GW's 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. Students learn how to test blood for viruses, identify blood types and antibodies, and separate blood into its component parts such as plasma and red and white blood cells. Program graduates are equipped for success as a medical technologist, blood bank technologist, and more.
With the exception of the clinical practicum, all courses for the minor are taught online. The clinical practicum is taken upon completion of didactic coursework. Students typically are in a clinical laboratory eight hours per day (daytime hours), five days per week. Students must be able to fulfill the necessary time requirement for the practicum.
Completion of the certificate in blood banking for medical laboratory science qualifies students to take the Technologist in Blood Banking examination offered by national certifying agencies.