Program overview

Program length: 2-4 months
Internship class size: Approximately 8 students
Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Stipend: $3,000 (per 8-week period)

The Program for Undergraduate Learning in Structural Heart Disease and Echocardiography (PULSE) allows currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cardiovascular imaging and structural heart disease research. The internship is typically eight weeks in duration, with a potential opportunity for extension. The program is designed to expose students to biomedical imaging careers through tailored research projects, structured education in research methodology, and weekly faculty-led lectures.

Application process

2026-2027 PULSE application timeline

All students accepted into the program must be available on the first day to attend the mandatory orientation — no exceptions will be given. (No option for virtual orientation is available). Program dates can be extended to accommodate student schedules on a case-by-case basis with program approval.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the internship, you must:

• Must be 18 years old by the program start date
• Be currently enrolled in or a graduate of a college or university approved by the U.S. Department of Education for federal student aid
  • Recent graduates should typically have graduated no longer than 13 months prior to the program start date
• Be in academic good standing
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
  • Students on F1 visas currently attending a college in the U.S. can apply to PULSE
• Be seriously considering a career in healthcare or clinical research, preferably in the field of biomedical imaging or exercise physiology; this may include careers in sonography, nursing, or exercise physiology, as well as those interested in pursuing careers as physicians or scientists

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

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

1. Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission. Select the following when creating an account:
   • School of Study - Office of Non-Clinical Education Programs
   • Area of Interest - Program for Undergraduate Learning in Structural Heart Disease and Echocardiography (PULSE)
2. Once logged on, select "Create a New Application"
3. Select "Start a Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science Experience Application"
4. Complete each section of the application and submit
5. After submission:
   • Select the "View" button next to your application
   • Select the "Supplemental Items and Documents" tab
     • Upload your supplemental items
     • Complete the Recommendation Request section

Additional required items

• Essay is to include the following and then be uploaded in the Supplemental Items section:
  • In 300 words or less, write about your career goals and how your personal and educational experiences support your progression towards those goals.
• Unofficial college transcripts must include current GPA and should be uploaded in the Supplemental Items area. 
• Up-to-date CV/resume.
• One letter of recommendation from a reference who would be willing to speak to your character and/or career interests is required and must be completed in the Recommendation Request section.
  • Professional references should be individuals who are/were an authority figure in your current/previous schooling or place of employment. These may include college faculty, supervisors, teachers, mentors, or a sports coach.
  • Letters should not be from a family member even if one of the above roles. 
• ORC ID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID): The ORCID allows you to create a unique author identifier for yourself to specifically identify your publications.
  • Register at ORCID. After the registration, you will be given a 16-digit ORCID identifier and will need to include in your submission.

Tuition and fees

Mayo Clinic Office of Non-Clinical Programs does not charge tuition or fees for the internship. A base stipend of $3,000 for eight weeks will be provided in equal installments contingent on good standing in the program.

You are responsible for your living accommodations and transportation.

Accreditation information

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