Program Overview

---

Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) Graduate Certificate

The Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) Graduate Certificate is a fully online program designed for working professionals in transfusion medicine. This program prepares students for the SBB(ASCP) certification exam and leadership roles in blood banking.

About the SBB Program

The SBB program is designed to build skills and experience in immunohematology, molecular testing, transfusion practice, and laboratory leadership. The program consists of 17 units across seven courses, blending online coursework with a field practicum.

Benefits

The benefits of the SBB program include:

• Preparation for the SBB(ASCP) certification exam
• Advanced skills in immunohematology, molecular testing, transfusion practice, and laboratory leadership
• A fully online program designed for working professionals
• A clinical practicum at a workplace or approved transfusion service or blood center
• Positioning for leadership roles in transfusion medicine, quality management, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations

Who Should Enroll

This program is designed for Clinical Laboratory Science professionals who hold a bachelor's degree and have completed their didactic coursework in clinical laboratory science, including:

• Certified medical laboratory scientists (MLS) seeking specialization in blood banking
• CLS professionals employed in hospital transfusion services or blood centers who want to advance their careers
• Hospital-based professionals who meet ASCP Route 2 eligibility and will have at least three years of full-time blood banking experience by the time they take the ASCP-SBB exam

Cost and Length

• Cost: $700/unit ($11,900 for the program)
• Length: 3 semesters (12 months)
• When to Start: Fall
• When to Apply: Applications will open as soon as possible, with tentative dates from March 15 to June 1, 2026.

Financial Aid

Financial aid will be available pending approval.

Certification and Accreditation

Certification

The program prepares students to sit for the Specialist in Blood Bank (SBB) certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Accreditation

The program is not yet accredited but is designed to meet the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Careers

The SBB Graduate Certificate prepares students for advanced roles in transfusion medicine and laboratory leadership, including:

• Supervisory and management positions in hospital transfusion services, blood centers, and immunohematology reference laboratories
• Technical specialists, laboratory managers, and quality assurance professionals
• Accreditation assessors for organizations such as AABB and CAP
• Adjunct faculty in SBB programs and technical consultants in the field

Career Outlook

There is a critical shortage of specialists in blood bank technology across California and the Western United States. Earning the SBB(ASCP) certification strengthens credentials for supervisory and leadership roles and expands opportunities beyond the laboratory.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

PLO 1: Donor Management and Blood Component Quality

Explain how donor suitability is assessed and how blood component processing, storage, and quality control are maintained.

PLO 2: Blood Group Systems and Transplantation

Discuss blood group genetics and biochemistry, the importance of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), and the role of blood group antigens in transfusion and transplantation.

PLO 3: Immunology and Transfusion Medicine Principles

Apply the principles of immunology, physiology, and pathophysiology as they relate to blood and transfusion medicine.

PLO 4: Laboratory Testing and Quality Assurance

Perform and analyze routine blood bank testing, including blood typing and antibody detection and identification, and implement quality assurance in serologic and molecular testing.

PLO 5: Transfusion Practice and Patient Blood Management

Evaluate the indications and contraindications for blood transfusion, component therapy, adverse effects of transfusion, patient blood management, and massive transfusion protocols.

PLO 6: Laboratory Leadership and Operations

Implement laboratory safety protocols, conduct quality assessments, apply laboratory mathematics, operate laboratory instrumentation, and demonstrate leadership in laboratory administration and management.

Graduate Certificate Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 17 units across seven courses:

• SBB 701: Blood Products and Donor Management (2 units)
• SBB 702: Blood Group Systems and Transfusion Immunology/Physiology (3 units)
• SBB 703: Serologic and Molecular Testing in Blood Banking (3 units)
• SBB 704: Transfusion Practice and Patient Blood Management (3 units)
• SBB 705: Laboratory Operations, Leadership and Quality Management (2 units)
• SBB 706: Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Capstone (2 units)
• SBB 707: Immunohematology Field Practicum (2 units)

Program Format

The program is offered fully online in a flexible format designed for working professionals, including asynchronous coursework and scheduled online sessions.

Roadmap

The program can be completed in three semesters, with courses offered in the following sequence:

• Fall: SBB 701 and SBB 702
• Spring: SBB 703, SBB 704, and SBB 705
• Summer: SBB 706 and SBB 707

Program Leadership and Faculty

The program is led by:

• Elena G. Nedelcu, MD, Medical Director
• Antonio G. Insigne, MSTM, CLS, MLS(ASCP)i, BB(ASCP)SBBCM, Program Director
• Huy Le, MPH CLS, MLS(ASCP), Education Coordinator, Clinical Laboratory Science Program Director

Admission Requirements

To apply, students must have:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units)
• Recent clinical experience in blood banking
• Residency in California
• Meet one of the professional pathways set by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Application Instructions

To apply, students must:

1. Submit an application through Cal State Apply
2. Provide required documents, including official transcripts, resume, employment or experience verification letter, letter of recommendation, and ASCP certification (if applicable)
3. Participate in an interview with program faculty (if selected)