Scrubs, Gloves & Microscopes - AHC - Health Careers Center, University of Minnesota

The Scrubs, Gloves & Microscopes (SGM) program is a “hands-on” health career exploration opportunity for high school students currently in grades 9-12. A different health career is featured each month throughout the school year.

SGM gives high school students the opportunity to briefly experience life in a health profession. Each half-day session lasts about 3 - 4 hours. During the session, high school students learn from students and professionals in the field, participate in a hands-on experience, and discover important next steps for pursuing the featured career.

Look here for a schedule of dates and sessions. The list features many different professions, so be sure to look through the full list!

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to submit their application early; sessions do fill up quickly!

1. Complete and submit the SGM online application. (Click on the link to get to the UM Survey - must do this step!)
2. Print and sign the Photo Release Form and Lab Permission Form.
3. Mail in the signed Photo Release Form and Lab Permission Form, along with a $35 check for each session to the Health Careers Center.
4. Upon receipt of your forms and fee payment(s), the Health Careers Center will match your materials to your completed online application.
5. You will receive a confirmation email and payment receipt within a week of the Health Careers Center receiving your forms, payment, and online application.
6. One week prior to your chosen SGM program, you will recieve a "Details" email, including parking and drop-off instructions.

Don't forget to have your parent/guardian sign the photo release and lab permission form!

Mail or fax your completed forms and payment to:

        Health Careers Center, U of MN                                     Fax: 612-624-4415
        Attn: SGM
        420 Delaware St SE, MMC 502
        Minneapolis, MN 55455

Group Application Steps
The Health Careers Center will occasionally arrange group visits (calendar-permitting). High school classes, hospital-based youth programs, medical explorer groups, and other interested parties can make arrangements to have a health careers exploration experience coordinated by the Health Careers Center at the University of Minnesota. All programming options are contingent upon the availability of our University Academic Health Center partners and final programming decisions are at the discretion of the Health Careers Center.

Programs are fee-based and can be arranged for a ½ day or full day experience. Groups must be between 25-30 students, with 30 students being the maximum. Please allow at least 3 months planning time to coordinate arrangements for your trip. For more information contact Scott Simpson at simps132@umn.edu or call 612-624-6767.

How much does it cost?
Each SGM session costs $35. This fee covers our administrative costs of organizing and planning the SGM sessions and helps reserve your spot in the session. The $35 program reservation fee is non-refundable due upon notification of acceptance into a session. Fees must be submitted at the time of application. If the program fee is a barrier to you attending, please contact us at 612-624-6767. In cases of financial hardship, we may be able to waive the program fee. Checks or cash only (checks can be made out to the “Health Careers Center”).

When am I notified if I have obtained a spot in an SGM program?
Shortly after receiving your completed application and payment in our office, you will receive a confirmation email and payment receipt.

Why should I apply for one of the SGM sessions?
If you are interested in a health career, SGM provides you a real chance to learn more about that career and the academics that will get you ready to apply to a health professions school. You will get to know the University of Minnesota campus, meet health care professionals and students, and participate in a “hands-on” experience that will provide insight into your career of interest.

Who can attend?
SGM seeks motivated students who are interested in exploring health careers. Participants are high school students in grades 9-12 who are ideally taking college prep classes, upper-level math and science courses, and plan to apply to a four year college/university.

How many SGM sessions can I attend?
You may register for up to two (2) SGM sessions per academic year. Please note: It is not advised to register for multiple M.D. SGM sessions because it is likely that the M.D. programming will overlap in content.

Can my parent or guardian attend the program as well?
I’m sure we would enjoy your parents if we had the chance to spend time with them. However, your parents are not able to attend the SGM session with you. The programs are intended for a high school audience and we have limited space in some of the labs and areas of campus that we visit. If your parent will be waiting for you on campus until the SGM program is finished, we are able to recommend coffee shops or fun places (such as Coffman Memorial Union) where they could work from their computer or simply enjoy the campus.

Where is the program held? How do I get there? Where do I park or get dropped off? What do I wear?
An email will be sent to all participants approximately one week prior to your program date. This email will provide details about parking and drop-off options in addition to information about the rest of your SGM session. The SGM sessions are typically held at the Health Careers Center, on the east bank of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in Moos Tower.

Why do you ask for GPA on the application?
The health careers explored in SGM require a four-year college degree or more. Your high school GPA is one indicator that you are motivated, involved, and doing well in school. These are the same qualities that will be required as an undergraduate student and as someone who would eventually pursue a path into what are competitive health professional programs. Your GPA will remain confidential.

When am I notified if I have obtained a spot in an SGM program?
You will receive a confirmation email and payment receipt within a week of the Health Careers Center receiving your forms, payment, and online application.

Do I have to stay for the full time? Can I leave early?
Unless we have a signed note on file from a parent or guardian allowing you to leave early, you are required to stay for the full duration of the event.

Do we provide transportation?
No. Transportation must be provided by you, your family, or your high school.

Who should I contact with questions?
Contact the Health Careers Center by calling 612-624-6767 or emailing simps132@umn.edu