Admissions
Prerequisites
There are two ways to enter Mayo School of Health Sciences Cytotechnology Program. You may be accepted if you have completed your bachelor's degree and meet the requirements listed below. Or, you may enter as a senior from one of our affiliated academic institutions, which have agreed to accept our training as valid fourth-year completion of their bachelor's degrees.
Whichever path you choose, you must receive your bachelor's degree by the time you complete this program.
The following prerequisites are required to apply for admission:
- Three years (90 semester or 120 quarter hours) in an affiliated college or university.
- Twenty semester (or 30 quarter) hours in biology and/or the biological sciences -- including courses such as general biology, cell biology, physiology, anatomy, histology, bacteriology, parasitology, zoology, embryology and genetics.
- Eight semester (or 12 quarter) hours in chemistry.
- Three semester (or four quarter) hours in basic mathematics.
- Your college/university cumulative grade point average should be at least 2.75 (4.0 scale). Applicants are not selected based on grades alone.
International Applicants
Please contact the program director before proceeding with the application process.
International applicants whose primary language is not English must submit results from the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) exam. Learn more about the exam and register online at www.ets.org/toefl. The MSHS school code for the TOEFL exam is 5784. Scores from the speaking portion of the exam are given particular consideration in admission decisions.
Further, applicants from outside of the United States must have their educational transcripts translated (if not already in English) and evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an accredited credential evaluation service company prior to submission. Please refer to www.naces.org/members.htm for a list of qualified companies. The applicant pays for the examination and credential evaluation services.
Admissions Policy
Today's allied health education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of essential skills and professional attitudes and behavior. The goal of MSHS programs is to graduate the best health care practitioners. Further, MSHS must also ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical or emotional functions. Therefore, admission to educational programs is offered only to those applicants who meet qualifications for education and training in the art and science of the respective allied health profession. Applicants should possess the following general qualities at all times:
- Critical thinking
- Sound judgment
- Excellent communication skills
- Emotional stability and maturity
- Professional and ethical conduct
- Empathy
- Physical and mental stamina
- Ability to learn and function in a wide variety of didactic and clinical settings
You must be able to perform the essential functions of the profession and meet the standards of the curriculum. Students seeking exceptions to these standards or reasonable accommodations should initiate their request with the program director.
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in the program and to ensure patient safety. Applicants must demonstrate objective competency in English through the admission interview and may be required to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent examination.
Applicants are judged not only on scholastic accomplishments, but also on physical and emotional capacities to meet the requirements of the program's curriculum and to graduate as skilled and effective practitioners, with reasonable accommodations, if applicable. To preserve the welfare of students and patients, each MSHS program will establish minimum standards deemed essential for safety in practicing that respective profession. Applicants seeking accommodations should initiate their request with the program director.
Admissions committees for each program may require additional specific admission standards. Documentation of these program-specific standards is available from the program director.
Additional Admission Requirements
Applicants offered admission to MSHS programs must also comply with prevailing institutional policies and procedures regarding:
- Immunization
- Occupational Health Review and/or Physical Exam
- Background study and immediate disclosure of any criminal convictions
- Drug Screen
- Health Insurance
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), confidentiality, and other training deemed necessary by Mayo Clinic and/or the MSHS program.
Questions about these requirements can be directed to the school.
Failure to comply or to provide requested documentation is grounds for rescinding an admission offer or terminating admission.
Student responsibilities
Students are required to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times.
Equal opportunity
Mayo School of Health Sciences upholds all federal and state laws that preclude discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or veteran's status.
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