Biomedizinischer Fachanalytiker/Biomedizinische Fachanalytikerin für Immunhämatologie und Transfusionsmedizin

This advanced training takes place at healthcare educational institutions. For in-person events, learning locations include training rooms and laboratories (for observation visits). For digital learning formats (e.g., virtual classroom), learning occurs from home, or if necessary, in training rooms and laboratories during in-person phases. For combined learning formats (e.g., blended learning), training rooms and laboratories are used for in-person events, and home for online learning units.

Occupation type: Advanced training profession. Type of advanced training: Advanced training according to the internal regulations of educational institutions. Duration of advanced training: Maximum 3 years (part-time). Tasks and activities: Biomedical specialist analysts for immunohematology and transfusion medicine analyze donor and recipient blood before blood transfusions. Since whole blood transfusions are rarely performed, they separate the components of the blood. In this way, they can produce several blood products from a single blood donation. For example, they determine blood group and Rhesus factor, and detect antigens and antibodies. Afterwards, they prepare transfusions where patients receive only the blood components they need. They coordinate and monitor the course of examinations, check and document patient data and examination results, and forward the data. Work areas and locations: Biomedical establishments.

Part-time: maximum 3 years.

Distribution of hours (example): Special Immunohematology: 25 teaching hours. Transfusion Medicine and Blood Donation: 25 teaching hours. Molecular Genetics and Methods of Molecular Biology: 40 teaching hours. Immunobiology: 30 teaching hours. Observation - Methods of molecular diagnostics for typing and solid-phase methods for antibody diagnostics in immunohematology: 40 teaching hours. Elective modules: 50 teaching hours. Practice of Scientific Work: 40 teaching hours. Total teaching hours: 250 teaching hours.

Attending advanced training courses generally incurs course fees, and the examination itself usually incurs examination fees. Additional costs may arise, for example, for work materials, travel to the training facility, or external accommodation. Funding opportunities: Support for particularly talented young professionals: Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung (SBB) - Advanced Training Scholarship.

Specialization: Specialist in Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine. Special Immunohematology. Transfusion Medicine and Blood Donation. Molecular Genetics and Methods of Molecular Biology. Professional Qualification: Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine. Immunobiology. Observation: Methods of molecular diagnostics for typing and solid-phase methods for antibody diagnostics in immunohematology. Elective Modules. Practice of Scientific Work.

In-depth knowledge in areas such as biology (e.g., for determining blood groups and identifying antibodies) and chemistry (e.g., for producing and storing blood components) are good prerequisites for successfully passing this advanced training examination.

The advanced training consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the education provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: Class times are typically part-time, on weekends or in the evenings. For in-person events, classes are held in a classroom setting at the educational institution (which may not be in your place of residence). For digital learning forms (e.g., virtual classroom), learning occurs exclusively via electronic learning platforms and systems (predominantly from home in a classroom setting). For combined learning forms (e.g., Blended Learning), there are in-person classes in a classroom setting at the educational institution and self-directed learning via electronic learning platforms and systems from home.

Participation in advanced training is not remunerated.

The following advanced training alternatives are available for the profession of Biomedical Specialist Analyst for Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine: In the laboratory field, one can become a Biomedical Specialist Analyst for Hematology, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, or Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene. Their commonality is performing specialized tasks in medical laboratory analysis. In the Health and Social Management field, one can become a Business Administrator (Fachschule) for Health Management or a Certified Specialist in Health and Social Services. Their commonality is managing work processes in healthcare. In the Medical field, one can become a Practical Instructor for Medical Technologists. Their commonality is taking on specialized and leadership tasks in medical laboratory analysis.

In 2018, a new modularized advanced training and framework examination regulation was introduced by the German Institute for Advanced Training for Technologists and Analysts in Medicine (DIW-MTA). This system has three stages: 1st Stage: Qualification as a Specialist, 2nd Stage: Professional Qualification, 3rd Stage: Master's degree (optional).

The qualification title is Biomedical Specialist Analyst for Immunohematology & Transfusion Medicine (DIW-MTA). To acquire the aforementioned professional qualification, a specialization must be completed. This leads to the following sub-area qualification title: Specialist for Immunohematology & Transfusion Medicine (DIW-MTA).

Biomedical Specialist Analyst for Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine is a vocational advanced training (Weiterbildung). It is regulated by the internal provisions of the educational institutions. The part-time (Teilzeit) training lasts a maximum of 3 years.

After their advanced training, Biomedical Specialist Analysts for Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine can work, for example, in doctors' offices, hospitals, or blood banks. They can keep their expertise current, up-to-date, and expand it through adaptive advanced training (Anpassungsweiterbildung). The range of topics extends from medical laboratory work to hygiene in the healthcare sector. With a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung), one can also study and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine or Molecular Medicine.

The course of study is regulated internally, for example, by the Weiterbildungs- und Rahmenprüfungsordnung (Advanced Training and Framework Examination Regulations) for advanced training courses at DIW-MTA from 01.01.2019.

The prerequisite for admission to the advanced training is usually: a final examination as a Medical Technologist for Laboratory Analysis or Medical-technical Laboratory Assistant (MTLA) (predecessor profession); or a final examination as a Medical Technologist for Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary-medical Technical Assistant (VMTA) (predecessor profession); or a relevant completed Bachelor's degree.