Online Certificate: Medical Laboratory Science Blood Bank/Immunohematology

This program is designed for individuals currently working in clinical laboratories or those looking to transition into transfusion medicine. Whether you are pursuing categorical certification through ASCP or expanding your qualifications for employment in immunohematology, this program offers the specialized training needed to meet your career goals.

The certificate curriculum focuses on blood group systems, compatibility testing, antibody identification, and transfusion practices, while preparing students to meet the requirements for ASCP Technologist in Blood Banking categorical certification (Route 3). Students complete online coursework alongside a hands-on clinical practicum, which may be arranged at their place of employment or an approved clinical site. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and meet specific biology and chemistry coursework prerequisites. Contact us at onlineenrollment@uc.edu and an Enrollment Advisor will work with you directly.

Our program provides the advanced technical expertise and specialized academic foundation essential for today's professionals in immunohematology and blood banking. The certificate curriculum is designed to develop the competencies, ethics, and professional standards defined by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and other relevant certifying bodies, ensuring that you are well prepared for certification and advanced practice in blood banking.

Students will complete a rigorous hands-on clinical practicum and a capstone research project as part of the certificate program. The practicum is tailored to each student's background, and those with sufficient prior work experience may be eligible for Life Experience Credit from the university to fulfill some or all practicum requirements. Eligibility depends on course grades, timeline of work experience, competency evaluations, and professional references. An Enrollment Advisor can provide further details.

This program can be completed in as little as two semesters (one academic year).

Advancing your education with a specialized certificate in Immunohematology/Blood Banking elevates your expertise and career opportunities in a critical area of transfusion medicine and patient care. As demand grows for precise blood typing, antibody identification, and safe blood transfusion practices, certified specialists play a vital role in supporting healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.

Professionals with this certificate contribute essential skills not only in hospital blood banks but also in research laboratories, blood centers, and related fields such as transplantation and hematology. Their expertise includes complex serological testing, compatibility assessments, donor recruitment, and quality assurance processes.

Students who excel in this program typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant laboratory science or clinical field and have prior clinical experience. If you have foundational knowledge in medical laboratory science or a related discipline and want to specialize in blood banking and immunohematology, this program will help you gain the advanced knowledge and skills needed for certification and career advancement.

Graduates enjoy benefits such as eligibility for advanced certifications, increased salary potential, promotion opportunities, and a deeper understanding of immunohematology principles and practices.

• 100% online coursework with flexible scheduling
• Can be completed in just one academic year (two semesters)
• Start in fall, spring, or summer semester
• Prepares students for national certification exams in Immunohematology/Blood Banking
• Faculty comprised of leading experts and practitioners in blood banking and transfusion medicine
• Transfer credits accepted from accredited programs or relevant prior coursework

Graduates of the University of Cincinnati’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program consistently perform at or above national averages on certification exams related to Immunohematology and Blood Banking. Program outcomes are assessed following standards set by accrediting bodies such as NAACLS and ASCLS and reflect the success of students who complete the clinical practicum and research components both online and on campus.

• The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• The University of Cincinnati Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
  • 5600 N. River RD, Suite 720 Rosemont, Il 60018-5119 | Phone: 773.714.8880 | Email: info@naacls.org

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid).   To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.

The University of Cincinnati is staying ahead of the growing demand for laboratory science professionals by offering a full lab science education pathway starting with this program. Graduates from this program can qualify for the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Both are completely online and offer unrivaled lab science graduate degree experience. If you’re interested in furthering your education after graduation, we encourage you to visit these programs!