How to Apply
Before you apply
To be eligible for the Emergency Medicine Paramedic program, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Possess current national certification at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level
- Be currently certified in Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association
Applicants have two options to enter the program:
- Earn an Associate of Science Emergency Medicine Paramedic degree in partnership with Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) located in Rochester, Minnesota. Applicants complete 32 credits at RCTC and 40 credits at Mayo Clinic to complete their A.S. degree. Note: If you are currently enrolled at RCTC, you are required to apply and be accepted into the program. Not all students enrolled at RCTC are guaranteed acceptance into the program.
- Enter the program with an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution with completed required prerequisite coursework.
Training locations
Applicants may choose to attend the program in Rochester, Minnesota, or a satellite location in Duluth, Minnesota.
About the Duluth site
A Duluth-specific instructor is on-site daily for lectures and skills. The Duluth satellite site runs in conjunction with the Rochester program. Classes are hosted in the training classroom at the main ambulance station in Duluth. During class time we virtually connect with the Rochester group for lectures.
Most clinical shifts (field shifts and certain hospital clinicals) can be done in Duluth or the surrounding areas. You will need to travel to Rochester to complete cadaver labs, AHA courses, and some clinicals that can’t be replicated in Duluth.
The field shifts (ambulance shifts) are done in Duluth with trained preceptors. Ride time can also be done in Rochester at your request.
If you are doing the degree-seeking track for this program, you must attend your online classes through Rochester Community and Technical College for your associate’s degree.
Prerequisite coursework
In addition, applicants must complete the following course with a grade C or better:
| Subject | Prerequisite |
|---|---|
| Biology | One semester of college-level human biology or anatomy |
Degree holders do have the option to complete this course during the first two semesters of the program.
Applicants to the program will be required to obtain and upload the Minnesota EMT (EMSRB) Provider card by the application deadline.
Advanced placement
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences does not currently offer advanced placement to students who are seeking to graduate or become eligible to take the National Registry or state examination at the paramedic level.
All students seeking to graduate or become eligible for the National Registry or state examination must complete all of the requirements of the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program.
Non-U.S. citizen applicants
Admission to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is open to U.S. workers in the four categories below. Therefore, visa sponsorship is not available.
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. nationals
- Lawful permanent residents
- Asylees and refugees
Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). Scores from the speaking portion of the exam are given particular consideration in admission decisions. Learn more about the exam and register online at the Educational Testing Service.
The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences code for the TOEFL iBT is 5784.
Educational transcripts from schools outside the U.S. must be translated (if they are not already in English) and evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an accredited credential evaluation service company prior to submission. Please refer to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of qualified companies. The applicant pays for the examination and credential-evaluation services.
Application process
Your application and all supporting documentation must be received between Feb. 1 and May 20 of the year you wish to begin classes. The program begins the following August.
| Application window | Class begins | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 1-May 20 | August |
Application instructions
Complete the following steps to apply:
- Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
- Select - Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
- Select - Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program
- Complete each section of the application and submit
- 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
- CV/resume
- Basic Life Certification by American Heart Association
- National Registry EMT card
- Minnesota EMT (EMSRB) Provider card
- Essay is to be 300-500 words and include the following. Upload it in the Supplemental Items section:
Explain why you were drawn to EMS and how your experiences align with the RICH TIES* of Mayo Clinic and the Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program.
*Mayo Clinic is well known for its RICH TIES (Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence, and Stewardship). The Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program believes in these RICH TIES and they are well infused within the program.
- Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded in the Supplemental Items area for application purposes. If admitted to the program, official transcripts must be provided directly from the institution(s) to the program prior to the start of the program.
- Two recommendations are required and must be completed in the Recommendation Request section. Each recommender will receive an email with a link to complete a recommendation form. Family and friends are not accepted.
- General recommendation: Choose a person familiar with your potential for success in the EMS field. References may include current or former teachers, counselors, professors, employers, or supervisors.
- Professional recommendation: Choose a person familiar with your professional qualifications and your potential for success in the field of EMS. References may include employers or supervisors. Your Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervisor is preferred.
Interview process
Qualified candidates considered for acceptance into the program are invited for an interview process at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The interview process can be in-person or virtual, depending on the status of the pandemic and school guidelines.
During the interview process, applicants will interview with several faculty members of the Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program. Applicants will learn if they are accepted into the program during this interview session.
Interviews will be conducted as follows:
Day one
- Will take place on June 20, 2024
- 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (approximately)
- Virtual interview on Microsoft Teams
Day two
- Will take place on June 27, 2024
- 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (approximately)
- In-person in Rochester, Minnesota, at our lab at RCTC Heintz Center (room 1405)
- Will include the onboarding process with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences and Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC)
- Financial aid (will discuss about scholarship and career immersion program)
- Advisors from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences and RCTC
- Student services
Acceptance
If accepted, you will return the next day for onboarding and other program-related materials. Those who are invited back should bring documents such as:
- Immunizations
- Actual certification cards (state, national, BLS AHA Healthcare Provider, NIMS 100, 200, 700, and AWAR 160)
- Current and valid driver’s license
Application to Rochester Community and Technical College
Associate degree track applicants only:
- Once you are accepted into the Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program, you must also apply for admission to Rochester Community and Technical College.