Certificate
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
Hybrid
About the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking Program at Loyola
Laboratory Medicine is essential to the practice of healthcare and competent laboratorians are critical to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of health and disease.
Blood Banking Scientists perform specialized and routine testing to determine patient blood types, identify blood antibodies, and provide blood products compatible for transfusion to patients. Students who complete the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking will immediately be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) Blood Banking exam through Route 3 eligibility after the conclusion of the program. Currently, there are no other colleges or universities in Illinois offering program options leading to qualifications to sit for a categorical certification through ASCP.
Program Structure
The Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking is a 12-credit-hour program that can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time enrollment can be completed in one semester; part-time enrollment can be completed in two to four semesters. The clinical certificate can be stacked with the Clinical Certificate in Hematology or the Clinical Certificate in Microbiology to expand areas of clinical practice or can be used as a pathway towards completion of the full M.S. in Medical Laboratory Science degree. Classes are held at Loyola's Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, Illinois.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking?
From exceptional faculty to respected clinical affiliates, you'll experience a distinctive Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking at Loyola University Chicago.
- An accredited Medical Laboratory Science program
- Top faculty, staff, and researchers
- The latest practices, techniques, and methods
- Opportunities to practice medical laboratory science in real-life settings
- Exceptional career outcomes
The Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking is offered under the umbrella of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited M.S. in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program, meeting rigorous standards for quality, education, and innovation. In fact, the entire curriculum for the clinical certificate are subsets of courses already being taught in the overarching MLS program.
Learn clinical laboratory science from highly successful researchers, educators, and practitioners. Our faculty members are actively researching critical topics within the field, specializing in such areas as hematology, microbiology, and biotechnology.
Many of our faculty also hold clinical appointments in the Loyola University Health System, which means you will learn the latest practices, molecular techniques, and methods through this important partnership.
Build skills through clinical practicum courses at our respected affiliate sites, including Loyola University Medical Center, the University of Chicago Medical Center, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, MacNeal Hospital, OSF Little Company of Mary, and Alverno Laboratories.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects the job outlook for laboratory professionals to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030. Additionally, Loyola's MLS program routinely boasts an average 100% graduation rate, 92.3% certification exam pass rate (within a year of graduation), and 100% graduate placement rate.
Applied Health Sciences Department
The Department of Applied Health Sciences invites students and faculty to engage in timely, interdisciplinary research that improves lives through better health. Find more information on the department and stories showcasing current Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health students and graduates from the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.
Department WebsiteParkinson News and StoriesMeet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking program.
Faculty & StaffClinical Certificate in Blood Banking: Career Connections
Our program provides you with the training and scientific knowledge you need to excel in medical laboratory science jobs and related contexts in hospitals, research facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and educational settings.
Specific job options include:
- Blood banking scientist
- Blood banking technologist
- Public health laboratorian
- Industry technical service representative
- Industry product development and sales representative
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogClinical Certificate in Blood Banking Results and Skills
The Loyola University Chicago Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking focuses on preparing you for medical laboratory sciences jobs where you can enhance the health of individuals, communities, and the larger global environment. You will develop:
- The ability to perform accurate laboratory testing and diagnoses
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Strong professional values
- Critical thinking skills
- The knowledge needed to qualify for and pass the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) Blood Banking exam
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking totals $14880.00, or 12 credit hours at a cost of $1,240.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health Financial Aid & Scholarships
Robert and Betty Parkinson Scholars Award
Named for Loyola alumni Robert (“Bob”) and Betty Parkinson, the Parkinson Scholars Award honors their commitment to helping ensure access to quality health care and the recognition that such health care is a basic human right. Bob and Betty Parkinson took to heart the Ignatian value of “being persons for others.” The Parkinson Scholars Award supports exceptionally talented students with demonstrated financial need who are dedicated to being “persons for others” and will use their Parkinson education to improve the health and health care of individuals, communities, and systems.
Awarded each semester to up to 10 Parkinson students, it includes an $8,000 tuition-restricted scholarship and additional funds to support scholarly activity. Scholars are selected to represent the broad range of the Parkinson School’s disciplines.
More information about scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsUpcoming Events
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall Early Action: February 1
All applicants meeting this deadline will receive an admission decision no later than 3 weeks after the Feb 1 deadline.
Fall Priority: May 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after May 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the fall.
Spring: November 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after November 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the spring.
Summer: March 15
All applicants meeting this deadline will be considered for admission. Any applications received after March 15 will be considered until Parkinson reaches enrollment capacity for the summer.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Prerequisite Course Requirements
Admission to the Blood Banking Certificate program requires successful completion of the following courses:
30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) of biological science or chemistry with laboratory
3 semester hours (4 quarter hours) of mathematics
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students. Please note this program does not qualify international students to receive the F1 student visa.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Clinical Certificate in Blood Banking program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAYRelated Programs
Certificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | Hybrid | Fall, Spring, Summer
The Clinical Certificate in Hematology provides an affordable and flexible option for training future hematology scientists and technologists. This program equips you with critical thinking skills and specialized training to address the increasing demand in healthcare occupations, particularly in underserved communities. Students will benefit from access to expert faculty, hands-on clinical practice, and state-of-the-art labs and instruments.
Apply NowRequest InfoCertificate | Part-Time or Full-Time | Hybrid | Fall, Spring, Summer
The Clinical Certificate in Microbiology provides an affordable and flexible option for training future microbiology scientists and technologists. This program equips you with critical thinking skills and specialized training to address the increasing demand in healthcare occupations, particularly in underserved communities. Students will benefit from access to expert faculty, hands-on clinical practice, and state-of-the-art labs and instruments.
Apply NowRequest InfoMasters | Full-Time Only | On-Campus | Fall
A career in medical laboratory sciences combines several fields critical to health care: medicine, pathology, basic sciences, and clinical laboratory sciences. In this program, you will have access to expert faculty, clinical rotations, and state-of-the-art biomedical labs and instruments so you can build the critical thinking skills and molecular techniques to excel in this low-profile, yet critically important, field.
Apply NowRequest Info