In just the last year, hospitals and blood centers collected more than 15 million units of whole blood and red cells – close to 900,000 gallons! According to the National Blood Data Resource Center, there will be close to five million patients in the U.S. who will need transfusions this year.
Because it’s possible to process whole blood into other components – plasma and platelets, for example – the total number of units necessary for so many transfusions is staggering.
Though your friends may tease you with some “Dracula” jokes, a career in the field of blood bank technology can be truly rewarding, both financially and personally. As is currently the case with most allied health careers, the demand for blood bank technologists is likely to continue to grow at a steady pace. In fact, projections have shown that the demand for clinical laboratory technologists and scientists (blood bank technologists included) will increase by roughly 10-20%.
You will need to attend a university to study for a bachelor’s degree in order to become a specialist in the field of blood banking. Additionally, you will need to do additional training and will be required to pass a certification exam.
An entry-level salary of a blood bank technologist is likely to average approximately $50,000; this can increase up to as much as $100,00, of course the salary you are able to earn will depend upon your past medical experience, job market conditions, and geographic location. You salary will be raised as you continue your training and gain supervisory, research, teaching, or administrative assistance.
This is a great career choice given the state of the economy; degreed blood bank technologists can expect to find a job without as much difficulty as those who have chosen careers that are less likely to have high demand during an economic slump.
Thu, Mar 11, 2010
Degrees, Education, Online Education