How to Apply to the CLS Training Program

Application Timeline

The application cycle for Fall 2027 will open August 17, 2026. Do not request an application folder until the application window has opened.

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), by the application deadline. Applicants with a pending trainee license application will not be considered, as a pending application is not an approved license. 
  • Meet the GPA, coursework, grade, and recency requirements
  • Have a legal right to work in the US.

Step 2: Complete the CLS Application Readiness Assessment

Complete the CLS Application Readiness Assessment. Review your results and any guidance provided carefully.

Responses to the readiness questionnaire are reviewed prior to the creation of an application folder. Applicants whose responses indicate potential deficiencies in academic preparation, eligibility, or program readiness may be asked to provide additional information before proceeding with the application process. Submission of a readiness assessment does not guarantee that an application folder will be issued.

Step 3: Submit Intent to Apply

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

  • Subject line:
    • INTENT TO APPLY - Fall 2027 - Your Last Name, First Name
    • Example: INTENT TO APPLY - Fall 2027 - Doe, John
    • Reapplicants (This includes applicants who requested an application folder but did not submit a completed application.)
      • If you have previously requested an application folder or applied to the SJSU CLS or CGMBS Program, please indicate that you are a reapplicant in your email.
      • Please also specify the most recent cohort for which you applied or requested an application folder, even if your application was not completed or ultimately submitted. This information helps program staff process your request more efficiently.

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. Exactly three letters of recommendation are required.
  • Send each recommender the newly revised Confidential Recommendation Form.
  • Recommenders must return the completed form directly to:
  • cls-group@sjsu.edu

Important

Failure to follow the instructions below may result in deductions to your application score.

  • Do not request letters of recommendation until after you have received your application folder and completed the recommender information section of your application sheet. Letters received before this step is completed may result in point deductions.
  • Applicants must submit a minimum of three and a maximum of three letters of recommendation. Additional letters received beyond the required three will not be accepted and will negatively impact your application.
  • Preferred recommenders include:
    • Supervisors, managers, work leads
    • Instructors, particularly those who taught relevant coursework
  • Unacceptable recommenders include:
    • Coworkers
    • Peers
    • Friends
    • Family members

Tracking Recommendation Letter Status

  • SJSU CLS staff update your shared application sheet as recommendation letters are received. Please allow up to one business day for processing after a letter is submitted.
  • Do not email CLS staff or add comments to your application sheet requesting recommendation status updates.
  • Once all required letters have been received, your application sheet will be updated and you will be notified through your application folder.
  • You may submit your application as complete even if recommendation letters are still pending.
  • Applicants are responsible for ensuring that recommendation letters are submitted on time. The program cannot contact recommenders or grant exceptions for late submissions.
  • Recommendation letters may be received up to two weeks after the application deadline and will be included in the applicant's application folder.
  • Applicants are responsible for ensuring that recommendation letters are submitted within this timeframe. Letters received after the two-week grace period will be retained by the program but will not be included in the completed application folder reviewed by the Selection Committee.

Step 6: Required Documents

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

Technical Standards Acknowledement

Completed Technical Standards Acknowledgment Form 

Personal Statement

  • Follow the instructions on the Personal Statement Form exactly
  • Answer the assigned prompts in essay format
  • 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.)
  • For Extension coursework, the Grade Report is acceptable for this stage.
  • 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 certification

International Coursework

Applicants with coursework completed outside the U.S. or U.S. Territories must provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation. (See admission requirements page for more information)

  • 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 nonrefundable application fee following the instructions provided on your shared Google Sheet.
    • This application fee is separate from the later Cal State Apply Fee required if admitted to the program.
  • 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 – Fall 2027 - Doe, John)

Applications with all applicant-submitted materials complete will be forwarded according to the program's review process; recommendation letters may remain pending during the stated grace period.

Common Reasons Why Applications Are Deemed Ineligible

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

  • Failure to meet the minimum GPA requirement without documentation of acceptable GPA remediation.
  • Grades below the required “B” minimum in prerequisites without evidence of successful remediation.
  • Failure to complete the Technical Standards Acknowledgement.
  • Incomplete application materials or missing required documentation.

Failure to follow application instructions, submission procedures, and other required application processes will result in points deduction during the Selection Committee’s scoring phase.

Applicants must maintain a valid trainee license throughout the application and selection process. Applicants with an expired license are not eligible to continue through the application process. This could result in not being invited to interviews or not being available to be matched with a training site.  Do not allow your trainee license to expire.

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