Discover Healthcare Careers Beyond the Doctor: Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program

Are you a high school student in Minnesota with a passion for healthcare? The Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vast and rewarding landscape of healthcare careers, going beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. This immersive program, hosted by the prestigious Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, is designed for bright, curious incoming juniors and seniors eager to discover the diverse paths within the healthcare field. Apply now to be part of the cohort for June 22-26, 2025, and unlock a world of possibilities you may have never known existed.

What is the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program?

The Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program is more than just a summer camp; it’s a unique gateway into the dynamic world of health sciences. This program is meticulously crafted to provide an exclusive inside look at a wide spectrum of healthcare professions, many of which often remain hidden from mainstream awareness. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences opens its doors to offer participants firsthand insights into careers that are not only vital but also highly in-demand within the healthcare ecosystem.

During this intensive program, you will:

Uncover In-Demand Career Paths: Delve into the landscape of healthcare careers that are experiencing high demand and growth, ensuring you are exploring options with promising futures.
Connect with Healthcare Professionals: Engage directly with seasoned professionals, including faculty and students from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. These connections offer invaluable mentorship and real-world perspectives.
Navigate Academic Pathways: Gain a clear understanding of the academic routes and prerequisites for enrolling in various health sciences programs, helping you chart a course for your future education.
Experience Hands-On Learning: Participate in interactive sessions held in college classrooms and state-of-the-art labs, providing a taste of the practical skills and knowledge required in these professions.
Master Professionalism in Healthcare: Learn the essential aspects of professionalism within a healthcare environment, preparing you for the ethical and interpersonal demands of these careers.
Build a Network: Connect with like-minded students who share your interests, creating a network of peers as you embark on your healthcare career exploration.
Enjoy a Comprehensive Experience: Benefit from provided housing and meals, and transportation to and from Mayo Clinic from a central location, making the program accessible and convenient.

While careers like doctors and nurses are widely recognized, the healthcare field encompasses a multitude of other crucial roles. Imagine contributing to patient care as a radiographer, expertly using imaging technology like X-rays, or as a respiratory therapist, providing critical support to patients struggling with breathing difficulties. The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences specializes in training professionals in over 50 of these essential health sciences professions, offering a breadth of opportunities beyond the most commonly known roles.

Explore In-Demand Healthcare Careers

The healthcare sector is continuously evolving, creating a robust demand for skilled professionals across a variety of specialized fields. The Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program shines a light on these in-demand careers, particularly within allied health professions. These roles are integral to patient care and often involve direct patient interaction, utilizing advanced technology and specialized skills.

Consider professions such as:

Radiologic Technologists (Radiographers): Essential in diagnostics, using X-rays and other imaging equipment to help physicians detect injuries and diseases.
Respiratory Therapists: Critical in managing patients with breathing disorders, from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and providing life-saving support in emergency situations.
Physical Therapists: Helping patients recover from injuries and illnesses, improving mobility and managing pain through exercise and rehabilitation programs.
Occupational Therapists: Assisting individuals to regain independence in daily living activities after illness, injury, or disability.
Medical Laboratory Technicians: Performing vital lab tests that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Surgical Technologists: Playing a crucial role in the operating room, preparing equipment and assisting surgeons during procedures.

These are just a few examples of the diverse and rewarding careers you can explore through the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program. By participating, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the critical contributions these professionals make to healthcare teams and patient outcomes.

Who Should Apply to the Career Immersion Program?

The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce. Each year, the Career Immersion Program seeks to enroll a group of rising high school juniors and seniors from Minnesota who represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Eligibility Criteria:

Grade Level: The program is open to current sophomores and juniors (during the 2024-2025 academic year) who will be rising juniors and seniors in the summer of 2025.
School Type: Students from public, private, charter, and home-based high schools in Minnesota are encouraged to apply.
Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required.

Encouraged Applicants:

In alignment with Mayo Clinic’s commitment to diversity and serving a broad patient population, the program strongly encourages applications from students who identify with the following groups:

Future First-Generation College Students: Students who would be the first in their family to attend a four-year college.
Participants in Support Programs: Students involved in TRIO programs like Upward Bound and College Possible, which support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their educational pursuits.
Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups: Specifically, students who identify as Black or African-American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or U.S. Pacific Islander.

By creating a diverse cohort, the Career Immersion Program enriches the learning experience for all participants and helps to build a healthcare workforce that is more representative of the communities it serves. If you are a student from any of these encouraged groups, you are especially invited to apply and bring your unique perspectives to the program.

Program Expectations and What You’ll Gain

Participating in the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program is an enriching experience that comes with certain expectations and promises significant gains for your future career path.

Program Expectations:

Commitment to Deadlines: Admitted students are expected to promptly submit all required paperwork by the deadlines outlined in their admission letter, ensuring smooth program logistics.
Full Week Participation: Participants must be available to engage in the program for the entire week, as the immersive nature of the program requires consistent attendance.
Communication of Needs: Students are encouraged to make the program aware of any necessary accommodations to ensure their full and comfortable participation.
Adherence to Code of Conduct: All participants are expected to abide by the code of conduct established by the program, fostering a respectful and productive learning environment.

What You Will Gain:

Beyond exploring diverse career options, the Career Immersion Program offers tangible benefits that will enhance your college applications and future career prospects:

Invaluable Hands-On Experience: Engage in interactive learning that goes beyond textbooks, providing practical insights into healthcare professions.
Professional Networking Opportunities: Build connections with Mayo Clinic professionals, mentors, and peers, expanding your professional network and opening doors for future opportunities.
Enhanced Career Clarity: Gain a clearer understanding of your interests and aptitudes within the healthcare field, helping you make informed decisions about your future education and career path.
Competitive Edge: Participation in a prestigious program like the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program demonstrates initiative, commitment to healthcare, and valuable experience, making your college applications stand out.
Personal Growth: Develop essential professional skills, enhance your understanding of teamwork and collaboration, and gain confidence in your ability to pursue a healthcare career.

How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to embark on this exciting journey of healthcare career discovery? The application process for the Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program is straightforward, with a clearly defined timeline and required materials.

Application Timeline:

Applications are accepted annually from January 1st through March 15th. It is crucial to ensure that your application and all supporting documents are submitted and received by the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 15th. Early application is highly encouraged to allow ample time for gathering all necessary materials.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions:

Access the Application Portal: Navigate to the online application portal for Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.
Select Program: Choose “Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences” from the program options.
Choose Career Immersion Program: Select “Career Immersion Program” from the list of available programs.
Complete the Application: Carefully fill out each section of the online application form, providing accurate and complete information.
Submit Application: Once you have reviewed all sections, submit your application through the portal.
Access Supplemental Items: After submission, you will be directed to the “Supplemental Items and Documents” section in your application portal.
Upload Required Items: Upload each of the required supplemental items in the designated section.
Complete Recommendation Request: Navigate to the “Recommendation Request” section and complete the necessary steps to request a recommendation.

Additional Required Items:

Essay: A critical component of your application is a well-written essay (300-500 words) addressing the following prompt:
- Describe your interest in and understanding of allied health careers (careers outside of doctors, surgeons, nurses, or researchers), and explain why you believe you would be a strong candidate to benefit from learning more about these careers through the Career Immersion Program.
- Upload your essay in the Supplemental Items section of the application portal.
Transcripts: Submit your most recent high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process.
- Request an unofficial copy of your transcript from your school counselor or a school official. Online grade book screenshots are not accepted.
- Upload your transcript in the Supplemental Items section.
Recommendation: Request an educational reference from someone who can speak to your academic qualifications and potential for success in the Career Immersion Program.
- This can be a current teacher, counselor, coach, or principal who knows you well.
- Enter the email address of your chosen recommender in the Recommendation Request section of the application portal. Your recommender will receive instructions on how to complete the online recommendation form.

Interviews:

The selection committee meticulously reviews each application. Students who are considered for admission to the program will be contacted for a brief interview in early spring. This interview provides an opportunity for the committee to learn more about you and your interest in the program.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Towards Your Healthcare Career

The Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program is a transformative experience for high school students eager to explore the diverse and rewarding world of healthcare. By providing unparalleled access to Mayo Clinic’s expertise and resources, this program empowers you to discover your passion, gain invaluable knowledge, and take confident steps towards a fulfilling healthcare career. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the health sciences and unlock your potential. Apply by March 15th and begin your journey towards a future in healthcare at Mayo Clinic!