Admissions

Prerequisites
Students in affiliated clinical laboratory science programs are eligible to apply for a Clinical Laboratory Science Internship at Mayo Clinic through their college program director.

Students must successfully complete the required preprofessional and professional college course work before they are eligible to complete their Clinical Laboratory Science Internship.

Qualified candidates typically possess the following general characteristics:

Aptitude for the basic sciences, computers and instrumentation

• Work quickly and carefully
• Self-sufficient, precise and thorough
• Maintain emotional stability under pressure
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Policies and Responsibilities
The following Mayo School of Health Sciences policies affect applications and admissions to its programs:

English fluency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential to succeed in the program and to ensure patient safety. If English is a second language, you must be able to demonstrate fluency. Satisfactory performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language examination or the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency must be documented as proof of fluency. Your test results must be less than two years old.

Immunization record
For the protection of patients, students and employees, and in compliance with state regulations, Mayo Clinic requires students to be properly immunized. You must show proof of the following immunizations before you begin a program at Mayo School of Health Sciences:

• Tuberculin test in the past six months
• Varicella, rubella and rubeola immunity
• Up-to-date diphtheria and tetanus shots
• Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declaration

Documentation of vaccinations must be provided to Mayo Employee Health Service prior to the start of class.

Health status
Prospective students will undergo a health review at Mayo Clinic and will have the opportunity to update or receive the required tests and immunizations cited above. More information about the health review will be provided after you have been offered a program appointment. Appointment to the program depends upon successful completion of the health review.

Medical insurance
Students must have medical insurance coverage during their program. Student medical insurance can be purchased through Mayo Clinic. To buy Mayo Clinic student insurance you need to be appointed to a full-time certificate or degree program which will last at least one year.

You can also choose to have your medical insurance covered through other, non-Mayo plans (i.e., insurance held through parent or spouse, or an independent commercial plan). Evidence of medical coverage must be provided when your educational program begins.

Background check
Prospective students must pass a criminal background check and/or drug screening required by state laws, prior to enrollment to Mayo School of Health Sciences.

Student responsibilities
Mayo School of Health Sciences students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, examinations and assigned clinical rotations unless absence is approved.

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.

Technical Standards
Mayo School of Health Sciences accepts students who are highly qualified for its programs. To be considered for admittance you should exhibit strong qualifications for the health profession you wish to pursue. Applicants to programs must possess the following general qualities:

• Critical thinking skills
• Sound judgment
• Emotional stability and maturity
• Empathy for others
• Physical and mental stamina
• Ability to learn and function in a variety of settings

In addition to the general standards described above, clinical laboratory workers should:

• Be willing to work with infectious specimens using proper methods of infection control and sterilization.
• Wear protective masks, gloves and goggles.
• Work with specimens that sometimes produce odors.
• Be able to work standing for long periods.
• Have excellent analytical judgment.
• Work well under pressure.
• Be able to perform highly detailed work.
• Have good manual dexterity.
• Possess ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Hours and other working conditions of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians vary, according to the size and type of employment setting. In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate continuously, personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift and may work weekends and holidays. Laboratory personnel in small facilities may work on rotating shifts, rather than on a regular shift. In some facilities, laboratory personnel are on call several nights a week or on weekends, in case of an emergency.

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’s director.