Student Health Services

Student Health Services provides appointments for well and sick care. If you are in need of tuberculosis testing, physical exam (work, athletics, class, or driver's license), or have an injury or illness, call 610-436-2509 to make an appointment. In addition, we provide appointments for sexual and reproductive care from annual gynecological exams, sexually transmitted infection testing, pregnancy testing, and oral/emergency contraception.

Student Health Services recommends up to date vaccination records as suggested by CDC. An external partner provides annual vaccination clinics during the Fall Semester for students, staff, and faculty. Student Health Services offer influenza and tetanus with pertussis vaccinations.

All students who receive an immunization must remain in the health center for 15 minutes for observation.

•  Student Health Services includes a medication dispensary with medications that are frequently prescribed during a health visit.
• Prescriptions from outside physicians cannot be filled at SHS.
• There is a nominal fee for medications or you may choose to purchase specific medications at a local pharmacy.
• Complete List of Pharmacies

• Improper disposal of needles and sharps lead to health risks for staff and students.
• You can pick up a FREE sharps disposal container at Student Health Services.
• When full, the sharps container can be exchanged for an empty container.

Contraception

Contraception (birth control) is a method of preventing pregnancy. Most individuals of reproductive age in the United States use some form of contraception. Contraceptives and Gynecological Health Exams are available at Student Health Services:

•  Oral contraceptives (The Pill) and emergency contraceptive. To initiate any form of contraception requires a visit with a Student Health Services health care provider.  Annual Gynecological Health Exams are required to continue contraceptives.
• Prescriptions for oral contraceptives ("the Pill"), emergency contraception, hormonal patches, Depo Provera injections, the contraceptive ring, and diaphragm. We can refer you to providers for IUD or hormonal implant insertion. To obtain contraceptive prescriptions, an evaluation with the Student Health Services health care provider is required. A Gynecological Health Exam may be required, your health care provider will discuss this with you at your visit.
• Internal and External Condoms are available at no cost in the Front Lobby of Student Health Services. Additional, condoms are available in the Student Health Services vestibule afterhours, in addition to other offices on campus.
• You can purchase oral contraceptives at Student Health Services if the prescription was issued by a Student Health Services health care provider.

STI Testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STI's) are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. If you are sexually active, it is important to get tested regularly, since many STI's have no symptoms. Getting tested makes you aware of any treatments you may need.

When to Test:

Definitely get tested if you have symptoms of an STI: sores, warts, vaginal or penile discharge, pain with urination, or a partner with symptoms. Testing recommendations vary depending on risk factors.

STI Testing at Student Health Services:

• Talk with the Nurse Practitioner during your appointment about which tests are appropriate for you.

Other local STI Testing sites:

• Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania offers STI testing with fees on a sliding scale.
• Chester County Department of Health offers free, confidential STI testing without an appointment.

GYN Exams

• A GYN (pelvic) exam may not be needed to start a contraceptive. If you have had an exam elsewhere, please get copies of your records/testing before your appointment at Student Health Services.
• Talk with the Nurse Practitioner about your concerns and questions.
• An exam is usually needed for STI testing.
• A PAP Smear is done to screen for cervical cancer. Talk with the nurse practitioner about this if you have questions.

Learn more about Tuberculosis from the CDC

• TB (Quantiferon) test: consists of a small amount of blood drawn from your vein by a small needle.
  • Tuberculosis testing requirements may vary among University departments. Contact the Department representative for specific information.
    • Nursing Majors
  • International Students: Students who are from countries where TB disease is very common (most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia), and have entered the United States within the 5 years prior to University entrance. TB screening must be done within 6 months prior to the start of classes.