Program overview

Program length: 8 weeks (practicum) or 24 weeks (preceptorship)
Class size: 1-2 students (practicum) or 4 students (preceptorship)
Location: Rochester, Minnesota

This internship prepares students for a career in molecular genetics. To be eligible for the internship, you must be a diagnostic genetics student at Northern Michigan University or a molecular pathology student at Texas Tech University.

• Practicum through Northern Michigan University: This program is a joint offering between Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. You obtain a bachelor's degree in diagnostic genetics by completing seven semesters of coursework at Northern Michigan University and a 24-week practicum on the Mayo Clinic campus in the Genomics Laboratory (molecular). You will perform DNA purification and extraction methods, polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), and other specialized techniques for diagnosing inherited (genetic) and acquired disorders. You are assigned hands-on rotations with specific assays and techniques and are expected to complete an independent research project.
  
  
• Preceptorship through Texas Tech University: This program is a joint offering between Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. You obtain a Master of Science degree in molecular pathology by completing 2.5 semesters at Texas Tech University and an eight-week preceptorship on the Mayo Clinic campus in the Genomics Laboratory (molecular). You will gain experience with DNA purification and extraction methods and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), and will be assigned hands-on rotations with specific assays and techniques. You also observe the roles of genetic counselors, fellows, and consultants. Finally, you will also assess technical aspects of the laboratory.

Graduation and certification

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

Students from Northern Michigan University are eligible to receive a bachelor's degree in diagnostic genetics. Students from Texas Tech University are eligible to receive a Master of Science degree in molecular pathology.

Graduates of either university program 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.
• Unofficial college transcripts may be uploaded in the Supplemental Items area for application purposes. You may also send transcripts or other documentation not uploaded directly to:
  
  Amy Groszbach, M.Ed.
  Molecular Genetics Technology Internship Director
  Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
  Siebens Building, Fifth Floor
  200 First St. SW
  Rochester, MN 55905
  
  
• Two letters of recommendation are required and must be completed in the Recommendation Request section. Each recommender will receive an email with a link to complete a rating form and upload a letter.
• Professional: Choose individuals who are familiar with your professional qualifications and your potential for success in the field of molecular genetics technology. References may include employers, supervisors, or teachers.

Interview process

The selection committee carefully reviews each application. Individuals considered for acceptance will 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.

Northern Michigan University pays Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences directly for clinical rotation tuition sharing. However, Texas Tech University 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 Northern Michigan University or Texas Tech University.

Students are responsible for their own living accommodations and transportation.

You 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

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

Schedule

During the internship, the learning schedule is Monday through Friday, with hours varying based on rotation.

Accreditation information

The diagnostic genetics program at Northern Michigan University and the molecular pathology program at Texas Tech University are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

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