Located next to the Schindler Education Center, the University of Northern Iowa’s Student Health Clinic stands as a cornerstone of student wellness. Inside, the Student Health Clinic serves as the go-to health resource for all UNI students, providing essential medical services conveniently located on campus. Supported by a mandatory health fee, this resource ensures every student has access to high-quality healthcare.
“This is a wonderful benefit,” says Sarah Behrends, director of the student health clinic. “Why go see a provider off-campus when students have this service right at their fingertips?”
The Student Health Clinic offers a wide array of services to overall well-being. During the 2024 Fiscal Year, the Student Health Clinic treated 14,427 patient diagnoses and recorded 13,188 patient visits. Students can access medical care for common illnesses and injuries, routine health exams, immunizations, psychiatric services, and even travel consultations for those planning trips abroad. For students requiring specialized care, the clinic also provides allergy injections, lab testing, STD testing, eating disorder management, and gynecology/sexual health services. Whether it’s preventative care or urgent medical attention, the clinic is well-equipped to handle a variety of health concerns.
Operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the clinic strives to be as accessible as possible when classes are in session. Appointments can be made online via the Patient Portal or by calling 319-273-2009 (option #2). To use the Patient Portal, students simply log in with their CatID and passphrase, then select “New Appointment” from the dashboard. While scheduling in advance is preferred, the clinic works to accommodate for same-day immediate care, ensuring students can quickly access help when they need it the most.
One common misconception among students is that the clinic lacks qualified medical professionals. Behrends addresses this directly: “We have doctors, nurse practitioners, and a physician’s assistant who are all licensed and board-certified. This is their full-time job, and they’re dedicated to providing excellent care.”
Beyond routine checkups, the clinic also collaborates with external providers to make students’ lives easier. For instance, students receiving allergy treatments can coordinate with their Allergy Office to have injections administered on campus. “I know students who drive over two hours weekly to get their allergy injections,” Behrends explains. “We can save them both time and money by offering this service here.” Similarly, the clinic provides work physicals for students needing medical clearance for employment, internships or other professional opportunities. Furthermore, the Student Health Clinic resource nurse is able to meet with a student to review their immunization record to help bring the student up to date on their vaccinations.
The Student Health Clinic doesn’t just focus on treating illness, it’s also about empowering students to take charge of their health. With a variety of educational resources and general health services, the clinic aims to foster a campus culture that prioritizes wellness. From guidance on mental health to completing lab work, the clinic is an integral part of the student experience at UNI.
If a student is questioning whether or not the Student Health Clinic can assist them, they should always reach out. As Behrends aptly puts it, “The Student Health Clinic can always provide assistance if more specialized care is needed in the community.”
