How to Apply

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A Mayo Clinic surgical first assistant in the OR

The CST to Surgical First Assistant Bridge Program accepts up to 10 trainees each year.

Prerequisites

Learners entering the SFA Bridge Program must meet the following criteria:

Be a graduate from an accredited Surgical Technology Program
Hold an active certification for surgical technology
Complete a program application

Admission policies

Non-U.S. citizen applicants

Admission to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is open to U.S. workers in the four categories below. Therefore, visa sponsorship is not available.

U.S. citizens
U.S. nationals
Lawful permanent residents
Asylees and refugees

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). Scores from the speaking portion of the exam are given particular consideration in admission decisions. Learn more about the exam and register online at the Educational Testing Service.

The Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences code for the TOEFL iBT is 5784.

Educational transcripts from schools outside the U.S. must be translated (if they are not already in English) and evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an accredited credential evaluation service company prior to submission. Please refer to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of qualified companies. The applicant pays for the examination and credential-evaluation services.

Disability accommodations

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences values diversity and welcomes applicants with disabilities. If you are anticipating or experiencing disability related barriers in accessing this application, please contact Disability Compliance Advisors at rfaccommodations@mayo.edu.

Application process

Application timeline

Application window	Program start date	Apply
Dec. 1-Feb. 20	September	Online application

Application instructions

Complete the following steps to apply:

Create an account to begin the online Application for Admission
- Select – Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
- Select – CST to Surgical First Assistant Bridge Program
Complete each section of the application and submit
After submission, view the required Supplemental Items and Documents
- Upload each required item in the Supplemental Items section
- Complete the Recommendation Request section

Additional required items

Personal statement: 500 words maximum
- How do you plan to balance the demands of this program with your current professional and personal responsibilities?
- What strategies or support systems will you rely on to help you succeed in this program while working full-time?
- Why is now the right time to be completing this program?
Additional documentation
- Certified Surgical Technologist Certificate of Completion or final transcript from an accredited program
Professional recommendation (letter only)
- Recommendation from someone who can speak to your work ethic.
- Complete in the Recommendation Request section. The recommender will receive an email with a link to upload a letter.

Interview process

The selection committee carefully reviews each application. Individuals considered for acceptance are interviewed on campus by the committee.

Our program has implemented a hybrid rolling admission process. This means that completed applications will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle, allowing for prompt decision-making. To maximize your chances of acceptance and to ensure timely processing of your application, we strongly encourage you to submit all required supplemental items as early as possible.