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The Health Services Office is located in
the Gymnasium Building off the main foyer. During the academic year a full-time
nurse practitioner, two part-time practitioners, and a part-time physician staff
the office. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Wednesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the summer months
when the Health Services Office is closed, emergencies are referred to College
Police.
Services include acute and routine medical care,
health screenings, immunizations, allergy injections and
specialty referral. Treatment is completely confidential.
Students’ health history forms remain on file in this office,
health insurance brochures and claim forms are available.
Health Forms and Immunization
Each full-time undergraduate and graduate student,
and all full and part-time students in health science programs
involving patient contact (Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and
Communication Sciences and Disorders) must present evidence of
immunization in order to register for classes.
Massachusetts law specifies the following immunizations: 1) at
least one dose of mumps and rubella vaccine(s) given at or after
12 months of age; 2) two doses of live measles vaccine given at
least one month apart beginning at or after 12 months of age; 3)
a booster dose of tetanus/diphtheria within the last ten years;
and 4) three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. Effective August
2005, all new, full and part-time, undergraduate and graduate
students in a degree-granting program must be immunized with the
Meningococcal vaccine within the last 5 years or the
student/parent/legal guardian may sign the Meningococcal
Information and Waiver Form developed by the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health. All international students must
have proof of a negative mantoux test performed in the USA. In
the case of positive test results evidence of a negative chest
x-ray is required. Tetanus immunization, MMR immunization,
Hepatitis B immunization and mantoux testing are available at
Student Health Services free of charge, for accepted students. A
copy of an immunization record from a school in the Commonwealth
indicating receipt of the required immunizations may be
presented; or in the case of measles, mumps, or rubella,
laboratory evidence of immunity. The law provides for medical
and/or religious exemptions. Provision is also made to allow
students to register on condition that the required
immunizations are obtained within thirty days of registration.
The exception to the aforementioned is the meningitis
requirement which needs to be obtained at least two weeks prior
to the beginning of classes.
Students must submit the Worcester State College Report of Medical
History form, completed by a physician, in order to register for
classes. All resident students must have a complete Worcester
State College Health Form in order to move into the residence
halls.
Health Insurance
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that
students must be covered by health insurance under their own
policy or purchase the Worcester State College health insurance
plan. Health insurance is required for undergraduate students if
they register for nine (9) or more semester hours of credit.
Coverage for graduate students is required if they register for
seven (7) or more semester hours of credit.
At the time of fall and spring registration, all
students will be enrolled in and charged for the Worcester State
College Student Health Insurance Program. Students who do not
wish to participate in the College’s plan must return the
completed waiver request form that is enclosed with their bill.
They may also waive the insurance on-line at
www.universityhealthplans.com. Both the completed waiver
form and proof of insurance coverage should be returned with
payment of their bill to the Bursar’s Office. Students who
enroll only in summer session classes are not required to
participate.