Student Health Services
Providing quality health care and encouraging a healthy lifestyle in body, mind and spirit.
Welcome to Student Health Services.
We're committed to providing you with high-quality, confidential health care in an effecient, professional and compassionate manner to help you succeed in your College of Charleston studies.
Schedule an AppointmentServices Provided
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Allergy Injections
Student Health Services will administer your prescribed allergy serums. As an incoming student (or parent/guardian), you will need to provide the following information prior to any allergy injection:
Information on physician's letterhead- Full legal name and date of birth of patient
- Contents of vials
- Concentration of allergy serum
- Expiration date on vial
- Vials which are numbered or coded and correspond to instructions
- Schedule indicating amount and frequency
- Instructions for missed or late injections/local reactions
- History of any significant local or systemic reactions
Waiting time length, minimum of 30 minutes
Note: Please ask your prescribing allergist for an EpiPen (or equivalent) prescription as each CofC student-patient is required to have an unexpired EpiPen (or similar) at each allergy appointment visit. It is the patient’s responsibility to fill the prescription prior to their first allergy appointment at Student Health Services.Allergy Injection Information
A patient’s first allergy shot MUST be administered by the prescribing allergist.
Please expect the initial allergy shot consultation at Student Health Services to take more than 1 hour:
- 15-minute consultation with a Provider (MD or NP-Nurse Practitioner)
- 30-minute appointment with an RN during which time the shot(s) will be given
- Minimum of 30-minute waiting period before RN discharge
Please Note: All patients must present an unexpired EpiPen (or equivalent) at each injection appointment. No injections will be given without an EpiPen (or equivalent) present.
The nursing staff reserves the right to refuse to administer the allergy injection for any reason (e.g. if the patient does not have an EpiPen (or equivalent) with them, if a previous significant reaction has occurred, if the orders are unclear, if the patient refuses to wait the specified time after injection).
- Routine allergy injections will be given Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m.
- Injections will be given by a member of the nursing staff only when a physician is present in the clinic.
- A member of the nursing staff will check for reactions after the required waiting time.
- Individuals who are experiencing reactions either local or otherwise must notify the nursing staff immediately.
- Individuals who receive an allergy injection and leave the clinic before the required 30-minute observation period and/or leave before being verbally discharged by a nurse, will be dropped from the program.
- Participants are responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of their serums to Student Health Services. Those wishing to have their serums mailed to another location will be responsible for making those shipping arrangements.
In the event of inclement weather evacuations, Student Health Services cannot be responsible for possible power outages and an interruption in serum refrigeration. Students are advised to pick up their serums prior to evacuation.
Those wishing to have their allergy serums mailed to Student Health Services for storage should use the following address:
Student’s Name
c/o Student Health Services
College of Charleston
181 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29424
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Asthma Care
Student Health Services provides care for students with asthma by managing preventive asthma medications and treating worsening asthma symptoms.
When necessary, patients may be referred to local pulmonologists (lung specialists) or to allergists for more specialized care.
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Birth Control
Student Health Services is trained to meet the needs of our students. We have NO COST OPTIONS for all forms of birth control for those that qualify:
- Birth control pills
- Vaginal rings
- Depo Provera injections
- IUD Implants
- FREE Emergency Contraceptives
Student Health Services does not dispense birth control pill packs. Prescriptions written for birth control may be filled at local pharmacies. -
Eye Problems
Student Health Services can treat several types of eye problems such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes and some contact lens related problems.
If you are a contact lens wearer, you are at risk for more serious eye infections and may need a referral to an ophthalmologist. If you are experiencing eye problems, remove your contacts and call 843.953.5520 as soon as possible for an appointment. -
Injuries, First Aid & Wound Care
Injuries
Student Health Services can treat minor injuries. When X-rays are required, we will refer you to local facilities.
First Aid & Wounds
- Wounds should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
- If it has been more than five years since your last tetanus shot, you will need to have a tetanus booster.
- If you think you may need stitches, you should be seen as soon as possible.
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Illnesses & Infections
Student Health Services can diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and infections:
- Covid
- Strep throat
- Mono
- Sinus infections
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections
- Flu
- Skin infections
- Urinary and sexually transmitted infections
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Rashes & Skin Problems
The providers at Student Health Serivces will diagnose and treat a variety of skin problems:
- Acne
- Warts
- Staph infections
- Scabies
- Shingles
- Herpes
- Eczema
- Allergy or contact related rashes
In some cases a referral to a dermatologist may be necessary.
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Referrals & Consultation
Student Health Services offers referrals to specialists in the Charleston area.
- In order to be referred, you will need to see one of our providers who will write the referral.
- Make sure you bring your insurance card with you.
- Some insurance companies require a referral from your primary care physician and may not be able to accept our referral.
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Sexual & Reproductive Health/STI Testing
Student Health Services offers individualized counseling to students based on their health care needs. Student Health Services also works with community referral partners to connect a patient with needed medical resources or follow-up care.
Services available:
- Pregnancy testing
- Gynecological care including screening for sexually transmitted infections and screening for cervical cancer (pap testing).
- Contraceptive options to students at no cost if there is financial need.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Testing
Student Health Services does not charge for examinations. However, there are laboratory fees associated with testing for STIs.
A provider will assess if testing is needed. Prices are determined by the type of test(s) ordered.
Lower cost options for STI testing may be available in the Charleston community:- Charleston County Health Department DHEC 855.472.3432
- Palmetto Community Care 843.747.2273 (Free HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis testing)
- MUSC Adult Infectious Disease 843.792.4541 (Free HIV testing)
- Truesdale Medical Center 843.747-8386 (Primary care for HIV positive and negative patients. PrEP providers)
- Fetter Family Health Center 843.722.4112
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LGBTQ+
At the College of Charleston’s Student Health Services, we believe every student seeking healthcare services has the right to be compassionately treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to making our services accessible to lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming students.
We know that pursuing medical and psychological services may feel challenging or uncomfortable. We want to encourage you to seek care, ask questions, advocate for yourself, set boundaries, bring someone with you, and/or refuse particular treatments.
We sincerely hope you feel comfortable being open and honest with the healthcare providers and staff at Student Health Services about your body, your behavior, and your concerns.Health Services
Changing Your Name or Pronoun on Your Medical Records
The College of Charleston recognizes that many of its members use first names other than their legal names to identify themselves. At Student Health Services, we want to make sure you are identified correctly when you are seen for a visit.The campus implements a Preferred First Name process. A preferred first name is a name that one would commonly use that is different from the legal first name.
Other than cases where legal name is required, your preferred name will be the name we use whenever possible in the course of College of Charleston business and education.
You can indicate your preferred name, personal pronoun and gender identification in MyPortal under the "Personal Information" tile.
Non-Medical University Records
Student Health Services uses the information provided by the registrar for your name and gender. If you change your name and pronoun with Student Health Services, this will only affect your medical records in the clinic. This change will not affect your other university records.
Gynecological Services
We offer a full spectrum of gynecological care at Student Health Services. If you have a specific question or need for special accommodations, please call 843-953-5520 and ask to leave a message with the nursing staff. One of our expertly trained nurses will return your call and work with you to specifically answer your questions.
Cougar Care Student Health Portal
Students can book some same-day and next day appointments via the Cougar Care Student Health Portal.
If you do not see an appointment type that matches your concern or want to inquire about additional same day appointments, please call 843.953.5520.
Please note: Some services are not available at the Student Health Services facility:
X-Rays, pharmacy services, after hours or weekend care, hospitalization, emergency room care, some immunizations, physicals (exceptions may apply for College-related programs)
Referrals may be provided as necessary.