Application and Acceptance Processes
The application deadline is October 15 of the year prior to the internship with interviews and candidate selection completed in November. MeritCare School of Clinical Laboratory Science accepts a maximum of 10 interns per school year. Applications are available through the affiliated academic institutions. Application evaluation is based on GPA, three professional references, a letter stating why said individual is interested in the field of Clinical Laboratory Science and an interview with faculty and staff involved with the program. Interviews will be based on but not inclusive of the following:
- College course background
- Experience
- Presence
- Conversational ability and alertness
- Cooperation, maturity and self-concept
- Attitude toward internship
MeritCare is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. MeritCare strives to be a great place to work and a great place to receive care. All applicants accepting an offer of employment at MeritCare must consent to a drug screen.
Students who wish to become clinical laboratory scientists must meet the following minimal mental and physical requirements and sign the Essential Functions document, which should be included in the application forms process:
- Have reading, mathematics and writing skills
- Be able to communicate verbally
- Have eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity
- Be able to stand for extended periods of time
- Be able to lift/carry up to 30 pounds to waist level
- Have corrected vision and hearing to normal range
- Be able to work in highly stressful situations under time constraints
- Have good color vision
- Be willing to work in situations where the risk of exposure to blood and blood borne pathogens is high
The start date is the first Monday of June with completion of the program the following May. A non-refundable application fee of $25.00 is required at the time of application. In addition, any candidate accepted into the program must pay a non-refundable commitment fee of $150.00 (which will be applied toward the cost of required course textbooks) and a criminal background evaluation fee of $30.00.
Upon admission to the program, students must provide documentation of vaccination/immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and Hepatitis B virus, have had a TB skin test within twelve months of program initiation and have proof of both medical and liability insurance coverage. (Liability coverage is provided by the academic institution in some cases.)
Students must continue to pay tuition to their academic institution during the internship, as both credits and degree are awarded through the academic institution following successful completion of the internship program. MeritCare does not refund tuition in cases of dismissal or withdrawal from the program.
Students who choose to withdraw from the program need to submit a letter of formal resignation to both the Program Director and the Education Coordinator.
Students may be dismissed from the program for violations of MeritCare School or Health System policies after a series of both verbal and written warnings have gone unheeded.
We would be happy to send out a complete listing of policies and procedures, rules and regulations that apply to the MeritCare School of Clinical Lab Science. If interested, please contact the education coordinator using the information listed below.
Education Coordinator
Being able to work one-on-one with each student and interact with them on a daily basis helps make my job as Education Coordinator both interesting and enjoyable. Interesting, because you never know what each new day will bring, not only educationally but also within the laboratory itself - each day is unique. Enjoyable, because I get to watch our students blossom in their understanding and knowledge as the year progresses, and see their confidence and competency expand as they tackle each new unknown. I get to live vicariously through them as they excitedly send out those first resumes and celebrate with them in the accomplishments of the program and the rewards of that job acceptance. This internship year is intense, almost a "right of passage" but one of great fulfillment. I am confident that the MeritCare School of Clinical Laboratory Science is second to none in turning dreams into realities - of turning college students into capable, professional, competent Clinical Laboratory Scientists.
Program Director
Welcome to the MeritCare School of Clinical Laboratory Science Web site. We are proud of our hospital-based program not only for its longevity but also for the high caliber of students completing this internship. Our graduates are known for their strong technical skills and competency as well as their solid work ethic and integrity. So please take a moment to visit our program and meet the people who make MeritCare School of CLS a special place to learn and grow!
For More Information:
Sandra Matthey, MS, MT(ASCP)
Program Director
MeritCare Health System
PO Box MC
Fargo, ND 58122-0040
(701) 234-2481
sandra.matthey@meritcare.com
Alice Hawley, MT (ASCP)
Education Coordinator
MeritCare Health System
PO Box MC
Fargo, ND 58122-0041
(701) 234-2482
alice.hawley@meritcare.com