How to Apply to the CLS Training Program

Please read these instructions carefully and follow them exactly.
Incomplete applications or failure to follow directions will negatively impact your application score.

These application procedures are structured to ensure transparency, informed consent, and fair evaluation of applicant readiness, consistent with NAACLS Standards related to admissions practices and student eligibility.

Application Timeline

The application cycle for Spring 2027 has not yet opened. The application window will open on Monday,  March 2nd, 2026.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Readiness

Before initiating an application, applicants must ensure they are fully eligible and prepared to enter the CLS Training Program.

You must meet all of the following requirements before proceeding:

• Hold a valid CLS Trainee License issued by the California Department of Public Health – Laboratory Field Services (LFS).
  Requirements and application instructions are available on the LFS website.

• Review the CLS Program Technical Standards in full.
  These standards define the physical, cognitive, and professional requirements necessary to successfully complete the program. Applicants will be required to formally acknowledge these standards later in the application process.

• Have a non-.edu email address that allows reliable access to Google Workspace.
  (.edu email addresses are not permitted, as they often expire during the application cycle.)
  You must use the same email address throughout the entire process.

Step 2: Complete the CLS Application Readiness Assessment

Complete the CLS Application Readiness Assessment and review your score carefully.

Purpose of the Readiness Assessment:
This assessment is designed to help determine whether you are academically, professionally, and logistically prepared to begin the CLS application process. It also assists the program in identifying applicants who do not yet meet minimum readiness or eligibility thresholds.

Applicants who proceed despite clear readiness deficiencies may be removed from the application cycle.

Step 3: Submit Intent to Apply

Send an email to cls-group@sjsu.edu with the following:

• Subject line:
  INTENT TO APPLY-Spring 2027-LAST NAME, FIRST NAME

• Attach:
  A PDF copy of your valid CLS Trainee License

• Reapplicants:
  Please indicate that you are a reapplicant in your email.

Step 4: Application Workspace Setup

After your Intent to Apply is received and verified:

• SJSU will provide a shared Google Drive folder for document submission.

• SJSU will also provide a shared Google Sheet where you will enter:

  • Schools attended

  • License information

  • Contact information for recommenders

  • Application information, including education and coursework

All official communication from you relevant to this application occurs through your shared Google Sheet.

Step 5: Recommendations

• Enter the names of your recommenders on your shared Google Sheet before requesting recommendations.

• Send each recommender the newly revised Confidential Recommendation Form.

• Recommenders must return the completed form directly to:
  cls-group@sjsu.edu

Important:

• Recommendations will not be considered unless the recommender is listed on your shared Google Sheet.

• Failure to follow this process will result in point deductions.

Preferred recommenders:

• Supervisors and managers

• Instructors, particularly instructors of relevant coursework

Unacceptable:

• Coworkers, peers, friends, or family members

SJSU will update your shared Google Sheet as recommendation forms are received. Forms are logged regularly by CLS staff to keep applicants informed of recommendation status.

Step 6: Required Documents

Upload PDF versions of the following into your shared Google Drive folder:

Technical Standards Acknowledgment

• Completed Technical Standards Acknowledgment Form

Personal Statement

• Follow the instructions on the Personal Statement Form exactly

• Answer the assigned essay prompts

• Generic or reused statements will result in point deductions

• Personal Statements may be reviewed by the Application Review Committee and participating clinical affiliates

Transcripts

• Include every college or university attended

• Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage
  (Unofficial transcripts include copies in your possession, either scanned or printed from a student portal.)

• Official transcripts will be required only if selected for official admission to SJSU following the interview and matching stage

Resume

• Must be clearly formatted and free of errors

• Must include month and year for all employment dates

• Must clearly designate volunteer or part-time positions

• SJSU and clinical affiliates reserve the right to verify all information

Licenses and Certificates (if applicable)

Examples include:

• MLT license

• CPT-1 license

• MLS certificates

International Coursework

Applicants with coursework completed outside the U.S., U.S. Territories, or Canada must provide a course-by-course WES evaluation.

• Upload the evaluation only at this stage

• Do not upload foreign transcripts

• You must meet the admissions requirements of Graduate Studies

Step 7: Final Application Tasks

• Address all remaining items listed on your shared Google Sheet.

• Pay the $110 application fee following the instructions provided on your shared Google Sheet.

• Upload a PDF copy of your payment receipt to your shared Google Drive folder.

Step 8: Submit for Committee Review

When all required materials are uploaded and complete:

Send an email to cls-group@sjsu.edu

• Subject line:
  FOLDER COMPLETE – TERM YEAR - Last Name, First Name
  (Example: FOLDER COMPLETE – Spring 2027 - Doe, John)

Only complete folders will be forwarded to the Selection Committee for evaluation.

Common Reasons Applications Are Not Reviewed

Applications may be deemed ineligible for review for reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

• Failure to meet minimum GPA requirements, without documentation of acceptable remediation

• C grades or below in key prerequisite or core science coursework, without evidence of successful remediation

• Absence of a valid CLS Trainee License at the time of application

• Failure to complete the Technical Standards Acknowledgement

• Incomplete application materials or missing required documents

• Failure to follow application instructions, including naming conventions and submission procedures

• Use of ineligible recommenders or failure to properly log recommenders in the shared Google Sheet

Applicants are required to complete the Application Readiness Assessment and carefully review these requirements before proceeding.