What Happens When Your College Student Gets Sick? | Tarleton State
One of the biggest adjustments for parents when their student heads to college is learning how to care for them from a distance. When your student calls to say they aren’t feeling well, you want to know they have somewhere to turn for help.
At Tarleton State, students have access to health resources that help them take care of themselves while pursuing their academic goals. Here’s what parents should know before their future Texan heads to campus.
1. Know Where Your Student Can Get Care
Tarleton State’s University Health Center provides care for students dealing with minor illnesses, injuries, and other non-emergency health concerns.
The Stephenville clinic is located on the first floor of Traditions North Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for university holidays. Students can schedule in-person appointments, phone consultations or telehealth appointments during normal clinic hours.
Available services include:
- Care for minor illnesses and injuries
- Sports injury evaluation and treatment
- Lab tests and X-rays (X-rays are available at the Stephenville location)
- Vaccinations, including flu and bacterial meningitis vaccines
- Women’s health services
- Allergy injections with the required provider orders
- Referrals to a physician or hospital when needed
Students should schedule an appointment rather than walk in. Calling early in the morning may help them get a same-day appointment if an opening is available.
Save this number before move-in day: 254-968-9271.
Visit the University Health Center website for the complete list of services and additional information about potential charges.
2. What If Your Student Gets Sick After Hours?
Not every sick day happens during regular clinic hours. Tarleton State students also have access to TimelyCare, a free, 24/7 virtual care service that provides access to medical care anytime, anywhere.
Students at the Fort Worth and Waco Learning Centers and eligible online students located in Texas can access virtual care resources. Students who are out of state or traveling within the United States can also use TimelyCare to connect with a provider.
For severe or potentially life-threatening medical or mental health emergencies, students should call 911 or go to a local hospital emergency room.
3. Help Your Student Prepare Before Move-In Day
A little preparation can make getting care less stressful when your student isn’t feeling well. Before they leave home, help them gather their health insurance information, medication list, allergies and relevant medical history.
Another helpful step? Put together a first aid kit! Tarleton State’s University Health Center recommends keeping essentials on hand for minor illnesses and injuries, including:
- Band-Aids, gauze pads, and adhesive tape
- Antiseptic cleanser and antibiotic ointment
- A thermometer
- Pain relievers and allergy medication
- Tweezers, scissors, and an ice pack
Remind your student to use medications safely and follow label directions. Find the full list on the University Health Center’s first aid kit guide.
If your student has a chronic medical condition, schedule an appointment early in the semester and send relevant medical records to the Health Center. You can also review the University Health Center website together and save the contact information on their phone.
Your Student Has Support at Tarleton State
Sending your student to college means giving them room to grow and become more independent. It doesn’t mean they have to navigate every challenge alone.
By knowing where to go and what resources are available, your student can feel more prepared to care for themselves, and you can feel more confident supporting them from home.
Explore more resources on the Become A Texan blog to help your family prepare for college life at Tarleton State.
FAQ
Does Tarleton State have a health clinic for students?
Yes! The University Health Center is located in Traditions North Hall on the Stephenville campus. It provides care for minor illnesses, injuries, and other non-emergency health concerns. Students can call 254-968-9271 to schedule an appointment.
Are health services included in tuition?
Students pay university fees that support health services. However, some appointments, tests, treatments, and other services may have additional charges. Families can review the University Health Center’s services page for more information.
What if my student gets sick when the Health Center is closed?
Students can access TimelyCare, a free, 24/7 virtual care service. For severe or potentially life-threatening emergencies, students should call 911 or go to a local hospital emergency room.
What should my student bring to a health appointment?
The University Health Center recommends bringing health insurance information, a list of current medications, allergy information, and relevant medical history. Students should arrive 10 minutes early to complete any required paperwork.
Can students at Tarleton’s Fort Worth and Waco locations access health resources?
Yes. Students at the Fort Worth and Waco Learning Centers can access TimelyCare, and all students can use both the Fort Worth and Stephenville University Health Center locations as needed. Eligible online students located in Texas can also contact the Health Center to arrange a telehealth appointment.
What if my student has a chronic medical condition?
The University Health Center recommends scheduling an appointment early in the semester and sending relevant medical records to the clinic. This helps students establish a relationship with a provider and maintain continuity of care.