Program overview

Program length: 2 weeks
Class size: 6 students a year
Location: Virtual

This virtual program gives students exposure to the genetic counseling role in clinical genetic laboratories over the course of two weeks.

Graduation and certification

After successfully completing this program, you receive a certificate of completion from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

Application process

The Genetic Counseling Laboratory Internship is not taking applications at this time.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the program, you must be currently enrolled in an accredited two-year master's degree program in genetic counseling.

Candidates are selected based on the content of an application essay and quality of references.

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.

1. U.S. citizens
2. U.S. nationals
3. Lawful permanent residents
4. 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.

How to apply

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 - Genetic Counseling Laboratory Internship
2. Complete each section of the application and submit. Note that information regarding standardized testing and professional licensing are not required.
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 is to be one page (500 word maximum) and include the following. Upload it in the Supplemental Items section.
  • Describe your interest as well as the knowledge and skills you already have developed in laboratory genetic counseling.
  • What knowledge and skills do you want to foster or expand by participating in a laboratory internship?
  • How do you plan to use the knowledge and skills gained from this program?
  • Describe other opportunities available, both within and external to your training program, which will allow you to develop the skills of a laboratory genetic counselor.
• Two professional letters of recommendation are required and must be completed in the Recommendation Request section. One of these letters should be from your program director. Each recommender will receive an email with a link to complete a rating form and upload a letter.

Tuition and financial aid

There is no tuition for the Genetic Counseling Laboratory Internship.

Curriculum

The internship allows graduate students in genetic counseling an opportunity to prepare for professional practice in genetic testing and laboratory genetic counseling. During the program, learning experiences are provided to allow the student to:

• Work collaboratively with board-certified laboratory genetic counselors
• Obtain knowledge and experience in the field of genetic testing and laboratory genetic counseling
• Identify appropriate use of tests, and articulate limitations, accuracy, and possible testing outcomes
• Review clinical and family information necessary for scheduling of appropriate tests and proper interpretation of test results
• Observe and review result reporting and interpretation
• Gain knowledge of panel design, algorithm building, and report writing

Hours 

For the majority of the program, you are expected to be virtually present Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Hours vary by rotation.

You should expect to spend time during the evenings and weekends working on the many assignments and presentations to be performed as part of the program. Interested students may contact Elyse Mitchell, LCGC, for sample schedules and expectations.

Accreditation information

See accreditation information for Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.