NC State Student Health Services: A Comprehensive Guide to Well-being
North Carolina State University (NCSU) is committed to enhancing the individual health of its students and the overall well-being of the campus community. Understanding that wellness is an interdependent and interactive combination of various factors, including love for daily activities, quality of relationships, financial security, physical health, and community contributions, NC State provides a comprehensive suite of health services.
Campus Health: Your Cornerstone for Health and Wellness
Campus Health serves as the cornerstone of health and wellness on campus, offering non-urgent medical care and health prevention services to students as an outpatient center. The facility is staffed by board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, and other medical support professionals.
Locations and Accessibility
The primary Campus Health location is situated at 2815 Cates Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606. Additionally, Campus Health has expanded its reach with a newly opened location on Centennial Campus in Plaza Hall.
To ensure students receive qualified medical advice at all times, a nurse advice line is available. However, it's important to note that Campus Health does not offer weekend hours. Patient appointments typically last 20 minutes.
Costs and Insurance
All registered students pay a health fee, which grants access to care and covers most office visits for provider services. However, additional charges apply for services such as x-rays, lab tests, allergy injections, travel vaccines, physical therapy, annual physicals, some office visits, and specialty clinics. Students are responsible for covering the costs of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications/supplies from the Campus Health Pharmacy, as well as expenses incurred from referrals to off-campus laboratories, physicians, hospitals, or pharmacies.
Read also: Student Accessibility Services at USF
Campus Health facilitates insurance claims by filing most insurances on behalf of students for services and prescriptions received at the center. Charges not covered by insurance may be transferred to the student's account with the University Cashiers Office.
Specialty Care Partnerships
To broaden the scope of available services, Campus Health collaborates with several specialty groups, including Dermatology, Orthopedics, and Gastroenterology, to offer on-campus care. It is important to note that insurance for these specialty services is filed by the specialty group and not Campus Health.
Disease Prevention and Health Education
As part of its mission, Campus Health is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare and a comprehensive disease prevention and health education program to the NC State community. The Community Health Unit and Pack Peer Educators offer a variety of information, programs, and services to students on issues facing today's young adults.
Health Insurance Requirement
As mandated by the UNC System, NC State University requires all undergraduate students taking 6 or more credit hours to have and demonstrate evidence of a creditable health insurance policy. Students who fail to provide proof of coverage by the published deadline each semester will automatically be enrolled in and billed for the university-sponsored health insurance plan through Student Blue.
Student Blue: University-Sponsored Health Insurance
The university-sponsored health insurance plan (Student Blue) offers a robust set of benefits at an affordable premium. Complete information is made available to students at the start of the fall and spring semesters each year. Students who are already covered by an existing health insurance policy can waive enrollment in Student Blue by providing evidence of their existing coverage. Students who do not waive out by the waiver deadline will automatically be enrolled in and billed each semester for the university-sponsored health insurance plan.
Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing
Mental Health Support and Counseling Services
NC State recognizes the importance of mental health and offers a variety of counseling services to students. The staff are generalists skilled at responding to a wide range of issues typical of a university counseling center. As part of their commitment to strengthen wellness services on campus, NC State is expanding counseling services beyond the walls of the Counseling Center through an embedded counseling program, with appointments and drop-in hours available near student classes and living areas.
World Mental Health Day
NC State acknowledges the significance of mental health awareness, particularly on occasions like World Mental Health Day (October 8th). The university understands the pressures students face from extracurricular activities, work, home life, and academics, and strives to provide resources to support their mental well-being.
Additional Health and Wellness Initiatives
NC State University provides a range of additional health and wellness initiatives to support students' overall well-being.
HealthyPack Portal
The HealthyPack Portal uses the Medicat secure medical records system and can be accessed via secure sign-on using a Unity ID.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Campus Health is currently offering flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines to students, staff, and faculty.
Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue
Pack Peer Educators
The NC State Pack Peers are actively involved in promoting health, safety, and leadership on campus. They are preparing for the 2026 NASPA Strategies Conference in Chicago, which provides them with an opportunity to grow, connect, and showcase their work on a national stage.
Sleep Hygiene
Adequate sleep is emphasized as a crucial factor for student success and well-being.
Game Day Safety
Students are encouraged to prioritize safety and wellness during game days, with tips such as wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and being mindful of their surroundings.
Stress Management
NC State recognizes the various stressors students face, including academic pressures, social events, and future planning. The university provides resources and support to help students manage stress effectively.
Accessing Services and Information
Students can access Campus Health services and information through various channels, including:
- Campus Health Website: Provides comprehensive information about services, hours, and contact details.
- HealthyPack Portal: A secure online portal for accessing medical records and communicating with healthcare providers.
- Nurse Advice Line: Offers qualified nurse and medical advice during non-business hours.
- Student Health Center: Located at 2815 Cates Ave, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Parental Involvement and Consent
It is important to note that parents must have the written consent of their student for the release of any protected health information (PHI).
tags: #NCSU #student #health #services
