I think the intent of specialty exams are for those already specializing in
work areas. If you already have years working in one area then you might as
well go for it.  The problem is if you have no intent in specializing yet
then it will pigeon hole you.  As a generalist I would frawn on working with
one on my shift (PM) where we all cover each other with shifting work loads.
It all depends on what you have in mind by your career.  If you want to be a
BB supervisor then absolutely wise move. If you want to market yourself for
a job anywhere in BB sure, but for small markets or even large markets who
already have MT ASCP as AM supervisors as you see an add for CLS or MT
positions then they see you as limited or an intent of limitation in blood
bank.
Right now with the age of the work force I see a young person as an asset in
which to cross train in all fields. I don't see that in a specialist. I
would pick the recent grad and take my chances.

I took the micro specialty, but my degree and all my work experience up to
that point was all micro. I think it did help me when I first got it since
the hospital I was at wanted registered techs, and I didn't qualify for the
MT one.

When I started working for the VA the registration didn't matter except for
professional pride. I went on to get my master's degree in CLS and that
definitely helped my career.

Kristine:

I have my SBB, and twenty years ago, it was instrumental in helping me
obtain both a BB Supv and a Lab Director job.  The test is very rigorous,
and the ASCP and (I think) the AABB put out study guides for it, and there
is a review week you can attend somewhere in the South to assist as well.

Don't think if you're a great bench tech working in a good transfusion
service that you'll pass it.  The test contains little practical knowledge,
dealing with issues such as genetic pedigrees, clinical applications
(calculating FVIII dosages, etc), specialty products and procedures,
molecular genetics of Ag's, and management issues/quality assurance.  Alot
of the test is only stuff you never see, but read about in journals.  And
despite poor initial results of the clinical trials and the disbelief of my
colleagues, I still think that "artificial blood" products are on the
horizon.

If you're young, it doesn't hurt to take it -- I think it builds character!
And it still will look good on a resume, even if a specialty no longer in
demand sometime in the future.  I saw my working career ending in layoff,
went back to get my MBA, and now consider myself a Generalist, trying to
talkdown my SBB in job interviews ...

Larry Smrz, MT(ASCP)SBB
Indianapolis, IN