Blood Bank Technologist
Career Description
Blood bank technologists are medical technologists who have advanced training needed for blood bank techniques, such as typing, collecting and transfusing. They also search for blood irregularities and are responsible for processing, testing and labeling donor blood.
Annual Salary
| Entry-level salaries for specialists in blood banking average between $32,000 and $42,000. |
| Source: Washington University, St. Louis, 2006 |
Academic Requirements
Similar educational and training requirements exist for all of the careers in clinical laboratory specialization. Once at a graduate level, technologists may gain admission to a specialization program via one of three routes: five years of experience, in addition to a bachelor’s degree and medical technologist certification; four years of experience plus a master’s degree; or a doctorate degree with two years of experience.
Schools
Although there isn't a program in Kansas City, the following Missouri school does have a program to become a blood bank technologist.
St. Louis Community College - Forest Park
314/644-9234
Professional Associations
National
American Association of Blood Banks
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
American Society for Clinical Pathology
American Society of Cytopathology
Clinical Laboratory Management Association
