Keep blood safe for transfusions.
Online Coursework
12 Months*
The George Washington University’s (GW) online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Blood Banking for Medical Laboratory Science is designed to teach you the ins and outs of testing, storing, and transporting blood for transfusions.
You’ll learn how to test blood for viruses, identify blood types and antibodies, and separate blood into its component parts such as red and white blood cells, and plasma. When you complete the program, you’ll be equipped for success as a medical technologist, blood bank technologist, and more.
To learn more about our programs, you can register for our upcoming events.
*The total number of credits and duration of the program depend on the number of transferred credits
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Accreditation and Rankings
- GW is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #62 Best National University*
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's Programs*
- #7 Best Online Programs for Veterans*
* The U.S. News & World Report – 2024 Rankings
Program Highlights
- 100% online coursework, no visits to campus required
- Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
- Qualify to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Blood Banking (BB) exam
- The certificate consists of 16 credit hours and can be completed in one year
- Applicants with clinical laboratory experience may be eligible to waive individual clinical practicum requirements
- Qualify for the Blood Banking (BB) exam
Program Outcomes
When you complete this certificate program, you’ll be able to:
- Apply principles of blood banking procedures to perform diagnostic analyses
- Correlate laboratory data and quality control data to assess patient test results
- Apply knowledge of laboratory science principles as they relate to human disease diagnosis
- Comply with laboratory safety regulations and regulatory policies
- Apply ethical decision-making to issues related to clinical laboratory practice
Who Is the Ideal Student for This Program?
This certificate program is best for those who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science such as biology, chemistry, or microbiology, and want to pursue the laboratory science profession without completing another bachelor’s degree.
Blood bank technologists are good problem-solvers and pay close attention to detail, as small differences can be crucial to a diagnosis.
Blood bank specialists and medical technologists are good problem-solvers and pay close attention to detail, as small differences can be crucial to a diagnosis.
Blood bank technologists can take charge when it comes to supervising the collection, separation, delivery, and storage of blood components. They also have exceptional communication skills when working with physicians during blood transfusion therapies and investigating harmful transfusion responses.
Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program. States requiring licensure may require an extended duration of practicum experiences, additional academic courses (outside the student’s program of study), etc. These additional requirements may require you to take a course or courses outside of GW.
In particular, New York and California have additional requirements for state licensure. Both NY and CA require extended times for practicum rotations. Please also be aware that the fully online post-baccalaureate certificate programs do not meet the student lab requirement for NY state licensure. Also, for those applying to the fully online post-baccalaureate categorical certificates in hematology, microbiology, blood banking, and chemistry, the state of New York does not provide licensure for categorical certification (e.g., Technologist in Microbiology, Technologist in Blood Banking, etc.). We recommend that students who live in New York or California or plan to relocate to New York or California do research to determine the NY and CA licensure requirements.
Career Outlook
As a blood bank technologist you can work in a variety of laboratory settings:
- Community blood centers
- Private hospital blood banks
- University-affiliated blood banks
- Transfusion services and independent laboratories
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in the aging population will lead to a greater need for medical laboratory and blood bank technologists to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes
Admission Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- Completed application
- Cumulative and Science GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
- A bachelor’s degree
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
Tuition Details
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Blood Banking for Medical Laboratory Science program at GW consists of 16 credit hours. Please find the cost per credit hour and total estimated program costs here.
Note: Tuition rates are subject to change and additional fees may vary by program.
Meet the Program Director
GW’s experienced faculty provide you with the rich, practical knowledge and support needed for you to succeed in the program and in your career.
Cliff Cymrot, DHSc, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CM, SHCM, MT(AAB), MT(AMT)
- Read Full Bio
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Dr. Cliff Cymrot is the current Program Director for Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) and has over 10 years of experience in combined teaching and clinical laboratory practice. In addition to his program director duties, Dr. Cymrot teaches a range of courses within the MLS program, both online and face-to-face, such as Hematology lecture and lab, Bacteriology lab, Immunohematology lab, and Molecular Diagnostics, and Capstone.
Prior to his arrival at George Washington University (GW), Dr. Cymrot worked as a medical laboratory technician at a medium-sized, 200-bed hospital in upstate NY. In 2008, Dr. Cymrot worked for Advance Magazine for Laboratory Professionals providing storylines for the comic strip “Lab out Loud” that he worked on with his brother-in-law. He has also been a contributor for several chapters in the Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology by Mahon, Lehman, and Manuselis, as well as having various research publications.
He is also a member of the DC chapter for the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB). He also holds certifications in ASCP, AMT, and AAB in Medical Laboratory Science, and Specialist in Hematology.
In 2010, he earned his B.S. in Medical Technology from the University of Cincinnati (UC). He was then promoted to medical laboratory scientist and soon after began working as an adjunct instructor for SUNY Orange teaching Microbiology for Health Professionals, Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, and Certification Preparation. In 2014 he earned his a master’s degree in Health Administration from UC.
After graduation, he received an offer to facilitate an online graduate level course in health systems management at UC. In 2015 he was offered a position at GW to teach all of the laboratory courses in the newly created BSHS in MLS blended/hybrid program. After three years he was offered the Program Director position for the undergraduate MLS program here at GW. In 2022 he then went on to complete his doctorate in health sciences at GW. In 2024 he was offered the Program Director position for the MSHS in Laboratory Medicine program here at GW. Dr. Cymrot is actively involved in the MLS profession and loves teaching, research, and promoting MLS.
Source and Disclaimers:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021 September 8). Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm.
*Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program. States requiring licensure may require extended duration of practicum experiences, additional academic courses (outside the student’s program of study), etc. These additional requirements may require you to take a course or courses outside of GW. Each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program. In particular, New York and California have additional requirements for state licensure. Both NY and CA require extended times for practicum rotations.
Please also be aware that the fully online post-baccalaureate certificate programs do not meet the student lab requirement for NY state licensure. Also, for those applying to the fully online post-baccalaureate categorical certificates in hematology, microbiology, blood banking, and chemistry, the state of New York does not provide licensure for categorical certification (e.g., Technologist in Microbiology, Technologist in Blood Banking, etc.). We recommend that students who live in New York or California plan to relocate to New York or California do research to determine the NY and CA licensure requirements.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Curriculum Details
16 TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Blood Banking for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) requires completion of 16 credit hours. Coursework is 100% online with in-person clinical practicum. Students with clinical laboratory experience may be eligible to waive individual clinical practicum requirements. Completion of the certificate qualifies the graduate to take the Technologist in Blood Banking examination offered by national certifying agencies.
Core
- MLS 4141 Immunology and Serology (3)
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Principles of the immune system’s components, functions, interactions with microorganisms, and the clinical applications of immunologic assays to human health and disease.
- MLS 4150 Immunohematology (3)
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The major blood group systems that affect the practice of transfusion medicine and examines the processing and distribution of blood products supplied by transfusion services.
- MLS 4151 Molecular Diagnostics (3)
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Introduction to the molecular techniques used to diagnose human disease; technology, theory, and methodology of specific molecular protocols that can be used within a clinical laboratory setting to aid in disease diagnostics including those of genetic, oncogenic, and infections origin.
- MLS 4158 Laboratory Management and Operations (3)
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Introduction to critical concepts of lab management, including leadership theory, management principles, human resource management, financial management, quality management, and laboratory operations.
- MLS 4160 Blood Banking Practicum (4)
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Clinical practicum in which students apply medical knowledge and clinical skills gained in Immunohematology. Prerequisites: Immunohematology.
Key Dates
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Fall 2024 |
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| Application Deadline |
July 20, 2024 (Closed) |
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Blood Banking for Medical Laboratory Science program (online coursework), you must have:
| Completed Application |
| Cumulative and Science GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale |
| Bachelor’s degree |
| Resume/CV |
|
One letter of recommendation Letter of recommendation should be from:
Recommender will submit a letter on letterhead with a signature and credentials/contact information via the application portal. |
| Personal statement: Applicants must include a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at GW, your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. |
| Application fee: A non-refundable application fee of $80 is required. The application fee is waived for active-duty U.S. military, current GW students, degree-holding GW alumni, current McNair Program Scholars, and graduates of minority-serving institutions (MSI). |
| Official transcripts from every college and university attended. All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential agency. Please find the list of member organizations here: https://www.naces.org/members. |
|
Completed coursework: All required courses must be completed with a C grade (C- grades and lower do not transfer) or better at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning:
*Please be prepared to provide unofficial transcripts to determine program admissibility. |
| Students who live outside of the Washington, D.C., metro area are required to secure a satisfactory clinical site at the time of admission. |
| Review the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Policies in the Health Sciences Programs Bulletin |
| Post MatriculationCopy of criminal background check: – Copy of drug screening test – Prior to Clinical Rotations: – Physical exam with clinician sign-off of Essential Functions Form – Immunization records, including PPD (within the past 12 months) and evidence of Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus vaccination – Copy of health insurance |
| Since each state may have different requirements for licensure, each student is encouraged to contact their state’s regulating agency and review these requirements prior to beginning any degree program. State’s requiring licensure may require extended duration of practicum experiences, additional academic courses (outside the student’s program of study), etc. These additional requirements may require you to take a course or courses outside of GW. In particular, New York and California have additional requirements for state licensure. Both NY and CA require extended times for practicum rotations. Please also be aware that the fully online post-baccalaureate certificate programs do not meet the student lab requirement for NY state licensure. Also, for those applying to the fully online post-baccalaureate categorical certificates in hematology, microbiology, blood banking, and chemistry, the state of New York does not provide licensure for categorical certification (e.g., Technologist in Microbiology, Technologist in Blood Banking, etc.). We recommend that students who live in New York or California or plan to relocate to New York or California do research to determine the NY and CA licensure requirements. |
NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
International Students
International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship. Generally, online and hybrid programs are not eligible for student visa sponsorship from GW. This would include transfer students from any other institution with an existing visa.
Official transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grades, U.S. degree equivalency, grade-point averages (GPA), and date of degree conferral. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services, please visit NACES.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are also required to submit official test scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) Academics or the academic International English Language Test System (IELTS). To be considered for admission, there are required scores that you will need to meet. Score requirements may differ by school and program so check the admissions requirements for your program.
Supporting Documents and Official Transcript
Documents and Official Transcripts not submitted online should be mailed to:
Mail: George Washington University
ATTN: Transcript Processing Center
1415 W 22nd St.
Suite 220
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Alternatively, official electronic transcripts can be sent to: transcripts@hsprograms.gwu.edu