Nothing puts a damper on the first year at Tech like a runny nose, fever, or sprained ankle.
But in the event of sickness or injury, students can turn to the on-campus Schiffert Health Center, the first responders in the campaign to keep the student population healthy and functional.
Tech has had some form of infirmary on campus since 1875. Renamed after former health center director Charles W. Schiffert in 1998, the current health center is located in McComas Hall across from one of the campus' gyms.
"Our facility runs just like a private care family practice," said Schiffert's Quality Improvement Coordinator and registered nurse Colleen Farmer.
"You get an appointment, you come in, you're seen," Farmer said. "We have very little wait times. Everyone is impressed overall by the services that we provide and the medication and the fact that we have a wide range of specialists."
Schiffert's range of services includes treatment of colds, coughs, broken bones, and burns. Additionally, it can provide casts and crutches and has an in-house laboratory for blood work and testing. Its subspecialties include a wound-care clinic, sports medicine, skin care, migraine specialists, and a confidential women's clinic. The health center is also developing a dietician program.
Farmer said that the most common reason students visit Schiffert is the common cold, followed by injury often brought about by recreational activities like sports.
The health center has a self-care cold clinic where students can fill out a questionnaire in McComas or online and present it to a staff member for the appropriate cold medication.
Though Schiffert can treat third-degree burns and basic wounds, serious health problems involving surgery need to be treated at an off-campus hosptial. "Of course, we always emphasize if it's an emergency call 911," Farmer said.
All full-time students have free access to appointments at Schiffert and most of the available pharmaceuticals because of a $152 student health fee paid at the beginning of each regular semester with tuition. For the first time this summer, students attending summer sessions can go to the health center to pay an optional health fee for services during the summer.
"We do not bill insurance," Farmer said. "The $152 is basically their insurance policy with us saying that unlimited amounts of care can be given throughout the semester."
Faculty, staff, and other members of the Tech community cannot seek help at the student healthcare center, Farmer said.
Schiffert works with Intravene to supply vaccinations at the beginning of the fall semester. Students who still need to complete required immunizations can receive them at the health center on Oct. 6 and Oct. 14. Vaccination fees do apply.
Students who can make their way independently to Schiffert can walk or take the Blacksburg Transit bus to a stop in front of McComas Hall, down the street from Lane Stadium. The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, responding to 911 calls, can transport students who are unable to move themselves to Schiffert or the nearest operating hospital.
Also housed across from the gym in McComas Hall is the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center. Students can make appointments for psychiatric services to deal with issues including depression, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and academic stress.
Cook also has an online screening module for these problems available at its Web site. Students will go through a triage appointment where a counselor will evaluate students and decide what steps should be taken after: further counseling, outside counseling or medication.
Cook also offers group counseling for body image, gay and lesbian relationships, stress management and more.