Program description

Discover what a career in healthcare looks like and get an exclusive inside look at a wide range of healthcare careers. You are invited to apply to be a part of a talented group of diverse, Minnesota high school incoming juniors and seniors at our Career Immersion Program offered June 22-26, 2025.

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 program includes:

• Discovery about the most in-demand careers in healthcare
• Connecting with health sciences professionals, including Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences students, staff, and faculty
• Understanding the academic path for enrolling in health sciences programs
• Learning and interactive sessions in college classrooms and labs
• Gaining knowledge on what professionalism is in the healthcare setting
• Networking with other students
• Housing and meals
• Transportation from a central location to and from Mayo Clinic

There are dozens of careers in healthcare. Some you have definitely heard of, like doctors and nurses; but there are many careers you may not know of, like radiographers who help patients and take X-rays, and respiratory therapists who work with patients who have trouble breathing.

While Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences does not train physicians and nurses, the school offers training in over 50 health sciences professions.

Who should apply

Each year, we seek to enroll a diverse group of rising high school juniors and seniors in Minnesota who are ready to explore important careers in healthcare apart from a doctor, nurse, or scientist. Applications are therefore taken from current sophomores and juniors (2024-2025 academic year) in public, private, charter, or home-based high schools, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

In order 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 especially encourages applications from students who belong to any of the following groups:

• Future first-generation college students or students enrolled in TRIO, Upward Bound, and College Possible
• Black or African-American
• Hispanic or Latino
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or U.S. Pacific Islander

Program expectations

Admitted students are expected to:

• Submit all required paperwork by the deadline as noted in the admission letter
• Be available to participate in the program the entire week
• Make the program aware of any accommodations needed
• 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 completed 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.
  • Describe your interest in and what you know of allied health careers (careers that do not include doctors, surgeons, nurses, or researchers), and why you would be a good candidate to learn more about these careers in the program.
• Transcripts. Upload your most current transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted). 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, counselor, 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 carefully reviews each application. Individuals considered for admission into the program will be contacted for a short interview in early spring.

2021-2023 average representation percentage of Career Immersion Program students