As the westernmost institution in the UNC system, Western Carolina University provides
educational opportunities to residents of the state’s western region and attracts
students from around the globe to explore the area’s vast resources.
At Western Carolina University, we view our admissions process as our opportunity
to build the community that defines our institution. We look for people eager to explore
and ready to redefine success.
Programs and courses at Western Carolina are designed to provide hands-on, applied
experience. Students engage with communities across the region as they practice their
profession in real-world environments.
Western Carolina’s unique mountain location helps fuel a vibrant campus community
with more than 170 student clubs and organizations as well as a busy performing arts
calendar and the campus’s own adventure guide service.
Western Carolina is home to 16 Southern Conference athletic teams with more than 375
student athlete competitors. WCU strives to inspire student-athletes to compete like
champions on the field and in the classroom.
Western Carolina was founded to serve the region it calls home, and that has not changed.
WCU continues to focus on regional development initiatives, engaged service and community
programs. It also partners with alumni and donors to ensure access to higher education
for deserving students in the region and beyond.
You must call and schedule an appointment to access Health Services, 828.227.7640.
Our building entrances have changed. You will be given directions on which entrance
to access when you make your appointment. Please refer to the maps below.
All patients are screened for COVID risk and symptoms when the appointment is scheduled
as well as screened at the building prior to in-person appointments. Due to over-the-phone
screenings and the change to all scheduled appointments (no walk-ins), call volumes have
increased, and your wait time to speak with Health Services staff may be longer than
normal. We appreciate your patience as we attempt to accommodate all patient requests and
needs.
Campus Health Update
Health Services closely monitors outbreaks of illness(es) that could potentially become
public health emergencies based on the criteria from the Centers for Diseases Control
and World Health Organization.
Prior to enrollment, all new students must provide immunization records, proof of health insurance and a medical history.
North Carolina state law (General Statute 130A-155.1) requires anyone entering college to present a certificate of immunization that documents
their compliance with all required immunizations. All students attending Western Carolina University are required to show proof of valid
medical insurance coverage or must enroll in the mandatory UNC System health plan. A Medical History will need
to be secured from your doctor; a medical history provides important pieces of information
that you should be aware of before visiting health services. Learn more about these
requirements below:
Western Carolina University Health Services is here to meet the healthcare needs of
our academic community and to enhance the physical, psychological, environmental and
health education needs of our campus. Any student who pays the Student Health Fee
is eligible for our services, regardless of insurance coverage. Keep in mind that
students ARE NOT required to be enrolled in the UNC sponsored student health plan
to be eligible for services. You can learn more about Insurance and Payment.
Health Services is closed on University approved holidays and may have different hours
on adverse weather days per the adverse weather protocol. Each patient will be asked
screening questions for symptoms of Covid-19 at the time the appointment is scheduled
as well as upon arrival to Health Services.
Keep in mind that patients are requested to arrive 10 minutes prior to their appointment
time; please allow time to validate your parking upon check-in. If you are 3 minutes
late, your appointment will be re-scheduled. If you are unable to keep your appointment,
please give us at least an hour's notice, so that the reserved time can be used for
another appointment.
Dr. Jason Creel, DO Dr. Jessica Ange, MD Kristy Hopkins, NP-C Sandy Gibson, ACNP-C Jodie Wade, FNP-BC
Concerns, Compliments or Suggestions
Patients are welcome to provide feedback to Health Services via our feedback form.
This feedback may be submitted anonymously and is considered 'spot' feedback, not
a formal grievance. For questions related to campus operations and coronavirus, please visit WCU's Coronavirus website.
A Grievance is an official statement of a complaint about something believed to be
wrong or unfair. The Director of Health Services is responsible for investigating
Grievances, providing feedback to the patient, determining any corrective actions
as needed and following the issue to its' resolution. Please note that a formal Grievance
cannot be anonymous.
Scheduled Appointments - Patients can schedule an appointment for routine check-ups, follow up care, physicals,
lab orders, medication refills, STI testing, illness or injury.
Routine Physicals - Comprehensive physical examinations for employment, internships, participation
in athletics, etc. are provided. An appointment is required for all physicals.
Nurse Visits
Maintenance Checks
Sick/Walk-In Visits - Health Services tries to accommodate walk-in patients. Each patient will be seen
by an RN for evaluation of severity of symptoms. Based on that assessment, the RN
will determine the urgency in which the patient may need to see a provider and will
schedule as appropriate based on Health Services patient protocols.
Triage Care
Non-Invasive Surgical Procedures
IV Therapy Services
Accidents/Injuries
Sutures/Splinting
Annual Physicals
Contraceptive Counseling
Contraceptive Medications - Consultation and management for all contraceptives are available. Appointments
are required for birth control initiation.
Psychiatric Medications
ADD/ADHD Medications
Limited laboratory testing is performed at Health Services. For a complete listing
of labs and fees please contact UHS.
In-House Hematology and Chemistry
On-site Rapid Diagnostics
Sickle Cell Screening
Collection Site for Reference Testing
STI Screening - Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia, genital
herpes, genital warts, and Gonorrhea are available at a charge. For more information
about other STI tests such as Syphilis and HIV please contact Health Services.
In-House Perscription Dispensing
Over the Counter Retail Sales
Transfer of Care for Medication Management
Transfer of Current Prescriptions
Immunotherapy/Allergy Serums - Allergy injections are administered at Health Services. To participate in this
service, students should bring their allergy serum and physician's orders for the
administration of the allergy injections to the allergy clinic.
Vaccines and Immunizations - Tdap, Td Boosters, MMR, PPD, Hepatitis B, Gardasil (indicated for males and females) and
Flu vaccine are available at a nominal fee from health services.
Therapeutic Injectable Medications
Nutrition services are available to students and employees of WCU. Consultations and
assessments are completed by a Registered Dietitian by referral appointment only.
Medical Nutritional Needs
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Chronic Disease Management
Weight Management
Dietary and Diabetic Counseling
Disordered Eating
Common Over-the-Counter Drugs
First Aid Supplies
WCU EMS is a student-staffed emergency ambulance service serving the WCU community. All medics
are certified EMT's and WCU EMS is supervised by Health Services and WestCare EMS
service. This service is in operation 24/7, during Fall and Spring semesters. To obtain
EMS assistance dial 828.227.8911.
