE years. 

Option 5: B.S degree in Medical Laboratory Science or other Science credit heavy field (30 semester hours) AND Completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Science program.  

Specialist in Blood Banking -- SBB(ASCP) Requirements

Option 1: Have a B.S degree with a focus on science (especially biology and chemistry) AND completion of an accredited SBB (specialist in Blood Banking) program within last five years. (If beyond 5 years, clinical experience will be considered.)

Option 2: Have an MT/MLS/BB(ASCP) certification AND a BS degree from an accredited university AND 3 years of full time clinical blood banking experience (completed in the past 6 years) which must be done post-degree. Your internship year will not count. 

Option 3: Masters degree in a scientific field AND 3 years of full time clinical blood banking experience (completed in the past 6 years) which must be done post-degree. Your internship year will not count. 

Option 4: Have a doctorate in a scientific field AND two years of a post-doc fellowship or 2 years of full time clinical Blood Banking experience. 

Option 5: Have an MT/MLS/BB(ASCP) certification AND a BS degree from an accredited university AND 3 years of full time experience as an educator/teacher at a university or laboratory within the last 6 years.

Option 6: Have a masters degree in a scientific field AND 3 years of full time experience as an educator/teacher at a university or laboratory within the last 6 years.