BB vs MT

[vav5325]

I recently passed my BB Technologist exam last month, and HR at my hospital is not recognizing me as a MT in blood bank. They state that it is nothing more than an additional certification to my existing MLT degree, and in turn no salary compensation will be given. In order to be considered an MT (an received the pay increase) I would have to pass the generalist MT exam.

I have a BS in Biology, MLT degree and 4 years blood bank experience. I exclusively work in the blood bank for an 800 bed level II trauma center. Anyone else in a similar situation? Did your facility recognize you as a MT in your specialty?

[Lcsmrz]

We consider the BB categorical with a BS/BA to meet our definition of a Technolgist. At one time, an MT working exclusively in Blood Bank was encouraged to take the BB exam.

If you need some more evidence, I would check the BOR website for a definition of the exam and the required Body of Knowledge.

But every facility makes its own decision, as long as they document it in their job description .

[vav5325]

Thanks for the response. So if I'm understanding you correctly...... if two employees both work exclusively in the blood bank department. One has a BB and the other has their MT. Both should be on the same pay scale correct. Of course I'm just keeping all other variables constant ( experience, yearly merit raises, etc)

[Lcsmrz]

At our facility, that is correct. We don't have MLT's working in Blood Bank, so everyone is under the same job category and has the same responsibilities.

But each institution defines things differently -- the official Job Description will document your facility's definition of the difference (if any) between MLT, BB and MT. If unionized, check the work rules, also.

[trisram]

You should be able to sit for the MT exam? In my opinion, a BB and a MT is almost equivalent in stature and pay, the only difference is, that one of them is supposedly better at blood banking.

Thanks for the response. So if I'm understanding you correctly...... if two employees both work exclusively in the blood bank department. One has a BB and the other has their MT. Both should be on the same pay scale correct. Of course I'm just keeping all other variables constant ( experience, yearly merit raises, etc)

[adiescast]

Our hospital recognizes the BB with a 4 year degree at the same level as an MT. As LCSMRZ stated, each facility has its own job description, so I would check that first. You may be able to go through channels to get your facility to change their position on it, particularly if you can prove that lots of other places recognize it and ASCP/NCA (or whatever they are calling themselves now...) recognize it as equivalent.

[BrianD]

the practice at our facility is that the MT generalists usually are put at a higher pay grade than people with only the C or BB or M because they are required to perform to the same level of competency in every area of the laboratory that they work (which may be a quirk of our facility) as the specialists are expected to perform to in their single area........and most of our MT generalists rotate into all departments including blood bank, microbiology, molecular, and special chemistries/immunology/toxicology. this means they have to submit to competency assessments, surveys, and con-ed about 5-6 X more than someone who can work only one department. the way the HR devils explain it to me, they'd rather have one or two folks restricted to a single dept. mad at them versus nearly 2 dozen generalists hopping mad.

[tubeshaker]

I would take offense to being considered "only" a C, H, BB, etc. (and admit I'm a completely biased BB(ASCP)). A tech with a categorical certification is a Technologist, and I'll wager the blood bank-related questions on my BB exam were much more difficult than the blood bank questions on the MT exam. There are additional work experience requirements one has to fulfill to obtain a BB certification beyond that required for an MT (now MLS) certification (see http://www.ascp.org/FunctionalNavigation/certification/GetCertified/TechnologistCertification.aspx), so I don't understand any justification for paying someone with a BB less. It's a lot more work to get one, so if anything they should be paid a premium. A tech with a categorical certification has demonstrated specialized knowledge in a subject area, while a generalist MT has demonstrated generalist knowledge. A tech with a categorical certification should be expected to function at a higher level in their area of specialty than a generalist MT, that's the intent of categorical certifications. I don't think the regulators at the ASCP thought them up so that mentally deficient techs that can only remain competent in one area have a chance to work, too (I don't mean that with the mean spirited tone it's carrying, I just can't think of a more effective way to phrase it).

Anyway, bottom line is, your HR department is wrong, the BB certification is not an "add-on" and it's not equivalent to a Technician certification, and if they don't value the specialized knowledge you've demonstrated you have then there are plenty of organizations that will. I see adverts all the time for blood bank techs preferring the BB certification over the MT. Many supervisor positions now advertise "SBB or BB preferred."

Incidentally, you're a Technologist now, so you should drop the MLT from your credentials. You're a BB(ASCP)^CM, say it loud and say it proud.

Peace,

JD

[L106]

You make many good point, tubeshaker, but I have a slightly different opinion.

My opinion is that someone with a BB and a Bachelor's degree should be considered equivalent in pay as some with an MLS (Alias "Med Tech") and a Bachelor's degree. Yes, an individual with their BB certification will probably have a more in-depth knowledge and maybe function at a slightly higher level in the Blood Bank than an MLS, but does that necessarily make them more valuable than an MLS who can function in all areas of the laboratory? I don't think so. I don't think one is "better" than the other.....I think they are equally valuable.

Now, an MLS with a Bachelor's degree and BB certification might be worthy of a pay premium.

Donna

[tricore]

I seem to remember when the BB exam was first intorduced it was so MLTs could take it and be allowed to work in the blood bank. Some institutuions do not allow MLTs to work BB. Anyone from California -was this so MLTs in CA could work BB?

I seem to remember that the questions for the BB were the same as the questions on the BB module of the MT exam. But, that was a long time ago.

[tricore]

I seem to remember when the BB exam was first intorduced it was so MLTs could take it and be allowed to work in the blood bank. Some institutuions do not allow MLTs to work BB. Anyone from California -was this so MLTs in CA could work BB?

I seem to remember that the questions for the BB were the same as the questions on the BB module of the MT exam. But, that was a long time ago.

PS I was an SBB and was not paid any different than a MT without SBB. It was not until the technical specialist position was created that I got paid and now you don't have to have the SBB to be a technical specialist.:mad:

[velliott]

Yes, I too got caught in the SBB no pay also. My facility merged during my 12 month schooling and the "rules" changed. I spent $10,000 for school and then got a whopping $20.00 a week certification pay.......I guess I missed that point during career day also.

[kmt]

when I was working as staff......I was considered as a MT(ASCP) when paid. Also..... BS CLS and MSCLS are paid the same.

[BrianD]

each facility has a different culture, especially when it comes to calculating pay scales. i've seen labs that don't recognize NCA credentials (tho' they're few and far between, now). i had an employer that failed to acknowledge my specialist certification so i walked across the street and went to work for one who did. after years in a research lab, it dawned on me that my first loyalty is to myself. it's a mercenary attitude but i cannot understand some co-workers i've had who've been locked into a pay grade for more than 20 years but are unwilling to try to find better opportunities. they're perfectly willing to complain about it but not willing to follow through on it. my suggestion to anyone not pleased with their situation and feel that there's no real means of redress available to correct the situation to begin looking around. as credentialed laboratorians, we have very marketable and valuable skill sets. there are many opportunities in industry for people who understand TQM/TQI.