“If you’re not mentally healthy, you can’t be academically successful. If you’re not physically healthy, you can’t be academically successful either,” said Linda Michals, the Dean of Students. Michals has been a nurse practitioner for 24 years at NIC.
Services offered by NIC’s heath services include the treatment of minor injuries or health problems, including general physical exams, colds, sexually transmitted diseases, skin concerns, bladder infections, emergency contraception. They also cover depression or other mental health concerns, as stated in the NIC student handbook.
Counseling services are paid for by student fees. Counseling services are also available through the Center of New Directions, which is staffed with licensed professionals.
Basic visits are free of charge for both the counseling and health services. However, there may be a charge for lab testing, medication, or other treatments not covered by the individual’s health insurance.
“We provide students with the least expensive yet most effective medication we can,” said Michals.
The Health and Wellness Department provides health education information covering topics such as stress, relationships, sexuality, drugs, alcohol, and other health information to potentially help students make the best possible life style choices.
“18 to 24 is the age-range when people are trying to find out who they are outside their parent’s control,” said Michals.
The Health Services Department strives to help students make appropriate, intelligent decisions in exploring their new found freedoms.
“We want to help students really think about the choices they’re making,” said Michals.
You must set up an appointment to be seen for a visit. They work towards having students seen the same day they come in, or the following day, in case they are in a crisis.
However, Michals stresses, “We do not write excuses for class.”
According to the Student Handbook, mandatory accident insurance is required for all students enrolled in one or more credits. This covers accidents, which occur only on NIC campuses or campus sponsored events. If an accident occurs, an accident report should be completed within 72 hours or as soon as possible.
Accidents reports are available on the student health service website and insurance claim forms are available at the student health services office and the Dean of Students office.
Free flu shots will be available during mid-October.
The Health and Wellness department is located in the upper level of the S.U.B, if you have any more questions, concerns, or need to schedule an appointment, you may call (208) 769-3374.
The Center for New Directions is located in Lee Kildow Hall; their contact number is (208) 769-3345.
You may contact (208) 676-7156 for more information regarding student insurance.
The Student Health Service office is open to scheduling appointments on Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
