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Blood Bank Technician Job Description |
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Blood bank technicians, also called phlebotomy technicians, collect, analyze and prepare blood, plasma and other blood components for transfusion. They generally work under the supervision of a clinical laboratory manager. Their duties will vary, depending upon the facilities in which they work.
A basic overview of typical duties performed by blood bank technicians includes the following:
• They screen potential blood donors, record and analyze the data gathered.
• They draw and type blood.
• They separate blood into components such as plasma and platelets.
• They test blood for health problems such as HIV, hepatitis and low hemoglobin.
• They test blood for compatibility, group antigens and antibodies.
• They label and store blood.
• They investigate negative reactions to transfusions.
• They assist other medical personnel with transfusion therapy.
The number and complexity of duties depend on the education and experience of the technician.
With each level of education and experience, the responsibilities increase for the technician. There are many opportunities for advancement in blood banks and transfusion centers as well as organ and tissue transplant centers for blood bank technology specialists. These specialists serve in many different capacities within the transfusion field. They have opportunities to become advisors of technical and procedural issues, quality managers, laboratory administrators or educators.
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How Can I Become a Blood Bank Technician? |
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The basic educational requirement for a blood bank technician is an associate degree or certification from a technical school or hospital. These quick healthcare degrees provide good entry points for a very satisfying career. The training includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, clinical experience in blood drawing and infection control, safety and ethical standards, first aid and CPR. After graduation, a national examination for certification must be passed.
Someone who would like to advance in the field of blood bank technology needs to have a four-year degree, preferably in microbiology, biology or other physical science. Other undergraduate degrees also will be accepted as long as they are heavy in the sciences and medical technology. Following this degree, specialized programs that offer master’s degrees in blood bank technology are recommended. A period of clinical experience is necessary, and many facilities offer on-the-job training for qualified applicants.
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What is the Salary of a Blood Bank Technician? |
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The average annual salary of a blood bank technician is about $39,000. With experience and additional education, opportunities for advancement are available that will increase the salary. Blood bank technology specialists earn from about $41,000 to $56,000 per year. Those who advance to management and supervisory positions are in line to earn much more than that.
Job prospects in the healthcare field are excellent, and this is a very rewarding healthcare career choice. The need for blood products is growing each year as well as exciting new job opportunities in the field.
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