Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB)

Through the SBB program you can build the skills and experience to:

• Prepare for the SBB(ASCP) certification exam, a nationally recognized credential for advanced practice in blood banking
• Gain advanced skills in immunohematology, molecular testing, transfusion practice and laboratory leadership
• Complete a fully online program designed for working professionals, with both live and self-paced learning
• Apply your knowledge immediately through a clinical practicum at your workplace or another approved transfusion service or blood center
• Position yourself for leadership roles in transfusion medicine, quality management, regulatory compliance and laboratory operations

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

The program is also a good fit if you:

• Already work in a hospital transfusion service, blood center or immunohematology reference lab
• Want to become eligible for the Specialist in Blood Bank (SBB) certification exam (ASCP)
• Are seeking career advancement in laboratory management, quality systems or transfusion safety
• Plan to contribute to education, accreditation or regulatory compliance in blood banking

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. Tentative dates are March 15 to June 1, 2026.

Financial Aid

Financial aid will be available pending approval.

Certification

When you complete the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Graduate Certificate, you will be prepared to sit for the Specialist in Blood Bank (SBB) certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).Passing the SBB(ASCP) exam demonstrates advanced competence in immunohematology and transfusion medicine and is often required for leadership roles in hospital transfusion services, blood centers and immunohematology reference laboratories.

Accreditation

Please note: SFSU is preparing to seek accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as the program launches. The program is not yet accredited.

The Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Graduate Certificate is designed to meet the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These standards ensure that you gain the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors needed for advanced roles in transfusion medicine.

The Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) Graduate Certificate prepares you for advanced roles in transfusion medicine and laboratory leadership. Graduates of the program are qualified for careers such as:

• 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

Earning the SBB(ASCP) certification after completing the certificate program also opens pathways to leadership in laboratory operations, transfusion medicine committees, regulatory compliance and risk management within healthcare settings.

Career Outlook

There is a critical shortage of specialists in blood bank technology across California and the Western United States. Hospitals, blood centers and immunohematology reference labs face growing demand for qualified professionals who can lead transfusion services and ensure patient safety.

Earning the SBB(ASCP) certification strengthens your credentials for supervisory and leadership roles and expands your opportunities beyond the laboratory. With this certificate, you will be prepared to meet workforce needs in transfusion medicine, laboratory management and quality systems while advancing your own career.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) Graduate Certificate program, you 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 (basic and complex); interpret leukocyte and platelet testing results; and implement quality assurance in serologic and molecular testing while upholding ethical and regulatory standards.

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, massive transfusion protocols, blood product administration, apheresis and extracorporeal circulation support.

PLO 6: Laboratory leadership and operations
Implement laboratory safety protocols; conduct quality assessments; apply laboratory mathematics; operate laboratory instrumentation; demonstrate leadership in laboratory administration and management; and practice ethical documentation, case resolution and interdisciplinary collaboration for patient care and safety.

You will complete 17 units across seven courses. The curriculum blends online coursework with a field practicum to prepare you for advanced practice and the SBB(ASCP) exam.

• SBB 701: Blood Products and Donor Management (2 units)
  Learn the principles of donor selection, blood collection, infectious disease screening, component processing and quality control.
• SBB 702: Blood Group Systems and Transfusion Immunology/Physiology (3 units)
  Explore blood group systems, immunology and physiology as they relate to transfusion and transplantation.
• SBB 703: Serologic and Molecular Testing in Blood Banking (3 units)
  Develop skills in antibody identification, crossmatching, molecular typing and quality assurance practices.
• SBB 704: Transfusion Practice and Patient Blood Management (3 units)
  Study transfusion indications, adverse effects, patient blood management and specialized transfusion protocols.
• SBB 705: Laboratory Operations, Leadership and Quality Management (2 units)
  Gain experience in laboratory safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance and management practices.
• SBB 706: Specialist in Blood Bank Technology Capstone (2 units)
  Complete a research or leadership project and prepare for the SBB(ASCP) exam with structured review and case-based discussions.
• SBB 707: Immunohematology Field Practicum (2 units)
  Apply your knowledge in a supervised clinical setting such as a transfusion service, blood center or reference laboratory.

Online Bichronous Courses

The Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) Graduate Certificate is offered fully online in a flexible format designed for working professionals. Online courses include asynchronous coursework and scheduled online sessions that connect you with faculty and classmates.

In-Person Experience

You will also complete a required field practicum at a transfusion service, blood center or reference laboratory approved by the program. This hands-on experience lets you apply your knowledge in real clinical settings while meeting certification requirements.

Application Period: Applications will open as soon as possible. Tentative dates are March 15 to June 1, 2026.

Fall admission only. 

General Requirements

To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 in your last 60 semester units (90 quarter units). You also need recent clinical experience in blood banking.

Residency Requirements

You must reside in California.

Professional Pathway Requirements

You must meet one of the following pathways set by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP):

• Route 2: Bachelor’s degree, current Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP) or Blood Bank (ASCP) certification, and three years of full-time blood banking experience in the last 10 years
• Route 3: Master’s degree in a laboratory science and three years of full-time blood banking experience in the last 10 years
• Route 4: Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DO) in a laboratory science and two years of full-time blood banking experience in the last 10 years
• Route 5: Bachelor’s degree and five years of full-time blood banking experience in the last 10 years
• Route 6: Bachelor’s degree and three years of full-time experience teaching clinical laboratory science or blood banking in the last 10 years
• Route 7: Bachelor’s degree and current SBB(ASCP) certification, applying for additional academic or professional development

To apply for the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) Graduate Certificate, you will need to:

1. Submit an application through Cal State Apply
   Select the SBB Graduate Certificate at San Francisco State University. There is a $70 application fee.

2. Provide required documents
   • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
   • Resume
   • Employment or experience verification letter
   • Letter of recommendation from your employer or lab director
   • ASCP certification, if applicable
   • Statement of purpose (one page describing your interest in transfusion medicine, career goals and how the program supports your development)
3. Interview
   Selected applicants may be invited to an interview with program faculty