BloodTechNet Opens Learning Competition with $125,000 Pledge

January 14, 2011 — BloodTechNet is welcoming the new year with the launch of the Learning Competition. We are pledging $125,000 to educators who want to lead, inspire and support medical laboratory technologists interested in developing their skills and knowledge in Transfusion Science.

Starting today, anyone may submit ideas on www.bloodtechnet.ca that will benefit MLTs who want to learn about Transfusion Science. Applicants with the most promising ideas as selected by our panel of judges will be invited to provide the project details and rally support from their co-workers and colleagues in the transfusion community, and given an opportunity to share in the BloodTechNet Competition Fund.

The transfusion community knows better than anyone what we need to learn in order to cope with the challenges that face us. That is what the BloodTechNet Learning Competition is all about, said Dr. Dana Devine, Vice President, Canadian Blood Services. With this funding we've made a commitment to helping MLTs develop their learning networks and support their learning needs as they see appropriate. If anyone ever had the thought 'Gee, the learning opportunity that I'd really like to see is...', then this is your chance to put your ideas forward!

With the website now accepting submissions, members of the transfusion community are encouraged to visit bloodtechnet.ca and submit ideas. The ideas can be as diverse as the communities they represent. According to the recent Survey of Canadian MLTs’ Views on Continuing Education in Transfusion Science, nearly all MLTs (96%) say continuing education is critical to keeping up with change in the workplace; the vast majority say we could do better in meeting their expectations. To start the submission, applicants simply write a brief overview of their idea and identify whether it’s a Small Idea (under $5,000), a Medium Idea ($5,000-$15,000) or a Big Idea ($15,000-$25,000). Applicants will have tools to help their colleagues and co-workers connect with their idea, offer support and vote for their favourite projects.

All members of the transfusion community are encourage to visit bloodtechnet.ca for more information. Idea submissions will be accepted until February 7, 2011. Finalists invited to submit project details will be announced March 7, 2011. Voting takes place between April 22 and April 29, 2011. Winners will be announced in May at the CSTM conference in Toronto.

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BloodTechNet is a not-for-profit learning network for medical laboratory technologists interested in Transfusion Science. The Learning Competition is administered by Canadian Blood Services, with unrestricted funding provided by Talecris Biotherapeutics.