Avera Student Health is an on-campus office, staffed with a certified medical assistant or a patient services representative and a physician's assistant (PA).

Location

Student Center 240

 

Hours

When school is in session, Avera Student Health is open with a physician assistant (PA) on duty from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 12:45-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

 

To make an appointment or learn more about services, call 605-626-7694 or stop by Student Center 254.

 

On-campus services

On-campus services are offered at no charge to students, who will need to bring a current insurance card to the office.

 

Services include:

  • Assessment and treatment of acute or sudden onset of illness or injury lab testing (urine screening, strep throat, blood count and mono screening), free when the tests are determined necessary by the PA on staff and collected at  Avera Student Health
  • Over-the-counter medications for common colds, sore throat, cough and headaches
  • Medical equipment such as crutches, vaporizers and cold/hot packs (available for checkout)
  • Informational and referral services assistance, upon request

 

Local services

avera
 
 
 
 
Avera Aberdeen Family Physicians

105 S. State St., Suite 113

Phone: 605-225-0378

 

  • Avera Student Health provides referrals to Avera Aberdeen Family Physicians (AAFP), an Avera St. Luke's clinic, based on the student's physical and emotional needs.
  • Northern will cover a screening appointment (up to 15 minutes) at no charge to you by a health care provider at AAFP only if the student is seen by the on-campus nurse first.
  • Northern does not cover X-rays, labs or treatments performed at the physician's office.
  • The costs for any student going to another facility to receive medical care without a referral from Avera Student Health will be at the student's expense.

Prescriptions

Northern is under contract with Avera Pharmacy (formerly State Street Pharmacy) in Aberdeen to provide students' medication needs, both prescription and over-the-counter, at discount rates. This discount does not apply to medications for chronic illness or recurrent conditions.

 

Urgent/walk-in care

AveraQuick/Avera Urgent Care are available when a student can't wait until Avera Student Health is open. AveraQuick treats minor, uncomplicated illnesses and injuries such as fevers and colds, rashes, bumps, and scrapes. Avera Urgent Care treats a broader range of health concerns that require prompt attention after regular office hours, including fevers, respiratory infections, minor burns and sprains.

 

Immunizations

Any student entering a public or private postsecondary education institution in this state for the first time after July 1, 2008, shall, within 45 after the start of classes, present to the appropriate institution certification from a licensed physician that the student has received or is in the process of receiving the required two doses of immunization against measles, rubella, and mumps. For alternatives to the requirement, consult SDBOR Policy 2:3:5 (D).

 

Documentation must be provided within 45 days after the start of classes. Failure to comply will result in the student not being able to attend classes, i.e. dropped from school. For more information, contact Avera Student Health at 605-626-7694 or hlthser@northern.edu.

 

Health Insurance (students)

Student health insurance is no longer offered by the South Dakota Board of Regents. If not currently insured by a parent or guardian, students may purchase health insurance through the Government Health Insurance Exchange.