Admissions

All applicants require:

1. At least a bachelor’s degree or its academic equivalent.
2. Applicants must have Canadian certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (CSMLS) and a minimum of 3-years of experience in transfusion medicine.
3. Successful completion of a course focused on the histories, experiences, and/or perspectives of Indigenous peoples in Canada. For students who have not met the requirement at the time of admission, a condition of their admission would be to complete the course by the start of the first term of the second year of registration. This requirement may be fulfilled by completing:
   1. The certificate version of the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada MOOC within the five years preceding the first term of registration; or
   2. If the above course was completed more than five years preceding the first term of registration or is not offered, another course approved by the Dept of LMP graduate program.
4. An admission grade point average (AGPA) of at least 3.0 on the University of Alberta 4-point scale, or the equivalent qualification from another institution – this is calculated on the most recent course work (equivalent to 60 units of course weight or the last two years of full-time study).
5. Proof of English-language proficiency (ELP) if the applicant does not hold a degree from countries or international universities listed on the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies page of [Recognized English Language Countries and Institutions]. The following ELP examinations are recognized; minimum scores required by LMP are:

• TOEFL (internet-based): A minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 on each individual skill area.
• Academic IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each band.
• EAP 550 (EXELP 7550): Successful completion of the EAP 550 course will fulfill the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry’s Graduate Programs.
  Conditional Acceptance: If conditional acceptance to the graduate program is granted based on the future completion of EAP 550, the course must be successfully completed before the commencement of the graduate program.

Admitted students are responsible for these requirements and any fees associated with them.

(The following requirements are associated with clinical placement while in year 2 of the program.)

• Police Information Checks: Applicants should be aware that a clear Police Information Check, which must include a Vulnerable Sector Check, will be required for the clinical placement. Students who fail to provide a clear Police Information Check may be required to withdraw from their program. See the University of Alberta Calendar for more information on the general requirements concerning Police Information Checks and the fees associated with them. 
• Immunizations: Students are required to obtain specified immunizations. Details will be provided on admission to the program. 

• Transfusion science professional society annual memberships: 
  • The Canadian Society for Transfusion Medicine (CSTM) is a multidisciplinary society which promotes and supports best practice in transfusion medicine in Canada through education, communication and partnerships. Annual student membership to the CSTM provides access to required educational resources, such as CSTM standard.
  • The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) is a scientific society where transfusion medicine professionals from over 100 countries come together to share knowledge to improve the safety of blood transfusion worldwide by promoting science, research and best practice in their specific areas of expertise across the transfusion chain.  Annual student membership is required to access required ISBT learning resources. 

• Program required textbooks: 
  • AABB Technical manual (digital or print copy). AABB Press [Current edition] - 21st.  (2023) ed. Claudia Cohn.
  • The blood group antigen fact book (digital or print copy) Reid, Lomas Francis and Olsson 3^rd Ed.

A maximum of 2 students will be accepted into the program each year.

Applicants to this program are required to apply using the graduate studies GSMS.

Start term: Applications are accepted for the Fall (September) term only.

Application and supporting documents deadline: Applications and all supporting documentation, including reference letters, must be received by June 1.

Supporting documents:

1. Official transcripts or marksheets and degree certificates from each university or post-secondary institution previously attended.
2. Proof of certification from CSMLS.
3. Proof of English-language proficiency (if necessary).
4. Proof of successful completion of an Indigenous History Studies course. This course can be in any format (online, in person, correspondence), taken from any institution. If the course will not be completed by the application deadline, submit an Indigenous History Studies course plan.
5. Combined into one PDF document:
   1. Curriculum vitae or resume
   2. Letter of intent. This letter should address the following:

1. 1. Why have you chosen this program?
   2. Why are you a good fit for this program?
   3. What are your professional goals and ambitions?
   4. Who will be your mentor and what is their role in transfusion medicine
   5. Detail work experience in transfusion medicine, and identify short and long term professional goals and ambitions.

          c. Mentorship Agreement Form.
   6. Two reference letters (see Reference Letter Instructions).

Except for references, all supporting documentation is uploaded during the application process.

Names and email address of referees are provided during the application process, and reference request emails are sent upon final submission of the application.

Evaluation of applications: All eligible applications will be assessed and ranked by the program’s admissions committee. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to an interview some time after June 15 (in person or via videoconference).

Offers of admission: The applications of successful candidates will be forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) with a recommendation for admission. The GPS makes a final review of the application, and only the GPS may extend the official offer of admission.

Two references are required and may be academic or work. While the online application system (GSMS) requests 2 work references and 1 academic reference, this is a guideline only; we will accept any combination of work and academic references.

Applicants are to advise their referees to address the following in the General Appraisal section of the referee form and/or in their reference letter:

1. Provide an appraisal of the following specific qualities of the applicant:
   1. Critical thinking/problem solving
   2. Work ethic/industriousness
   3. Multitasking/managing competing priorities
   4. Judgment
   5. Attention to detail
   6. Communication skills
2. Address the applicant’s ability to carry on advanced study, projects, teaching ability, potential for successful study in the transfusion science field, and weaknesses, if any. Please provide specific examples to support your comments.
3. State number of years of experience of the candidate in a transfusion medicine role; specify involvement and responsibilities in transfusion medicine.

Apply now GSMS.

For additional inquiries regarding admission or application requirements, please contact lmpadmis@ualberta.ca.

Tuition per graduate student for the MSc Transfusion Science specialization program based on 36 credits and the Fall 2020/Winter 2021 rates as currently posted to the FGSR website (not including non-instructional fees or the projected annual increases)

Domestic Students: approximately $714.48 per 3 credit course

Program Cost: estimated $ 10,717.12

International Students: approximately $1,864.30 per 3 credit course within the period of time covered by the guarantee 

Program Cost = estimated $ 22,371.60

These are estimates only; see Fee & Cost of Living Estimates

There is no funding support (stipend) offered to students in this program.

Students admitted to this program may compete for such awards as:

• Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
• Awards managed by GPS
• Awards internal to LMP

Yes, however, preference may be given to Canadians and permanent residents of Canada. Additionally, successful applicants will have CSMLS certification and a minimum of 3-years of transfusion medicine experience. A maximum of 2 applicants are admitted each year and all eligible applicants are considered regardless of residency.

The minimum admission GPA is 3.0 on the University of Alberta 4-point scale, however as this is a competitive program, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission.

Applications are reviewed first for eligibility, i.e. that the minimum required admission GPA has been met, proof of English language proficiency requirement has been met (if necessary), and all supporting documentation has been received and is in order. Once that initial assessment has been made, the admissions committee will evaluate eligible applications. The factors considered are the admission GPA, previous work experience, the applicant’s CV, the letter of intent, and the referees’ appraisals.

The top applicants are shortlisted for an interview (either in person or online) and the result of the interview is also factored into the final decision. A maximum of 2 applicants will be offered admission.

There is no specified length or format for the letter but applicants are reminded to address the key points as specified in the admissions Application Process section.