International Blood Collection Officer Training Program

Will this course guarantee me a job as a Blood Collection Officer?

Not necessarily. You will still have to apply directly to an anti-doping organisation to work as a BCO for that organisation. It will be your responsibility to apply for BCO positions directly to that organisation.

We would recommend speaking to potential anti-doping organisations who you may be interested in working for to see if they are currently recruiting for BCO positions.

Who appoints Blood Collection Officers?

The appointment of BCO positions is usually done by: National Anti-Doping Agencies, Major Event Organisers, Private Sample Collection Agencies, International Testing Agency, and other sporting federations or organisations.

A list of National Anti-Doping Agencies and Major Event Organisers can be found on the WADA website.

The application form to apply to become a BCO for the International Testing Agency can be found here.

What fees do BCOs get when they are working?

Different organisations have different fee structures for the BCOs that undertake the testing for them. The rates of pay will depend on the organisation you work for and the country you work in.

BCOs are often contracted on a part-time or freelance basis, but occasionally some organisations employ BCOs on a full-time basis. Some organisations pay an hourly or daily rate for the work undertaken. BCOs would usually be reimbursed for any travel and hotel expenses incurred when conducting testing missions.

When working as a BCO at a sporting event, the organising committee of that event often sets the terms of employment with the BCO. For example, at previous Olympic Games, BCOs have been paid a daily per-diem and have had accommodation support provided.

Will I be a WADA accredited BCO after completing the course?

No. BCO accreditation is linked to the organisation that you work for. When you work for an organisation, you would need to comply with their accreditation requirements. BCOs are likely to be subject to an annual accreditation process and performance evaluation specific to their organisation.

Further information on the accreditation process for BCOs when they work in an anti-doping organisation can be found in the WADA Guidelines for Sample Collection Personnel.

Will this course teach me the clinical skills of blood collection?

No. To be eligible to do the course you must have already received the qualifications and professional registration to collect blood in your country of practice. You must submit evidence of this training and qualifications at the time of application.

However, the course will teach you about how to apply your existing clinical blood collection skills to the sports setting, to be able to conduct blood collection from athletes for anti-doping tests.

I am not a nurse, doctor or phlebotomist – can I still do the course?

No. The course is only open to these specific healthcare professionals who are qualified and legally able to collect blood in their country of practice.

I am not currently working in a blood-collection role – can I do the course?

No. You must be currently employed or contracted to an organisation where you are actively involved in blood collection. You must have undertaken blood collection within this role in the last 6 months.

Will this course mean I work for the ITA?

No. Completion of this course does not constitute employment by the ITA and does not grant you the right to represent yourself as a Blood Collection Officer working for or on behalf of the ITA in any context. You will be separately required to apply and be granted employment in an anti-doping organisation, such as a National Anti-Doping Organisation, Private Sample Collection Agency or Major Sporting Event Organiser, for which you will undertake the role of an IBCO under their employment jurisdiction.