Admissions

Prerequisites
The Surgical Technology Program prerequisites are determined by GateWay Community College. In addition to certain health care, biology and math courses, you must have:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Current Health Care Provider CPR card

Admission is based on academic performance and other criteria. Students are accepted once per year in the fall term.

Once you are enrolled in the Surgical Technology Program at GateWay Community College, you are eligible to participate in the Surgical Technology Program at Mayo Clinic by making arrangements through your college program director.

You must successfully complete the required program course work before you are eligible to complete the surgical technology rotations.

Policies and Responsibilities
The following Mayo School of Health Sciences' policies affect applications and admissions to its programs:

English fluency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential to succeed in the program and to ensure patient safety. If English is a second language, you must be able to demonstrate fluency. Satisfactory performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language examination or the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency must be documented as proof of fluency. Your test results must be less than two years old.

Immunization record
For the protection of patients, students and employees, and in compliance with state regulations, Mayo Clinic requires students to be properly immunized. You must show proof of the following immunizations before you begin a program at Mayo School of Health Sciences:

• Tuberculin test in the past six months
• Varicella, rubella and rubeola immunity
• Up-to-date diphtheria and tetanus shots
• Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declaration

Documentation of vaccinations must be provided to Mayo Employee Health Service prior to the start of class.

Health status
Prospective students will successfully complete a health review and proof of immunization prior to being appointed to Mayo School of Health Sciences for a clinical rotation.

Medical insurance
Students must have medical insurance coverage during their program. Evidence of medical coverage must be provided when your educational program begins.

Background check
Prospective students must pass a criminal background check and/or drug screening required by state laws, prior to enrollment to Mayo School of Health Sciences.

Student responsibilities
Mayo School of Health Sciences' students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, examinations and assigned clinical rotations unless absence is approved.

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.

Technical Standards
Mayo School of Health Sciences accepts students who are highly qualified for its programs. To be considered for admittance you should exhibit strong qualifications for the health profession you wish to pursue. Applicants to programs must possess the following general qualities:

• Critical thinking skills
• Sound judgment
• Emotional stability and maturity
• Empathy for others
• Physical and mental stamina
• Ability to learn and function in a variety of settings

In addition to the general standards described above, surgical technologists must:

• Have good manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly.
• Be conscientious, orderly and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment.
• Be quick to respond and know procedures well to have instruments ready for surgeons.
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field.
• Wear protective masks, gloves and goggles.
• Be able to work long periods standing.
• Work well under pressure.

Hours and other working conditions of surgical technologists vary, according to the size and type of employment setting. In large hospitals personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift and may work weekends and holidays.

You 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's director.