Admissions
Prerequisites
Students enter the program with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a health-related field, such as biology, chemistry, nursing, exercise science or an allied health field.
If the Bachelor degree is not in the health related field of study, the applicant must have completed the following prerequisite courses within the past 10 years:
| Prerequisite Courses |
Credit Hours |
| Anatomy and Physiology with lab (human recommended) |
6 |
| General Biology |
3 |
| General or Intro Chemistry with lab |
3 |
| Microbiology |
3 |
Prior medical and/or operating room experience is highly desired, however, not a prerequisite.
Applicants must possess problem-solving skills, and have a self-directed learning approach to education.
A minimum of a cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required. A higher GPA is strongly recommended.
Each applicant with special situations would be considered and reviewed by the program director and application committee to determine eligibility.
Candidates are expected to be in good health to withstand the rigors of the program and to strictly adhere to all rules and regulations of MSHS and Mayo Clinic.
Upon completion of didactic and clinical rotation, graduate student will be qualified to sit for the Surgical First Assistant certification exam.
International applicants
U.S. citizenship or Permanent Immigrant Status is required for admission to the Surgical First Assistant Program.
Applicants who have received education from outside of the United States must have their educational transcripts translated (if not already in English) and evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an accredited credential evaluation service company prior to submission. The applicant pays for the examination and credential evaluation services.
Admissions policy
Today's allied health education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of essential skills and professional attitudes and behavior. The goal of MSHS programs is to graduate the best health care practitioners. Further, MSHS must also ensure that patients are not placed in jeopardy by students with impaired intellectual, physical or emotional functions. Therefore, admission to educational programs is offered only to those applicants who meet qualifications for education and training in the art and science of the respective allied health profession. Applicants should possess the following general qualities at all times:
- Critical thinking
- Sound judgment
- Excellent communication skills
- Emotional stability and maturity
- Professional and ethical conduct
- Empathy
- Physical and mental stamina
- Ability to learn and function in a wide variety of didactic and clinical settings
Students must be able to perform the essential functions of the profession and meet the standards of the curriculum. Students seeking exceptions to these standards or reasonable accommodations should initiate their request with the program director.
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in the program and to ensure patient safety. Applicants must demonstrate objective competency in English through the admission interview and may be required to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent examination.
Admissions committees for each program may require additional specific admission standards. Documentation of these program-specific standards is available from the program director.
Additional admission requirements
Applicants offered admission to MSHS programs must also comply with prevailing institutional policies and procedures regarding:
- Immunization
- Occupational health review and/or physical exam
- Background study and immediate disclosure of any criminal convictions
- Drug screen
- Health insurance
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), confidentiality, and other training deemed necessary by Mayo Clinic and/or the MSHS program.
Questions about these requirements can be directed to the school. Failure to comply or to provide requested documentation is grounds for rescinding an admission offer or terminating admission.
Student responsibilities
Students are required to exhibit professional and ethical conduct at all times.
Equal opportunity
Mayo School of Health Sciences upholds all federal and state laws that preclude discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or veteran's status.
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