How to Apply

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Positions

Eight candidates in Minnesota and two candidates in Florida are selected on a competitive basis each year for the Ophthalmic Assistant Training Program.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the Ophthalmic Assistant Training Program, you must:

Be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency certificate (GED).
Be 18 years of age or older by program start date.
Successfully pass a state and national background check.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.

Candidates are selected based on grades and work experiences, as well as volunteer experiences, leadership qualities, and representation of personal qualities and skills.

Admission policies

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.

Learn more and find complete details regarding Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences admissions policy information.

Application process

Your application and all supporting documentation must be received between Jan. 1 and May 1 of the year you wish to begin classes. The program begins the following August.

Application window	Classes begin	Apply
Jan. 1-May 1	August	Online application

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 - Ophthalmic Assistant

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

Personal statement should be no more than 500 words and include the following. Upload it in the Supplemental Items section.

Discuss your reason(s) and goals for pursuing the Ophthalmic Assistant Training 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.

May include current or former teachers, counselors, professors, employers, or supervisors. Family and friends are not accepted.

Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded in the Supplemental Items area for application purposes. Transcripts are required from all educational institutions you attended including high school and, if applicable, all college and university credits and grades from your most recent quarter or semester. Transcript(s) need to include your name, school name, courses, and GPA. If admitted, official transcripts must be provided to the program directly from the institution(s) prior to the start of the program.

Interview process

Once the application window has concluded, the selection committee carefully reviews each application and the accompanying documentation. Applicants considered for acceptance are invited to a personal interview with the program's interview panel.