How to Apply to the CLS Training Program

Follow these application instructions exactly:

1. Application for Fall 2026 will open in mid August; folders will not be created prior to then.

2. Have a valid CLS Trainee license issued by California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services (LFS). The requirements and instructions for how to obtain a CLS Trainee license are all on this LFS website. 

3. Have an email address that allows you to use Google Workspace.

4. Complete this CLS Application Readiness Assessment and review score. 

5. Send an email to cls-group@sjsu.edu and enter in the subject line: INTENT TO APPLY - Fall 2026 - YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME. You must include a pdf copy of your CLS Trainee license.  If you are a reapplicant, please indicate so in your Intent to Apply.

6. SJSU will send you a shared Google Drive Folder for you to drop required documents into.

7. SJSU will also send you a shared Google Sheet (spreadsheet) where you will enter information including schools attended, license information, contact information for your recommenders, etc. 

8. Enter names of your recommenders on the shared Google Sheet. Send this Confidential Recommendation Form to them. If you do not enter their names on your shared Google Sheet, we will not consider them and we will subtract points from your application score. Recommenders must return the Confidential Recommendation Form directly to cls-group@sjsu.edu. SJSU will update your shared Google Sheet as the forms are received. Recommendation forms from supervisors and managers are preferred. Recommendations from instructors are acceptable. Recommendations from coworkers and friends are unacceptable. 

9. Complete this Technical Standards Form and drop a PDF version into your shared Google Drive Folder. 

10. Follow the directions on this Personal Statement Form, and drop a PDF version of your finalized Personal Statement into your Google Drive Folder. 

Important: Answer the essay prompt. We will deduct points if you do not. It is very obvious to us when an applicant is using a standardized statement. Remember, our Application Review Committee as well as all of our participating Clinical Affiliates may be reading your Personal Statement.

11. Drop PDF versions of your transcripts into your shared Google Drive Folder. You need to include every college or university you have attended. Unofficial copies are ok. Official transcripts will be required of applicants only if they are selected for admission into the program and matched with a hospital affiliate. 

Important: All applicants with international coursework must provide a course-by-course WES (World Education Services) evaluation for any coursework completed outside of the U.S., U.S. Territories & Canada. You do not need to provide copies of your foreign transcripts at this time, provide a copy of the evaluation only.

12. Drop a PDF version of your Resume into your shared Google Drive Folder. It should be consistently formatted and free of typos. 

Important: SJSU and our affiliates reserve the right to require verification of anything appearing on your resume.

13. If applicable, drop PDF versions of related licenses and certificates into your shared Google Drive Folder. Examples include MLT licenses, CPT1 licenses, MLS certificates.

14. Address any remaining requests on your shared Google Sheet. We communicate with you during the application process through your shared Google Sheet. 

15. Pay your application fee of $110. Instructions are on your shared Google Sheet. Drop PDF of payment receipt in shared Google Folder. 

16. When all of the required application documents are in your shared Google Folder and you are ready to have it evaluated by the Selection Committee:

• Send an email to cls-group@sjsu.edu

• In the subject line, enter: FOLDER COMPLETE - TERM and YEAR (for example, Fall 2026)