State association-sponsored program for SBB candidates

Concern about the closure of the only Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) School in the State of Michigan prompted the Michigan Association of Blood Banks (MABB) to develop and administer a comprehensive series of lectures to meet the needs of technologists seeking SBB certification via the experiential route. The program consisted of more than 60 1(1/2)-hour lectures covering all aspects of blood banking (genetics, coagulation, immunology, blood group serology, blood collection and administration, and transfusion medicine) except infectious disease testing and management issues. The latter were presented during two free-standing one-day seminars (for which a fee was charged for those not registered for the lecture series). Educational techniques were covered in a self-study module. Two lectures were presented one morning each week from March through December, with no presentations during July. Lecturers were local volunteer experts, and detailed learning objectives were established for each topic. Each registrant was charged a nominal fee ($100 for MABB members; $150 for nonmembers). There were 32 registrants for the lecture series, with additional registrants for the seminars. Total revenue was $5,100, and expenses amounted to approximately $2,400, mostly for faculty honoraria and catering for the two seminars. The popularity of our program reflects the need for alternatives to formal SBB schools.