Patient's Rights And Responsibilities
Confidentiality
As a Health Care organization, we have an explicit responsibility to protect and preserve the confidentiality of all medical information resulting from the professional relationships with patients within Student Health Services. Confidential information contained in medical records and associated papers are restricted to authorized personnel.
Exceptions to confidentiality can occur only under certain circumstances. These exceptions include a serious, immediate threat to a student's life or welfare or to the life or welfare of another person.
Release of Medical Records
Medical records can be obtained by signing a request for Release of Medical Records and returning it to Student Health Services in person or by mail. Student health information is confidential and the release must be signed by the student. The request should indicate a specific period of time and cannot be signed for ongoing release of information. Parents or guardians who want health information must discuss this with their student and have the student initiate the request for each episode of illness or care.
Fees
- All students who have paid the Student Health Services fee are eligible to use services. Fees are added to the tuition and fees bill for all full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
- There is a $12 visit fee for all appointments at Student Health Services.
- You may incur additional charges for medication or necessary supplies. You may request information about getting prescriptions and supplies from an outside pharmacy.
Fee Schedule
Payment for Health Services
- Charges for visits will automatically be posted to your student account.
- Charges will not reveal any confidential health information. You can pay for these charges at the Bursar's Office or online through QuikPay.
- The Bursars office accepts cash, checks, or money orders.
- Payments on QuikPay can be made with either an e-check or credit card (American Express, Discover, or MasterCard).
- To allow Title IV financial aid to cover health services charges, please log into myWCU, use the link posted under the Alert Section of myWCU , and complete the Title IV Authorization form .
- Student Health Services does not perform third party billing to insurance companies. You can request a receipt for services to submit to your insurance company, but payment by private insurers varies by plan and is not guaranteed by Student Health Services.
Policies
Excuse Notes for Illness
Student Health Services does not provide excuse notes for students who miss class due to illness or injury. Students who miss class due to illness or injury are encouraged to notify faculty as directed by the faculty member.
This policy is consistent with our commitment to maintain confidentiality, encourage appropriate use of health care resources, and support meaningful dialogue between faculty and students.
Students are responsible for promptly notifying instructors about absences caused by illness or injury, preferably prior to class time. We encourage faculty members to let students know the appropriate representation for these situations.
In the event of a documented, prolonged student illness of three days or longer, Student Health Services notifies the Student Assistance office, who will then notify the student's professors of the absence.
Involuntary Medical Withdrawal Policy
West Chester University is committed to fostering student success, maintaining an environment conducive to learning, and assuring the community's safety. Accordingly, the University takes appropriate measures to address student conduct that is destructive to self or others or results in serious disruption of the learning environment. In extraordinary circumstances, the University may require a student to involuntarily withdraw from the University when it determines that this measure is the only way to protect the student and/or others and/or to preserve the integrity of the learning environment. An involuntary medical withdrawal will be imposed only when the University has determined that the student poses a significant risk to self, others, or the learning environment.
Release of Medical Records
Medical records can be obtained by signing a request for Release of Medical Records and returning it to Student Health Services in person or by mail. Student health information is confidential and the release must be signed by the student. The request should indicate a specific period of time and cannot be signed for ongoing release of information. Parents or guardians who want health information must discuss this with their student and have the student initiate the request for each episode of illness or care.
What to Expect During an Appointment
Our staff of Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Physicians provides primary medical care for West Chester University Students. We are well equipped to manage the illnesses and injuries common to a student population.
Scheduling an Appointment
You can self-schedule TB tests and immunization appointments via the Web Portal. You can make all other appointments by phone or in person.
Appointments are scheduled for all visits except for emergencies. Call early so you can find a time that fits into your schedule without missing class. If you arrive without an appointment, a nurse will talk with you to determine the severity of your illness or injury.
What to Bring
Bring your ID and health insurance card with you to your appointment. There is a $12 visit fee and possible additional fees for medications and supplies. A list of services and fees is available here and at the reception desk.
Charges for your visit will automatically be posted to your student account and can be paid either online or at the Bursars Office. Charges will not reveal any personal health information. The Bursar's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Payments on QuikPay may be made with an e-check or credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express).
Appointment Time
The length of your appointment will depend on the severity of the illness and/or services provided. As with all health care centers, people with problems that require immediate attention are seen immediately. Although they are infrequent, an emergency could affect your appointment time. If that occurs and you would like to reschedule, please speak with someone at the front desk. The staff attempts to see all students in a timely manner, while providing urgent care to students in need.
If you are in the waiting room for more than twenty minutes, let someone at the front desk know so they can give you a status update. The staff strives to complete medical appointments within one hour, but appointment times may be extended due to the need for extended services.
During Your Appointment
Please inform your nurse if there are any concerns with your visit. If you are not comfortable speaking with your nurse, you can e-mail your concern to the Student health Services e-mail account , or request an appointment to speak with the Associate Director.
Please inform your nurse or provider at the beginning of your visit if you would like to go to an outside lab for ordered lab tests, or if you would like to use a pharmacy to fill a possible prescription.
Insurance Resources
International Students at WCU are required to carry adequate health insurance. Details are outlined by the WCU Global Engagement Office
Other resources are also listed below for your convenience. Look at plans, compare, and make a choice based on your needs.
Affordable Care Act
HealthCare.gov is a website to locate health coverage and will allow you to locate the exchange for your state. The exchange will determine Medicaid eligibility and also subsidy eligibility for a private health plan.
- The 2019 Open Enrollment period for coverage is November 1, 2018 to December 15, 2018. Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2019.
- To begin, create an account at HealthCare.gov.
For 24/7 assistance, call 1-800-318-2596.
TTY: 1-855-889-4325
PA Health Access, (phone: 877 570-3642,) can also offer assistance in locating insurance, including with Medicaid and MAWD.If Medicaid eligible, the Medicaid application takes 30 days to process and is retroactive to the date of the application or the date when current coverage ends. An alternative is the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) for individuals who work at least one hour per week and have a chronic health problem. With MAWD, there is a monthly premium to pay with the insurance taking effect during the month of application or the following month, as desired by the applicant. For more information, please visit PA Health Options.
Government-Sponsored Insurance Programs:
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- Medical Assistance: A joint state and federal program for public assistance to eligible people, regardless of age, whose income and resources are insufficient to pay for health care. Contact the PA Department of Public Welfare's Recipient Hotline at 1-800-692-7462.
- Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Free or low-cost health insurance to uninsured individuals under the age of 19, who may be eligible based on family income. Contact the CHIP help line at 1-800-986-KIDS.
- Additional Coverage for on the job injuries:
- Worker's Compensation: Health care benefits for injuries or illnesses at work related to workplace exposure. Worker's compensation does not replace other health insurance. Contact the PA Bureau of Worker's Compensation at 1-800-482-2383.
- Additional Resource: Independent Student's Guide to Health Insurance
Parking and Building Access
Building Access: Student Health Services is located in Commonwealth Hall on the ground floor. Use the entrance on the side facing Lawrence Hall, which brings you directly into the reception area. You cannot enter from the residence hall.
Parking: There are 4 student parking spots at the entrance. Get a pass from the reception desk.
Antibiotic Stewardship
Student Health practices antibiotic stewardship. Antibiotics are available to treat diseases and save lives. Appropriate use of antibiotics minimizes the development of untreatable bacteria. Help to preserve antibiotics for others in need of care. Some facts from the CDC:
- Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people get infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. At least 23,000 people die as a result.
- Antibiotics are only needed for certain infections caused by bacteria. Antibiotics do NOT work on viruses.
- Antibiotics also won’t help for some common bacterial infections including most cases of bronchitis, many sinus infections, and some ear infections.
- Reactions from antibiotics cause 1 out of 5 medication-related visits to the emergency department.
- Respiratory viruses usually go away in a week or two without treatment. To stay healthy and keep others healthy you can: Clean Hands, Cover Coughs, Stay Home When Sick, Get Recommended Vaccines.
Additional Resources
Ambulance Membership
Are you concerned about the cost of an ambulance transport in the case of an emergency? Some health insurance plans will cover the transport, so check with your insurance carrier first. If you don’t have insurance or ambulance transport is not covered, there is another option! Good Fellowship Ambulance offers a WCU Student membership for $40 annually. As a member, you will have no out-of-pocket expenses for emergency services. You can get information on this service and register online at www.goodfellowship.org. NOTE: If you are registering for this service online, the form will ask for the reference number on your subscription form. Simply enter your local address in this field and then click on the green “+” symbol.
FAQs
What is the acceptance rate for WCU PA? ›
West Chester University of Pennsylvania admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 89%. Half the applicants admitted to West Chester have an SAT score between 1070 and 1250 or an ACT score of 23 and 29.
How hard is it to get into West Chester? ›B-B+ grade point average in high school (Nursing: A grade point average) Completed the college prep program of study as determined by their high school. Average SAT score: 1060-1200 (Nursing: 1250) - please note that submitting SAT and/or ACT scores is optional, not required, for students applying to WCU. Rank: Top 40%
What is the average GPA for Wcupa? ›Average GPA: 3.43
The average GPA at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 3.43. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.43, West Chester University of Pennsylvania requires you to be around average in your high school class.
Submitting SAT and/or ACT scores will be an optional, not required, part of the admissions process for students applying to WCU for Spring and Fall 2023 as first year students.
What is a failing grade at WCU? ›| Grade | Interpretation | Quality Points Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| A | Superior | 4 |
| B | Good | 3 |
| C | Passing | 2 |
| F | Failure | 0 |
| School | Acceptance rate | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | 79% | 3.0 |
| Duke University Medical Center | 46% | N/A |
| Eastern Michigan University | 3.9% | 3.0 |
| Eastern Virginia Medical School | 6.86% | 3.0 |
West Chester University is a dry campus and as a result, does not permit alcoholic beverages being consumed, regardless of age.
What is the most popular major at West Chester University? ›The most popular majors at West Chester University of Pennsylvania include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Education; Psychology; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; English Language and Literature/Letters; Homeland Security, Law ...
Is West Chester University worth the money? ›WCU Is Among Money Magazine's Top 175 Best Value Colleges in America. West Chester University is listed at #174 among 739 schools ranked for their value by Money magazine. This puts WCU in the top ten highest-ranked Pennsylvania institutions and the 175 best value colleges nationwide.
Is 2.933 a good GPA? ›A 2.9 GPA is considered above-average in several degree programs. To be more specific, the national average for GPA is roughly 3.0. Therefore 2.9 places you below the national average. With a 2.9, you'll have difficulty getting into any prestigious university.
Is a 2.82 GPA good? ›
A 2.8 GPA is just below the national average. Most colleges and universities look for a GPA of at least 3.0 on your application.
Is a 2.38 GPA good in college? ›Is a 2.3 GPA Good? In a by-the-textbook definition, a 2.3 GPA is considered “below-average.” Even though it's considered a passing grade, a 2.3 GPA, or a C-grade average, isn't ideal for getting accepted into college.
Does West Chester require an essay? ›You are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, so don't worry about submitting them. No need to submit an essay or recommendation letter—WCU doesn't require them. You are welcome to still send them in, but they are not part of our review process.
What is a passing grade at West Chester University? ›Grades of A, B, or C are the only grades to be considered as passing. A maximum of six semester hours with a grade of "C" may count toward the completion of degree requirements.
How long does it take to get a decision from West Chester? ›Applicants will be notified by January 31 of an invitation to interview, and the interview day is the third Friday in February. Applicants will be informed of admissions decisions on or around March 15. Student matriculation decisions are due by April 15, at which time a $400 deposit is required.
What GPA is a failed class? ›At most colleges, a final grade below 60% qualifies as a failing grade. Depending on your college's GPA scale, that can mean anything below a 1.0 or 0.7 GPA counts as a failed class.
Is a C failing in college? ›A grade of C or better is required to earn a Passed; a C- or below will earn a Not Passed grade. A grade of C- may satisfy many requirements (e.g., General Education, elective) but a Not Passed grade will not earn any credit or satisfy requirements.
How bad is a fail on your transcript? ›A failing grade will likely hurt your GPA (unless you took the course pass/fail), which could jeopardize your financial aid. The failure will end up on your college transcripts and could hurt your chances of getting into graduate school or graduating when you originally planned to.
What is the hardest year of PA school? ›Which Year Of PA School Is The Hardest? Most PA students report that the first year, or didactic year, is the most challenging. During the first year, students are required to learn and remember a lot of new information.
What is the lowest ranked school in PA? ›The worst district in the state was the Reading School District with a 'D' grade. The website said the rankings are “based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data and ratings collected from millions of Niche users.”
Why is West Chester University so cheap? ›
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $7,716 for in-state students who attend full-time. For students who are not considered Pennsylvania-residents, out-of-state tuition is $19,290 a year.
Does West Chester allow freshmen to have cars? ›First Year Residents are all resident students who have earned less than 30 credits at WCU and transfer students posted less than 30 credits. Students who fall into the First Year Resident category are not permitted by University policy to park their vehicles in the University parking lots or garages.
What are the best dorms at West Chester University? ›- Goshen Hall. West Chester, PA 19383, USA Goshen Hall is a residential facility for West Chester University students. ...
- Schmidt Hall. ...
- Tyson Hall. ...
- Killinger Hall. ...
- South Campus Apartment Complex. ...
- College Arms Apartments. ...
- Brandywine Hall. ...
- Allegheny Hall.
Known for its culinary scene, West Chester hosts an annual Chester County restaurant festival, allowing visitors to get a taste for the local favorites.
What celebrities went to West Chester University? ›- Jill Biden. Born in United States 1951-.. ( ...
- Jessica Barth. Born in United States 1978-.. ( ...
- Geno Auriemma. Born in Italy 1954-.. ( ...
- Nafessa Williams. Born in United States 1989-.. ( ...
- Asher Roth. ...
- David Starr. ...
- Joe Gunkel. ...
- Curt Weldon.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania Rankings
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is ranked #250 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
- Merchandising and Buying Operations. 269 Graduates.
- 253 Graduates.
- Business. 251 Graduates.
- Finance. 246 Graduates.
- Early Childhood Education. 217 Graduates.
- 202 Graduates.
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. 200 Graduates.
- Liberal Arts and Humanities. 156 Graduates.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,471 (fall 2021), with a gender distribution of 40% male students and 60% female students.
Is West Chester University liberal? ›West Chester University of Pennsylvania
#1 Most Liberal Colleges in Pennsylvania.
The unweighted scale is most common, and the highest possible GPA on this scale is a 4.0. The unweighted scale doesn't take the difficulty of a student's classes into account. Weighted scales are also used at many high schools.
Is an 84 AB or B? ›
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Numerical Grade |
|---|---|---|
| A- | 3.7 | 90–93 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87–89 |
| B | 3.0 | 84–86 |
| B- | 2.7 | 80–83 |
A 4.1 is a very good GPA.
It means that you've either been taking the most difficult classes and earning mostly Bs or you've been taking mid level classes and earning As. You can expect to be accepted to many selective colleges with a 4.1 GPA.
The failing grade will NOT calculate in your GPA, but it will still show on your transcript.
Is 1.7 GPA ok? ›Let's take a look. A 1.7 GPA is equivalent to 70-72% or C- letter grade. The national average GPA is 3.0 which means a 1.7 GPA is definitely below average and will not look good on a report card.
Is A 1.5 Good or bad GPA? ›Is a 1.5 GPA good? The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 1.5 GPA puts you below that average. A 1.5 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far.
Is 2.55 a bad GPA? ›The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 2.5 GPA puts you below that average. A 2.5 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far. Since this GPA is significantly below a 2.0, it will make things very difficult for you in the college application process.
How to raise your GPA? ›- Attend Classes Regularly. As obvious as this sounds, it's a very important step. ...
- Avoid Classes You Don't Need. ...
- Reach Out to Your Instructors. ...
- Turn in Assignments on Time. ...
- Join a Study Group. ...
- Do a Weekly Study Review. ...
- Set Goals for Yourself. ...
- Make Use of Educational Resources.
West Point classifies the essays as being “important” to their decision-making process, in the same tier as class rank, recommendations, and talent/ability.
What GPA do you need to get into Penn State? ›Penn State does not have a minimum GPA or standardized test score used for admission. There are no such things as “cut-offs.”
Does West Chester allow pets on campus? ›I must comply with all state laws and local animal ordinances, as well as all West Chester University policies and guidelines. I must comply with all required state and municipal license requirements, including current identification and vaccination tags. Dogs must wear a current rabies vaccination tag.
What happens if you fail a class at West Chester University? ›
Students who fail developmental courses at West Chester University may not repeat those courses at another university or transfer in the college-level (100 or higher) course. Students may repeat undergraduate college-level courses to improve a grade of F, D, C, or B (not A).
Is 69% a passing grade in college? ›A letter grade of a D is technically considered passing because it not a failure. A D is any percentage between 60-69%, whereas a failure occurs below 60%.
What GPA is dean's list at West Chester University? ›Dean's List. The names of degree-seeking students who complete 12 or more graded hours in an academic semester and achieve a semester GPA of 3.670 or better are placed on the dean's list.
What is the average GPA at West Chester? ›Average GPA: 3.43
The average GPA at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 3.43. This makes West Chester University of Pennsylvania Moderately Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a medium-sized public university located on a suburban campus in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,712, and admissions are selective, with an acceptance rate of 86%.
Does WCU have a PA program? ›At WCU, our goal is to help you build both the skills and the confidence required to be an effective physician assistant. That's why our Physician Assistant program in Dallas is designed to deliver a variety of innovative, hands-on learning experiences.
What is West Chester University of Pennsylvania ranked in the US news? ›West Chester University of Pennsylvania Rankings
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is ranked #250 out of 443 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.
West Chester University has broken into the Top 10 on U.S. News' 2021 list of Top Public Regional Universities North, rising to #10 from #12 last year. The University has advanced among Regional Universities North (both public and private institutions), up to #50 from #55 in 2020.
What is the #1 public school in Pennsylvania? ›Upper St. Clair School District ranks as the No. 1 school district in Pennsylvania, according to the 2023 School Guide published this week by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
What is the #1 public college in Pennsylvania? ›Penn State
#1 Top Public Universities in Pennsylvania.
What is the best GPA for PA school? ›
3. What is a competitive GPA for PA programs? Remember that PA programs look at 4 types of GPAs: overall GPA, science GPA, non-science GPA, and CASPA biology, chemistry, and physics (BCP) GPA. The average overall GPA of PA matriculants is 3.6, science GPA is 3.5, non-science GPA is 3.6, and BCP GPA is 3.5.
What GPA do you need for PA program? ›Many PA schools have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 either in cumulative coursework or science courses. Some have higher minimum requirements while other have requirements that are lower than 3.0. Some programs do not list a minimum GPA requirement.
What is the average PA college GPA? ›Most PA schools require all applicants to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. However, if you want to get into a competitive school, you'll most likely need to do better than the minimum. The national average GPA for students accepted into PA school is about 3.6.
What is West Chester University best known for? ›The most popular majors at West Chester University of Pennsylvania include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Education; Psychology; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; English Language and Literature/Letters; Homeland Security, Law ...
What is West Chester known for? ›Their downtown boasts 83 shops, 59 restaurants, live music, cultural events, street fairs, walking tours, excursion trains, farmers market and museum exhibits making historic downtown West Chester a must see when visiting the Brandywine Valley. If you are a history buff, this is a destination for sure.
Is West Chester a good school district? ›West Chester Area School District is a top rated, public school district located in EXTON, PA. It has 12,095 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. According to state test scores, 56% of students are at least proficient in math and 74% in reading.
How prestigious is University of Pennsylvania? ›US News & World Report ranked the University of Pennsylvania 8th in their Best Colleges 2022 edition. Upenn ranked 13th in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.