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Blood Bank Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewIn 2005, more than 15 million units of blood was collected in blood centers and hospitals across the United States. That is the equivalent of almost 900,000 gallons.
Blood bank technicians secure and process donated blood for transfusion. Although the first transfusion of human blood took place in the early 1800s, the technique was not perfected until almost a hundred years later, in the early 1900s.
For a blood transfusion to be successful at promoting the health of a patient, both the red blood cells and the blood plasma of the patient must be compatible with those of the donor. Blood bank technicians are largely responsible for the review procedures necessary to ensure that the donated blood is compatible with the blood of the intended recipient.
Blood bank technologists draw, process, and store blood for accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, and those with chronic blood diseases such as hemophilia and leukemia.
In a typical day, blood bank technologists will draw, process, test, type, and store donated blood. Blood bank specialists, who have some additional training, may also be responsible for administrative tasks, technical consultations, research, and general education processes in the field.
They test for blood group antigens and evaluate the compatibility of antibodies. They are also responsible for investigating hemolytic abnormalities and supporting physicians in transfusions.
Although most opportunities are based in hospitals and medical centers and involve primarily patient care, blood bank specialists also find work in community blood bank transfusion centers, private laboratories, and specialist blood banks. Positions as administrators, teachers, and researchers may also be accessible to qualified blood bank technologists.
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Career RequirementsBlood bank technologists complete a one-year accredited program in blood bank technology. Many hospitals, community blood banks, universities, and American Red Cross institutes offer these programs with relevant study of immunology, genetics, serology, physiology, transfusion practices, and laboratory operations. They also offer specialist practical experiences in blood bank technology to train students for the position.
Although some of the programs offer a full Master's Degree, others offer a standard certificate in blood bank technology.
The American Society of Clinical Pathologists offers certification in the field in cooperation with the American Association of Blood Banks. The exam consists of a written examination covering topics related to the theories and practices of medicine practiced by blood bank technologists.
For more information is available from the following organizations:
The American Society for Clinical Pathology
2100 W. Harrison Street,
Chicago, IL 60612
www.ascp.org
The ASCP Board of Registry
P.O. Box 12277,
Chicago, IL 60612
The American Association of Blood Banks
8101 Glenbrook Road,
Bethesda, MD 20814
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Job OutlookA career as a blood bank technologist is particularly promising in the current climate. The demands for qualified professionals in this field exceeds the number of job candidates.
A recent statistical projection from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States also suggests that the employment of clinical laboratory technologists and scientists, a group that certainly includes both blood bank technologists and blood bank technology specialists, will increase over the course of the next two year by between 10% and 20%.
Blood bank technologists, with their advanced qualifications, can find employment in medical centers, hospitals, and community blood banks, where their expertise are required.
Their specialist skills in blood transfusion techniques makes them important to the process of selecting appropriate donors and performing pre-transfusion testing to detect for possible dangerous blood conditions or incompatible qualities.
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Career TrackThere are two common career tracks for those interested in becoming blood bank technologists. On the one hand, a person can enter the one-year training program to become a blood bank technologist by first earning a Bachelor's Degree and becoming a certified medical technician.
On the other hand, a person may be accepted into the training program if they have a Bachelor's Degree in a biological or physical science and at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience.
To excel in the field, individuals need to be about to work effectively under stressful conditions. They must pay close attention to detail in their work, and be reliable.
With the necessary qualifications, training, experience, and characteristics, an individual can advance to become a blood bank specialist, which requires at least five years clinical experience or at least a Master's Degree in immunohematology or a related field.
Blood bank specialists are also required to pass a written examination, which is also offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in conjunction with the American Association of Blood Banks.
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CompensationAlthough annual salaries vary depending on where individuals work, the annual pay for a blood bank technologist is generally between $40,000 and $50,000 per year.
Administrators, educators, researchers, and consultants in the field of blood bank technology earn and will continue to earn above these stated averages for blood bank technologists. Starting salaries in this field are between $32,000 and $42,000 annually.
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