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    Student Health Services

Student Health Services functions to promote all aspects of health for the HU campus community. Student visits with an RN in Student Health are free, offering students help with minor illnesses/injuries, samples of over the counter medications, and facilitated connections to local physicians when needed.

NEW! Starting during the spring 2023 semester, Harding students who would like access to a nurse practitioner at our clinic for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries can sign-up and pay a minimal fee of $40.00 per semester- See the Nurse Practitioner Services tab below for further information.

Other services frequently needed by students are offered at greatly reduced cost, such as TB skin testing.

Nurse Practitioner Services

Students can opt into nurse practitioner services by signing up and paying the one-time $40.00 dollar fee at any time during the semester. You can sign-up on Pipeline by via Health Services Fee (where the fee is billed to the student account) or come to our office where we accept cash, credit, or debit.

The fee includes visits during the semester by appointment only and point-of-care testing. The nurse practitioner will be able to diagnose and prescribe medications for acute illnesses such as:

  • Strep Throat
  • Mononucleosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Ear infections
  • Flu Infection
  • Acute Bronchitis
  • Sinus Infections
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Minor Skin Infections
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Women’s Health Issues

Point-of-care testing includes: Flu, COVID, Strep Throat, Monospot, and Urinalysis testing which will be completed by our nurses directly in the office.

To make an appointment, use this calendar link:

Our office does not bill health insurance nor is it required to receive care.

The fee does not cover any health care, lab work, or diagnostic tests received outside of student health services.

For further information, please feel free to contact us at 501-279-4346 or come to our office located on 115 Dr. Jimmy Carr Dr., diagonally across from Starbucks on campus.

COVID-19 Information

Our team of nurses are dedicated to assisting you with your health care needs and concerns. All are welcome to call or visit the health center during our normal business hours.

If you have COVID symptoms, please stay in your room, quarantine, avoid contact with others, and complete a COVID-19 Screening Form. An RN from student health services will contact the student to discuss symptoms and schedule a test. We have both rapid antigen and PCR testing available at no cost.

Local Providers offering COVID-19 testing

  • Unity Health / Searcy Medical Center — 501 278 2800
  • AR Care Clinic — 501 279 7979
  • AR Dept. of Health, Searcy Unit — 501-268-6102 (testing only, no physician)
  • PrimeCare Urgent Care — 501-279-9000 (offers after-hours care)
  • Sherwood Urgent Care —501-268-6831
  • Unity Health After-Hours Clinic — 501-268-5433 (offers after-hours care)
  • Unity Health Emergency Room for medical emergencies (offers care 24/7)

For medical emergencies, please call Public Safety at 501-279-5000.

Should I Be Tested for COVID-19

Reasons to pursue testing include COVID-19 symptoms such as cold or flu-like symptoms, sore throat, fatigue, cough, headache, fever, instruction from the AR Dept. of Health to be tested or a health care provider, or reasonable concern that close contact exposure has occurred.

Other vital mitigation efforts include masking, distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning surfaces effectively.

If you would like to discuss your circumstances with an RN in student health prior to seeking voluntary testing, complete the COVID-19 Screening Form. More information on testing is available from CDC.

Flu Vaccination Information

Flu Vaccines are now available! Getting a flu vaccine this fall can reduce your risk of getting flu and help save scarce medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19. It’s important for everyone to do their part to stay healthy this flu season. Prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:

  • Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.
  • Lather Up: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.

The more people vaccinated against flu, the more people protected from flu. Protect Your Health.

Mental Health Information

During COVID-19, we understand you may be feeling more stress than usual or experiencing anxiety or depression. Student Health Services can help you get connected to professionals that can help. Please do not suffer in silence. Please let someone you know and trust help you. Make an appointment with the Harding University Counseling Center.

The National Institute of Mental Health offers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Learn more about the National Institute of Mental Health.

Services we provide:

  • RN assessment & consultation related to health / wellness
  • Facilitated connections to local physicians when needed
  • Assistance communicating with providers back home
  • Education related to managing health circumstances
  • Medication education
  • Eye / ear irrigation as indicated
  • TB skin testing (a requirement in Allied Health programs)
  • Flu shots (typically a 50% savings if your health plan doesn’t cover)
  • Treatment of minor injuries and wounds
  • Rental of crutches and wheelchairs
  • Rapid antigen and PCR COVID testing

MEET OUR STAFF

We are here to help you!

Hours of Operation

Semester Hours: Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Summer Hours: Open Monday - Closed

Intercession: 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • Clinic Open Half Days During Finals Week Dec. 11-Dec.15 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Office Closed for Winter Break Dec. 18 - Jan. 7

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I be tested for COVID-19?

Reasons to pursue testing include fever over 100.4F, instruction from the AR Dept. of Health to be tested, or reasonable concern that close contact exposure has occurred. Compliance with testing required as part of contact tracing by the AR Dept. of Health is mandatory. Noting that those who travel are more at risk, limiting recreational travel is one helpful way to reduce risk. Other vital mitigation efforts include masking, distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning surfaces effectively. If you would like to discuss your circumstances with an RN in student health prior to seeking voluntary testing, complete the COVID-19 screening form. More information on testing is available at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

Am I required to have health insurance when attending HU?

While health insurance is not a requirement, it is highly recommended should unexpected illness or injury occur. In the absence of insurance, students are encouraged to consider options available at: www.healthcare.gov. Other local provider options may allow affordable access in a cash for service approach. Since issues like strep throat and sprained ankles can occur, setting aside a fund to be used to cover a doctor visit and prescription is a helpful start.

Does HU offer a health insurance plan?

HU does not offer a health plan to students. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, affordable insurance options were made available, which made private plans once offered by universities more cost prohibitive. You can explore options at: www.healthcare.gov

Am I required to see a nurse before going to the doctor?

While a nurse visit in HU student health is not required before seeking a visit with a doctor, many students have questions regarding whether they need to see a doctor, how much it will cost, which providers are covered by their health plan, and how to contact a new physician. Because we work closely with local providers, our office is typically able to make same day appointments for students seeking care. We’re here to help!

Does HU student health offer flu shots?

Our office is only equipped to file health insurance on behalf of HU employees and their participating family members. Since many students have health insurance, it is most cost effective for them to present their coverage with a local retail provider, such as a pharmacy, where they can be vaccinated at no out of pocket cost. However, for students without health insurance, our office can provide flu vaccination at half the cost they would pay elsewhere while supplies last. We begin offering flu vaccines October 1 and offer them until our supply is depleted.

What is TB skin testing?

Skin testing for TB is an effective screening practice for tuberculosis infection and is required by a wide variety of clinical sites hosting students as they learn. To use a helpful analogy, TB skin testing asks your immune system the following question: Have you ever seen this dangerous bacteria before? A negative result means, “No, my body has never encountered this bacteria.” A positive result means, “Yes, my immune system has seen that bacteria and knows that it is dangerous.” Initial testing, provided by CDC guidance, requires a 2-step testing process to ensure an accurate baseline result.

How do I complete TB skin testing?

Completing initial TB skin testing requires a 2-step process as outlined in CDC guidance. Planning in advance is essential as it will require a minimum of 2 weeks and 4 visits in our office to complete the process. Each test is time sensitive and requires a brief return visit for reading 48-72 hours after the dose is placed. If your program requires TB testing for clinical placements, talk to your program coordinator about when you need to complete testing. While testing can be done through local medical /urgent care clinics, our office offers a significant cost savings.

When should I seek care from a doctor?

Pursuit of medical evaluation by a physician or nurse practitioner is an important decision. While some illnesses may resolve with time, rest, and over the counter medications, others may require testing, diagnostics, or prescription medications. In general, a visit with a medical professional is recommended when specific tests or treatments are needed that cannot be accomplished trying to recover on your own, or when symptoms are more severe and last longer. The nurses in Student Health are happy to discuss your circumstances and help you make health care connections with medical providers when needed.

Which non-prescription medication should I take for my symptoms?

Using medications in a safe, responsible manner is vital to preserving your health. While following package labeling is definitely a great start, it may not answer every question, such as, “can I take this medication with my prescription medication?” When questions arise, a visit with an RN in HU student health can help ensure that you use medications safely. After hours and on weekends, pharmacies with a 24 hour pharmacist are just a phone call away and can also help you ensure that medications are being used safely.

2 a.m. Tips

If symptoms develop late in the day or overnight, deciding how to proceed with getting health care can present a challenge. Asking for help from your RLC or Public Safety are great options.

While each individual should make their own decision as the situation warrants related to choosing urgent care, ER, or waiting until morning to plan an appointment, here are some questions to ask yourself that may help in making the decision.

If this happened during daytime hours, what would I do?

If the only reason to go to the ER is because everything else is closed, you’ll probably experience a long wait, a bigger price tag, and be told to follow up with your family doctor in the morning. If, however, seriously life threatening symptoms are present, the ER is exactly the right place to go.

Is my life at risk?

While symptoms such as sore throat, fever, or cough can usually be effectively managed until a clinic appointment can be scheduled, other symptoms should be evaluated immediately, such as chest pain of potentially cardiac origin or unilateral weakness consistent with a stroke.

Can the symptoms be managed temporarily until I can plan an appointment?

In this case, an ankle sprain provides a helpful example. If manageable pain and moderate swelling are present, elevating the ankle and using ice / ibuprofen may offer adequate relief until an appointment can be made. If, however, the pain is unmanageable or swelling severe, immediate care may be required.

Contact Us

Fax: 501-279-4577

Location: 115 Dr. Jimmy Carr Drive, (ground floor of Risinger house in Legacy Park), near Starbucks