The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) Certificate in Blood Banking/Immunohematology trains you to meet the critical need for medical laboratory scientists that make sure donated blood is safe for use in blood transfusions and other procedures.
Why choose us?
- Our Medical Laboratory Sciences Program has been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for the Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) since 1987.
- Coursework includes lecture and laboratory courses that focus on application and preparation for the nationally-recognized certification exam (American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) Technologist/Scientist in Blood Bank).
- The Certificate is available to returning, non-degree students who want additional credentials in Blood Banking/Immunohematology for career development/enhancement.
- UWM’s College of Health Sciences is widely known for excellence in education, innovative cutting-edge research, and community-engaged learning and service.
What can I do with a Certificate in Blood Banking/Immunohematology?
Successful completion of the Certificate allows you to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) Technologist/Scientist in Blood Bank national certification exam and be employable in a medical laboratory or blood center. The curriculum meets entry-level practitioner competency as outlined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Admission
AdmissionApplicants are admitted to the certificate program in one of two categories:
- Current UWM undergraduate student enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences submajor who has achieved junior standing with a UWM and science grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above (4.0 scale).
- Post-baccalaureate student with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with either a major in biological science or chemistry, or a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical science courses including genetics within the last 5 years and a GPA of 3.0 or above (4.0 scale).
Coursework
CourseworkTo be awarded the Certificate you must earn a minimum 2.50 GPA and a grade of C or better in the courses listed below.
| Course | Offered* | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMS 427/428: Clinical Immunology Lecture/Lab | F | 4 |
| BMS 529: Introduction to Immunohematology | F | 3 |
| BMS 530: Immunohematology and Blood Banking Laboratory | F | 1 |
| BMS 532: Advanced Clinical Immunohematology and Immunology** | S | 3 |
| BMS 560/561: Molecular Diagnostics Lecture/Lab | S | 3 |
| BMS 599: Advanced Independent Study | F/S | 1 |
| Total Credits: | 15 | |
F, S, SU (fall, spring, summer) refers to semesters in which courses are taught.
*Course offerings are subject to change.
**BMS 532 is a 4-week capstone course (120 clinical hours) of practical training experience working in a clinical blood bank laboratory.
Graduation
GraduationThe certificate program must be completed within three years of the start of your first certificate course. Minimum grades of C or better and a minimum GPA of 2.500 are required.