Blood Bank Technology - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates who meet the following criteria may apply to the Blood Bank Technology program.

• Possess a Baccalaureate degree
• Academic credits must include:
  • 16 hours of biological sciences (microbiology required)
  • 16 hours of chemistry (organic chemistry or biochemistry required)
  • 3 hours of math
• Minimum one year of acceptable clinical laboratory experience (in a Blood center or transfusion service)
• Grade point average > 2.5
• Minimum acceptable clinical experience includes:
  • ABO/D typing
  • Antigen phenotyping
  • Antibody detection
  • Crossmatch
  • Antibody identification
  • Elution studies

Where and when may I complete my prerequisite courses?
Courses may be taken at a community college or university and must be completed before being accepted into the Blood Bank Technology program.

What do I need to know before applying to the online Blood Bank Technology program?
A student must meet the academic prerequisite requirements listed above to enroll in this program. In addition, the student must be competent in navigating the Internet and have the appropriate computer equipment to do so. The online courses involve active, rather than passive, learning. Active learning takes place through case studies, homework assignments, and group and independent projects. The student must be committed to spending 8-15 hours per week, per course, on learning activities. Online learning is not easier than onsite learning, but it is more convenient.

What characteristics or attributes do I need to succeed in the online Blood Bank Technology program? The student will need the following attributes to succeed in the program:

• Self-motivation
• Self-discipline
• Commitment
• Responsibility
• Organization
• Independent learning skills
• Good written communication skills
• Good time management skills

May I take this program for academic credit, or for continuing education?
You may enroll in the Blood Bank Technology program for either academic credit or for continuing education.

Do the requirements for taking courses for either academic credit or continuing education differ?
Admission requirements and course content are the same for academic credit and continuing education courses.

How may I enroll in the Blood Bank Technology Program?
There is an application process for admission to the program. After the eligibility requirements are met, the following documents are required for consideration for admission:

• Official transcripts of all college work
• Three letters of recommendation (from supervisors, pathologist, etc.)
• Personal essay statement describing your reasons for applying to the program.

Academic credit applicants must complete the application on The UT Soutwestern Medical Center website and submit required documents to:

Admissions Office
The UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75390-9162

Continuing education applicants should refer to Professional Development Online (PDO) for application instructions.

How much will it cost me to take courses for academic credit?
These courses are offered at the same tuition and fee rate as UT Southwestern on-campus Blood Bank Technology courses. Refer to The Southwestern Allied Health Sciences School Catalog for current in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Textbooks are an additional cost. The cost of books for the initial courses offered will be $300-400. The total cost for books for the entire program is approximately $1000.

How much will it cost me to take courses for a continuing education certificate?
Continuing education applicants should refer to Professional Development Online (PDO) for cost and payment information.

What are the technological requirements for participating?
Click here for a listing of computer requirements.

How will I obtain access to the courses in which I am enrolled?
Students can access their courses through the Course Login link located at the top of any UT TeleCampus web page. The course is accessible on the first day of the semester.

May I start the online program at any time during the semester?
The online classes begin and end according to the University’s academic calendar. After acceptance to the program and course registration, academic students will receive a faculty email or letter with pertinent information.

What resources will faculty use in the program to provide students with experiences that are comparable to on-campus programs? Class sizes will be limited and courses are designed to enhance interaction between faculty and students. Chat rooms, threaded discussions, and email will be used to facilitate discussions.

Must I visit The UT Southwestern Campus for courses with a clinical component?
You will not be required to visit The UT Southwestern campus for courses with a clinical component, unless you are registered as an on-campus student. You will be required to identify a mentor and location near you for these courses. Program faculty will evaluate the facility and mentor to determine whether the level of expertise and knowledge meet program expectations. You will be required to establish the number of days for each clinical course upon consultation with your mentor and a faculty member. The attendance requirement may be in your own workplace or at a nearby transfusion service or blood center, as approved by the Education Coordinator. The Serology Laboratory 2 course requires the student to spend two weeks at an AABB accredited reference laboratory.

Must I complete a course with a clinical component if I already have extensive experience in that subject? You may be given credit for a particular course based on your experience after completing a required checklist, passing the final exam, and, in some cases, taking a practical exam for the course. The practical exam may or may not require travel.


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