Program overview

Program length: 7-8 weeks 
Class size: 1-4 students 
Location: Rochester, Minnesota

This internship prepares students for a career in molecular genetics. To be eligible for the internship, you must be a molecular pathology student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

• Preceptorship through Texas Tech University: This program is a joint offering between Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas, and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Students obtain a Master of Science degree in molecular pathology by completing 2.5 semesters at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a seven to eight-week preceptorship on the Mayo Clinic campus. Students will gain experience with DNA purification and extraction methods and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), and students will be assigned hands-on rotations with specific assays and techniques. Students are immersed in various molecular based clinical laboratories to observe real-life applications and gain first-hand experience of current day molecular diagnostic testing.

Graduation and certification

After successfully completing this internship, students will receive a certificate of completion from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.

Students from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are eligible to receive a Master of Science degree in molecular pathology.

Graduates are then eligible to become certified in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP), through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.

Application process

Applicants are selected based on grades, work and volunteer experiences, leadership qualities, and representation of personal qualities and skills in a personal letter.

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.

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 - Molecular Genetics Technology Internship
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

• CV/resume
• Program questionnaire

Interview process

The selection committee carefully reviews each application. Individuals considered for acceptance may need to complete a personal interview — either in-person or via phone or video.

Tuition and financial aid

$1,000 per student is paid to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences for clinical rotation tuition sharing.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center students pay Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences for clinical rotation tuition sharing before beginning the Molecular Genetics Technology Internship.

Tuition is paid directly to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Students are responsible for their own living accommodations and transportation.

Students may hold outside employment during the training program if it does not conflict with your program responsibilities.

Curriculum

During the internship, learning experiences allow you to perform:

• DNA purification and extraction methods
• Polymerase chain reactions (PCRs)
• Other specialized techniques for diagnosing inherited (genetic) and acquired disorders

Students complete hands-on rotations to learn about specific assays and techniques.

Schedule

During the internship, the learning schedule is Monday through Friday, with hours generally from 8am – 4pm, but varying slightly based on rotation.

Accreditation information

The molecular pathology program at Texas Tech University is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

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