Julie DeSantis Program Director

The Transplantation and Donation Sciences Master's Degree (MSBS-TDS, PSM) program is the only academic program in the country designed to provide professional preparation for individuals who wish to become an organ Procurement Transplant Coordinator (PTC). PTCs facilitate the entire organ donation process from beginning to end, serving as liaisons between the donor’s family, the coroner/medical examiner, the medical and nursing staff, the organ procurement organization (OPO), and all other involved entities. As a result, coordinators must skillfully and diplomatically deal with a number of issues, agendas and personalities in order to achieve a successful organ transplant.

Combining core, science coursework with business and management electives further enables the TADS-MSBS, PSM graduate to step into the professional world of organ and tissue donation and be more prepared to obtain leadership positions within their OPO.

Entrance requirements/prerequisites:

• Baccalaureate degree from a school that is accredited by a nationally recognized body for accreditation of postsecondary education.

• Overall grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate work coursework.
• Submission of online University of Toledo Graduate School Application including resume and personal statement.
• Three letters of recommendation (using the University of Toledo forms is optional).
• A minimum of two semesters of coursework in the biological sciences, a minimum of two semesters of coursework in chemistry, and one semester of college algebra or higher level math, with course grades of B or above.
• Satisfactory completion of a course in medical terminology and/or pass a medical terminology proficiency examination. Candidates who are unable to pass the initial medical terminology proficiency examination will be required to participate in a self-study program and pass a re-test.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and TOEFL may be required for international students.
• Interview with the TADS Program Director, if requested.
• Graduate School application fee.

*Although not required, shadowing an organ procurement coordinator is highly recommended.

Persons who are currently practicing professionals working for an OPO, are eligible to apply for this program and complete the curriculum entirely on-line through the distance learning track. All other applicants who meet the above entrance requirements are eligible for the in person, on-campus track.

Plan of Study Grid

First Term		Hours
HDSC 5010	Organ Transplant Procurement	3
HDSC 5210	Scientific & Clinical Foundations for Human Organ & Tissue Donation & Transportation	6
HDSC 5110	Fundamental Concepts and Clinical Practicum I	3
Elective		3
	Hours	15
Second Term
HDSC 5310	Clinical Aspects Procurement	4
HDSC 5120	Clinical Practicum II	2
HDSC 5020	Scholarly Proj Hum Donation Sc	3
Elective		3
Elective		3
	Hours	15
Third Term
HDSC 5130	Human Donation Sci Internship	8
HDSC 5410	Human Donation Science Seminar	2
	Hours	10
	Total Hours	40

Total Program Credit Hours (minimum) for MSBS, PSM degree in Transplantation and Donation Sciences is 40 credits.

• Analyze a hospital's organ and tissue donor potential within the Organ Procurement Organization's (OPO) Federal Designated Service Area (DSA) and identify specific needs for policy updates and staff education to comply with the federal Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.\n
• Evaluate potential organ and tissue donors through medical and social history, current medical condition, and infectious disease testing to determine suitability for transplant.
• Identify the appropriate family member (LNOK) to obtain authorization for organ and tissue donatiom and communicate effectively and compassionately with the family throughout the case with an understanding of theor emotional and cultural needs.
• Identify and assess physiologic issues in the organ and tissue donor related to brain death and current medical condition and implement appropriate interventions to achieve optimal organ function for transplantable organs and tissues.
• Identify and assess physiologic issues in the organ and tissue donor related to brain death and current medical condition and implement appropriate interventions to achieve optimal organ function for transplantable organs and tissues.
• Coordinate and collaborate with organ and tissue recovery teams and surgical staff to ensure optimal recovery and preservation of organs and tissues according to the OPTN and FDA regulations.
• Assemble the written permanent record of each donor case with all required documentation maintaining confidentiality according to the OPTN and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Communicate effectively with donor families, hospital staff, coroners/medical examiners, funeral homes, and transplant centers to build, maintain, and improve relationships in order to improve donation and transplant outcomes.
• Demonstrate professionalism through code of ethics, life-long learning, self-improvemnet, increased work knowledge, awareness of new practice trends, and scientific advancements as it relates to the donation and transplant field.