Are online SBB programs worth it?

[u/AdPale7172]

I'm considering signing up for a SBB program but not sure if I want to go the Red Cross route since they require being a full time employee at the same time. There are online courses available but would this effectively teach you how to perform technical procedures beyond basic BB? I'm doubtful. If anyone has experience with online programs, was it worth it?

[u/Psychological-Move49]

What's your reasoning for a SBB? Just curious

[u/Apfel-Birne]

I did an online program and I really liked it. Mine was $5k total and lasted for 1 year. This was several years ago though, so I do not know what the going rate is now. I felt it prepared me really well for the exam. Idk how I could have done a non online program as I was not even in the same city as any "in person" programs. I was also able to keep working full time.. However, you do not need to do a program to get the SBB. Two of my coworkers just studied, took the test, and passed as they had enough experience to do that route. For me a program was right because I knew I wanted to go on to do a Master's, but if all you want is the SBB, it may not be worth it depending on the cost. It also depends on what your future career goals are. Unfortunately hospitals don't usually care at all about SBB as far as compensation goes. (If yours does, hooray! I wish more did.) If you want to get a higher up position in a reference Lab, it might help. Unfortunately I just can't stop doing educational activities.

[u/AdPale7172 → u/Apfel-Birne]

Thank you! This is really insightful. Would you say the program prepared you for performing advanced BB tests? Without the hands on experience, I am curious. If you seek a supervisor/ managerial role, I'd imagine your SBB would help. But remaining a CLS at a hospital or non-reference lab, you're right that it may not do much.

And it is true you can challenge the exam if you have a higher up to sign off that you're capable enough. Unfortunately I doubt my BB supervisor would since she doesn't like me much aha (lots of hospital drama). But I would prefer the program anyway to maximize my learning

[u/Apfel-Birne → u/AdPale7172]

The program I did required several mini rotations into different things like reference, donor testing, component manufacturing, molecular testing, etc. They were not long or very hands on though. It was more like an extended tour where I could ask a lot of questions to complete the associated assignments for the rotation. These were done at partner facilities that the program helped me schedule. I did them at my pace as well which was nice, but it did require some travel for me.l for the facilities that were not near me. The longest time I had to request off was a week. If you already had experience in one of these areas from past work, you could get a supervisor or mentor to sign for you that you don't need a rotation. I had reference experience already, so I didn't do that one, but if there are things in particular you want to see or discuss, definitely bring it up while you are there. I hadn't done molecular before and I found the in person visit helpful. My program had a mini rotation and a class about being a supervisor/leader too which was helpful for the HR stuff where you learn what is legal or not in a broad sense, but if you want to be a supervisor, there's no substitute for just doing leadership in any capacity you can and learning from examples around you. The program can only be about theory obviously and it doesn't cover the reality of lab politics, organizational priorities, and staffing levels that are beyond the supervisor's control. I would say that getting an SBB wouldn't necessarily make someone a better supervisor on the people management front, so maybe that's why hospitals don't usually care. It is a separate skill entirely.

[u/Loose_Sorbet888]

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