Program description

The Career Immersion Program offers an opportunity to explore and get an inside look at a wide range of allied health careers. While you may be familiar with roles like doctors, nurses, and researchers, there are many others you might not know — such as radiographers who capture X-rays or respiratory therapists who help patients breathe more easily. You’ll gain valuable insight into the many careers that play a vital role in a patient’s care.

During this program, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences will pull back the curtain and share insights and information about several careers most students don’t even know exist. The careers highlighted during the programs are ones that we offer through Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

What you’ll experience:

• Discover today’s most in-demand careers in healthcare
• Connect with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences students, faculty, and staff who’ve been where you are
• Chart your path with guidance on college, academic programs, and career routes
• Dive into interactive, hands-on sessions in college classrooms and labs
• Level up your professionalism skills for success in healthcare
• Build your network with other motivated students
• Ride with transportation provided from a central location to and from Mayo Clinic

Career immersion program

Date: June 21-25, 2026
Cost: Scholarships cover the cost of the program for each student admitted

Who's eligible:

• Current sophomores and juniors at a Minnesota high school, Charter school, or home-based school
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Resident of Minnesota
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

What's included:

• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Transportation to and from designated Twin Cities location
• Student housing in Rochester with on-site program directors
• Social activities

Who should apply

The Career Immersion Program is designed for students eager to explore hands-on, in-demand careers such as sonography, phlebotomy, respiratory care, paramedic, histology, and other allied health professions available through Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. We look for students who are passionate about healthcare and who demonstrate maturity and their interest in allied health careers.

To establish a group of Career Immersion Program students that reflects both the organization Mayo Clinic seeks to be and the patients we serve, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences encourages applications from qualified students from all backgrounds.

Program expectations

Admitted students are expected to:

• Submit all onboarding paperwork by deadline
• Be available to participate in the program the entire duration
• Make the program aware of any accommodations needed to be successful
• Follow dress code requirements set by Mayo Clinic
• Abide by the code of conduct established by the program

How to apply

Applications are accepted each year from Jan. 1 through March 15. Your application and all supporting documentation must be submitted and received by Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences by 11:59 p.m. CT on March 15.

We highly encourage you to print these instructions or have them on another screen as you complete your application. The application works best on a PC.

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
• Select - Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
• Select - Career Immersion Program
2. Complete each section of the application and submit
3. After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
• Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
• Complete the Recommendation Request section

Additional required items

• Essay. Answer the following question and upload it in the Supplemental Items section. Essay should be between 300-500 words.
  • Tell us about your interest in allied health careers — those outside of roles like doctors, surgeons, nurses, or researchers. What do you already know about these careers, and why do you think you would be a great fit for a program that helps you explore them further?.
• Transcripts. Upload your most current unofficial transcript that includes the fall semester grades. Applicants should request an unofficial copy of their transcript from a counselor or school official. We cannot accept uploads from online grade books.
• Recommendation. Enter the email address of the person that will be completing the online recommendation form.
  • Educational reference. Choose a person familiar with your educational qualifications and your potential for success in the Career Immersion Program. This may include a current teacher or professor, counselor, advisor, coach, or principal.

Note: If you don't complete these at the time of submission, visit your "My Account" page and navigate to your application for a link to complete.

Interviews

The selection committee reviews each application once the application cycle has closed. Applicants considered for admission into the program will be contacted for a short interview in April. All acceptances are emailed by May 1, and your reply is required within seven business days.

Student experiences

Learn more about what students gain from the Career Immersion Program at Mayo Clinic.