University Health Services at Penn State: Comprehensive Healthcare for Students

University Health Services (UHS) at Penn State's University Park campus provides comprehensive, student-focused medical care. UHS is dedicated to helping students stay healthy, informed, and supported throughout their time at University Park. From preventive care to ongoing treatment, UHS provides a full range of outpatient medical services designed with students in mind.

Comprehensive Services Offered

At UHS, students can access a complete spectrum of care in one convenient location, including:

Medical appointments
Pharmacy
Lab
X-ray
Ultrasound
Physical therapy
Medical records
Insurance assistance
Ambulance services.

UHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

General Medical Services

Whether you’re feeling sick, need a physical, or just want to check in on your health, University Health Services (UHS) is here to help you stay well and keep moving forward. Preventive care is an important part of staying healthy during college and beyond. UHS offers routine checkups, immunizations, health screenings, and counseling to help you stay ahead of potential issues.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

The EMS department is responsible for all emergency medical services on the University Park Campus. EMS operates the University Ambulance Service and coordinates emergency medical coverage for nearly 600 special events at University Park and in the surrounding State College community each year. These events welcome over 1.6 million guests to the area annually.

Advice Nurse

Have a question after hours or not sure whether you need an appointment? Our advice nurse can help. Call 814-865-4UHS (4847), Option 3, to talk to a nurse anytime, day or night. Weekday calls answered by a UHS registered nurses. Evenings and weekends calls are handled by a nurse advice service and reviewed by UHS staff the next business day.

Physical Exams

Whether it’s for a job, your driver’s license, or personal peace of mind, you can schedule physical exams at UHS. Intercollegiate athletes are required to complete a medical clearance form before their physical.

Specialized Services and Programs

Immunizations and Vaccinations

UHS offers immunizations for travel, class requirements, and general wellness right on campus. Vaccinations play a critical role in keeping our campus safe.

Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy department offers opportunities for hands-on experience and college credit to University Park students who are interested in pursuing future careers in physical therapy or related health fields. As a physical therapy intern, students earn course credit through the Department of Kinesiology. Potential interns need to be a Kinesiology major enrolled in either Kines 395B or Kines 495B classes. Internship experiences are open to all students who plan to pursue a future career in physical and occupational therapy. Kinesiology 495B applicants must complete the online application but also submit a resume and unofficial transcript. To submit the resume and transcript please drop them off in the physical therapy department located at 101 Student Health Center. Please turn in both items within 1 week after applying online. You will be contacted after the application deadline if selected for an interview. Fall internship candidates should apply during the previous spring semester by March 1.

Physical therapy student volunteers gain valuable experience observing and assisting professionals in a clinical setting. Volunteers observe evaluations and treatments, complete equipment set up and clean up, and greet patients. Volunteers must be able to commit at least two hours per week to the program for a minimum of one full semester. Volunteer hours can be counted toward service/volunteer requirements for physical therapy or medical school applications. Volunteer applications are accepted during three enrollment periods.

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Healthcare Student Opportunities

Penn State’s University Health Services provides hands-on learning and professional training experiences for students interested in healthcare, public health, and wellness education. Through clinical placements, peer education programs, and teaching opportunities, students gain real-world experience while contributing to the health and well-being of the campus community. After students apply, they will be notified in the spring and early summer if granted an interview. Interviews will be held at the beginning of the fall semester. Students will need to obtain healthcare clearances and be up to date with immunizations prior to starting class. After interviews, selected students begin a training course the following spring semester. The class size is small, with only 12-25 students accepted into the class each year. As with many programs, competition is great for a limited number of seats and there are typically many more qualified applicants than the program is able to accommodate. The program is a 300 level BBH class with three credits in the spring and three credits in the fall.

Important Information for Patients

Insurance

UHS participates with a limited number of insurance plans.

Appointments

Can’t make it to your appointment?

Emergency Department Information

You will be greeted by our registration staff and asked to provide basic information about your injury or illness. A registered nurse will evaluate your symptoms and check your vital signs, medical history and current medications. You may be seen by a provider in triage. The triage process allows the more seriously ill or injured patients to be seen first, even if they arrive after other patients. You will either be placed in a patient care area or in the waiting area. Our ED staff may begin tests, including labs and radiology studies, if needed. You will be examined by a physician who specializes in emergency medicine. Based on your condition, you will receive additional tests and treatments. It may take two hours or more to get your test results. You may be asked the same questions by multiple members of our team so we have the most accurate information. A consultation with a provider who specializes in your illness may take at least one hour, but could take up to several hours. Your illness or injury may require admission to Hershey Medical Center. A staff member will transport you to an available bed. Our Emergency Department has an area dedicated to patients under age 18 with staff members who have special training in pediatric emergency medicine. At least one parent or legal guardian must remain with their child at all times. Our goal is to provide each patient with the highest-quality emergency medical care.

Privacy Practices

Penn State’s Notice of Privacy Practices explains how your health information is protected, used, and shared within University Health Services.

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Text Messaging

Opt-in to text messaging through the myUHS secure portal Profile page to receive healthcare related text message notifications from University Health Services. Messages will not include any health information, including details about your health, treatment, payment, or any personally identifiable information. Message frequency may vary. The UHS Privacy Policy can be viewed online here. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

MyUHS Portal

I will not attempt to view or access information belonging to any other individual and agree that doing so may violate Federal and State privacy legislation, as well as Pennsylvania State University privacy policies. I understand that this information will become part of my Pennsylvania State University health record, and may be used in any medical care that I receive. By clicking on this link, you indicate that you agree to the terms of use.

Additional Resources

Penn State Health

Penn State Health provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical and surgical services throughout our health system. Breakthrough medicine powered by Penn State.

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Breastfeeding Support

This one-evening class covers basic techniques for positioning and latch, how to assess a good feeding, mechanics of producing milk, pumping and storage of breastmilk, and available resources. All are welcome! Share your journey and connect with other moms and future moms at our weekly support group every Wednesday.

Clinical Trials

Looking for Clinical Trials at Penn State Health?

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