The graduate program in Blood Transfusion Medicine, offered in conjunction with the Hoxworth Blood Center, is designed primarily for students with previous experience in blood banking and transfusion medicine. This program includes all aspects of blood transfusion medicine at the graduate level including the immunology, biochemistry and genetics of all blood cell markers, the indications, contraindications and function of all blood components and therapeutic procedures. In addition to this didactic material, practical training in the areas of compatibility testing, donor collection, viral marker testing, component production and distribution, apheresis, education and research methods, histocompatibility testing, progenitor cell preservation and quality assurance is also provided. Students prepare and present quarterly seminars and participate in state and national meetings that include the American Association of Blood Banks and the Ohio Association of Blood Banks. Research in an area of blood transfusion medicine, culminating in the preparation of a master thesis, is an integral part of the program.
Class size is limited to a total of seven students.
Three letters of recommendations from persons in a position to know the applicant's ability to pursue graduate level work in this particular field, the Graduate Record Examination, and a personal interview with the faculty at the Hoxworth Blood Center are also required. Six quarters of full-time study are required for completion of the program. Oral examinations and defense of a thesis are also degree requirements. The program in usually able to provide each student with financial assistance in the form of a monthly stipend. Students enrolled in the program are also eligible for University Graduate Scholarships.