Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the CCaTS postdoctoral programs.

I am looking to further my understanding of statistics and epidemiology, but I don't have time to take courses. What can I do?

The Essentials of Clinical and Translational Science (ECaTS) is available in an online, asynchronous format, so you can complete it on your own schedule. This program provides foundational knowledge of biostatistics and epidemiology research methodology and allows participants to become more critical users of medical literature.

Are CTSC courses offered only at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, and what if I can't be there in person?

No. Clinical and translational science (CTSC) courses are conducted in a virtual classroom and available to students located on all campuses, including each of Mayo Clinic's campuses as well as those within the Mayo Clinic Health System. Most CTSC courses remain synchronous, requiring scholars to attend sessions at the dates and times listed on the course schedule.

Can I audit a course without officially enrolling?

No. CTSC courses do not allow auditing. All scholars attending a course must be enrolled.

What are the eligibility requirements for the postdoctoral programs? How much do they cost?

Please visit the programs' eligibility and application process webpages to learn more:

• Certificate Program.
• Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program.

I don't work at Mayo Clinic, but I am interested in the program. Can CCaTS find me a position within a lab?

To be eligible for the Certificate Program or the Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program, applicants must have an existing or upcoming appointment at Mayo Clinic. While CCaTS does not facilitate employment, interested parties may explore opportunities offered through Mayo Clinic's Careers website.

I've previously taken coursework through Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Will it count toward the certificate or master's program?

A maximum of six credits of Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (MCGSBS) coursework that is 5 or less years old at the time of admission to the certificate or master's program may be considered. CCaTS will evaluate your transcript as part of the admissions process and inform you how previous coursework may be used to complete the program requirements. Current CCaTS Certificate Program scholars who apply and are admitted to the CCaTS master's program prior to certificate completion may elect to have additional credits considered for the master's program instead of pursuing certificate completion.

How do I transfer in credits taken elsewhere? Can I waive required coursework if I've already taken similar courses?

Please refer to Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science's Credit Transfer Policy. You must log in to the Mayo Clinic network to access. Then work with your CCaTS program advisor for additional assistance.

How much protected time do I need to apply for a postdoctoral program, and how long does the program take to complete?

Scholars must have enough protected time to complete the program requirements, including coursework and research projects. Generally, scholars who have an average of 75% to 100% protected time can complete the Certificate Program within one year and the master's degree in two years. Program completion may take longer if you are unable to attend courses in the sequence recommended. Complexity of research projects also may impact timeline to completion.

Do I need to have a mentor and research project in mind when applying to the program?

Yes. This is an important part of the application process. Please visit the programs' application process webpages to learn more:

• Certificate Program application process.
• Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program application process.

I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?

CCaTS accepts applications four times a year, with deadlines of Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1. Interested scholars who have missed consideration in the current application cycle can apply with the next cycle.

What is the process for transferring from the Certificate Program to the Postdoctoral Master's Degree Program?

Scholars need to complete the master's degree application process during one of the application cycles, which have deadlines of Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 or Oct. 1 every year.

How do I request a copy of my transcript?

Transcripts are managed by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science's registrar's office. Please email the registrar at comregistrar@mayo.edu to request. Additional instruction is provided on this Admissions and Tuition webpage.

I plan on leaving my Mayo Clinic employment prior to completing the certificate or master's degree program. Can I still apply, or will I be allowed to finish my program if I am no longer employed by Mayo Clinic?

The master's and certificate programs are available only to active Mayo Clinic employees. Prospective applicants who do not plan to remain employed for the required duration of the training program should not apply. If Mayo Clinic employment terminates prior to completion of these programs, the MCGSBS appointment also must end. If program completion requirements are not satisfied before the Mayo Clinic employment ends, the student will be withdrawn from the program effective on the last date of employment.

May I self-pay my program fee?

No. All program fees must be funded via a Mayo Clinic cost center number. The nonrefundable program fee will be charged to the cost center number after the applicant accepts the admission offer and prior to program start.