Graduate Programs

Masters of Science in Transfusion and Transplantation Sciences

Hoxworth Overview

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, provides blood and blood components to 32 tri-state area hospitals and medical centers.  HBC also serves as the transfusion services for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Hoxworth has active therapeutic apheresis, transplantation immunology, cellular therapy, reference, and research functions.

The Hoxworth Blood Center is ideally suited for teaching purposes. Students in the program have access to the libraries, computer resources, and other facilities within the College of Medicine, College of Allied Health Sciences, and the main campus. 

Hoxworth Blood Center, through the College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, offers a 5 quarter/15 month graduate program leading to a Master of Science degree.
The graduate program in Transfusion and Transplantation Sciences contains two tracks:
 
     - Blood Transfusion Medicine
     - Cellular Therapies
 
Application to the program should be done online at www.grad.uc.edu.  The application deadline is April 1 for Fall enrollment. 

Additional information about the program is also available at http://cahs.uc.edu/majorsprogram/graduate/transfusion/index.html . 

International Students with questions regarding visa guidelines should visit http://www.isso.uc.edu/forms/pdf/Int_handbook.pdf


Blood Transfusion Medicine

This track includes all aspects of blood transfusion medicine including immunology and genetics of blood group systems, the functions and utilization of blood and its components, therapeutic procedures related to disease treatment, blood collection and component production, automated blood collection, cellular therapies, transplantation immunology, pre-transfusion testing and regulations and quality assurance.  Student seminars, literature critiques, and journal club are an integral part of the student experience.  A supervised but independent research project is required, culminating in the preparation and successful defense of a master’s thesis.

Admission Requirements:
All applicants must provide 3 letters of recommendation and have a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological or physical sciences. MT (ASCP) or BB (ASCP) certification is preferred. Experience in blood banking post graduation is highly desirable for admission.

Career Opportunities:
Graduates of this track assume responsible positions in blood centers and transfusion services across the country. These positions include technical directors; laboratory supervisors and managers; and positions in education, quality assurance, and research.

Of Special Interest:
Students enrolled in this track simultaneously fulfill the requirements for the Specialist in Blood Bank Technology (SBB) certification from the Board of Registry, American Society for Clinical Pathology.  This part of the program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks).


Cellular Therapies

This track emphasizes a well–rounded understanding of the principles of cell therapy, cell physiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Training includes significant hands-on laboratory experience in selection and genetic manipulation of stem cells and in the development of novel cell therapy treatment protocols. Student seminars, literature critiques, and journal club are an integral part of the student experience. A supervised but independent research project is required, culminating in the preparation and successful defense of a master’s thesis.

Admission Requirements:
All applicants must provide 3 letters of recommendation and have a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological or physical sciences. Previous clinical or research laboratory experience is beneficial for admission.

Career Opportunities:
Graduates of this track should assume responsible leadership positions in cell therapy laboratories that provide laboratory support for hematopoietic stem cell transplant programs.


Financial Aid

The program is usually able to provide each student with financial assistance in the form of a monthly stipend. Students enrolled in the program are eligible for University Graduate Scholarships.


Faculty

José A. Cancelas, MD, PhD
Division Director Research; Medical Director Cellular Therapies
Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Patricia M. Carey, MD
Medical Director, Division Director, Donor Services
Associate Professor of Clinical Transfusion Medicine

Alin Girnita, MD
Division Director, Transplantation Immunology
Associate Professor of Surgery

Thomas Leemhuis, PhD
Division Director, Cellular Therapies
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

Ronald A. Sacher, MD, FRCPC
Director, Hoxworth Blood Center
Professor of Internal Medicine and Pathology

Susan L. Wilkinson, EdD, MT(ASCP)SBB
Associate Director, Hoxworth Blood Center
Associate Professor of Clinical Transfusion Medicine


Contact Information:

Pamela F. Inglish, MT(ASCP)SBB
Director, Quality Assurance and Education
Hoxworth Blood Center
3130 Highland Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0055
phone: (513) 558-1275 or (800) 265-1515 x81275
fax: (513) 558-1279
email: pamela.inglish@uc.edu

updated: 12/14/09