Student Health Services

Services

Special Services

Women’s Health Services: We offer complete gynecological exams for both routine and problem visits. We provide comprehensive testing, counseling, treatment and referral for all issues.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing: Students with questions, concerns or problems are invited to come to Student Health Services for information, testing, counseling and/or treatment on a confidential basis.

Immunizations and Travel Services: Students can receive information about immunization recommendations, requirements and disease prevention for worldwide travel. Immunizations are available on site or by prescription.

Smoking Cessation: We offer individual treatment for students who wish to quit smoking or explore the option of quitting. Sessions are available by appointment with a nurse practitioner.

COVID Testing

• We ask all students to follow the CDC guidelines around the use of facial coverings, physical distancing, and staying home if ill.
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call us at 802.654.2234. DO NOT come to the Bergeron Wellness Center until you have been evaluated by an NP over the phone.
• A nurse practitioner will triage your symptoms and, if necessary, will enable you to get a COVID test.
• Stay in your room until directed otherwise.

For more information about COVID-19 and campus resources, please go to smcvt.edu/covid.

Immunization Information

Requirements

All students are required to have the following immunizations by Vermont law:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – a completed series of two injections.

Tetanus (Td or TdAP) – a booster within the past 10 years, preferably Tdap.

Hepatitis B – a completed series of three injections.

Bacterial Meningitis – one to two doses with most recent one after the age of 16.

Varicella – a completed series of two injections if no history of chicken pox.

Exemptions may be granted only for medical or religious reasons.

Recommendations

Sars CoV-2 Vaccine – for more information about the Covid vaccine, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – now recommended for women and men.

Flu – yearly flu vaccines are recommended.  You can receive them at on-campus sponsored events or most local pharmacies.  Find out more information about the flu vaccine on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/flushot.htm

Insurance and Fees

Student Health Insurance

Saint Michael’s College requires all full-time students and students in residence be covered under a health insurance plan. This coverage may be provided through the Saint Michael’s College Student Health Insurance Plan or by a private health insurance policy. The Saint Michael’s College Student Health Insurance Plan is being administered by Wellfleet.

The benefits outlined merit your careful attention. This policy is not designed to cover preexisting health conditions and elective procedures. It also does not include routine vision or dental coverage. Students with chronic or recurrent health conditions should consider other health insurance options.

All students, regardless of type of health insurance coverage, are strongly encouraged to bring an up-to date health insurance card to college. Please review your health insurance and be sure you are covered for medical and pharmaceutical care in Vermont.

For questions about the plan, please contact Wellfleet at 800.633.7867.

Fees

There is no charge for visits to Student Health Services. Fees may be charged for vaccines, medications and laboratory testing sent to outside labs.

Confidentiality

All visits to Student Health Services are confidential. Information is not shared with anyone without a student’s permission. Confidentiality of visits and records is every student’s right.

Questions?

Here are some questions to consider when deciding whether to school sponsored health insurance or keep your own:

Remember there is no fee to see a provider at the Bergeron Wellness Center on campus.  If tests or lab work needs to be ordered, or if the student needs to see a provider off campus, then the student’s health insurance will be billed.

• Does my health insurance cover my student when they need care in Vermont?
• By calling your insurance agent or the number on the back of your card, you can ask this question.
• Note that most state or government sponsored health plans do not cover health costs outside of the students primary state of residence (i.e. New York Medicaid)
• Does my insurance cover providers at the University of Vermont Medical Center? Sometimes a student is referred from the college to a local specialist or provider. Most are a part of the UVMMC (University of Vermont Medical Center) network. It is the largest medical provider in our state.
• Does my insurance pay for prescriptions at the pharmacies in Vermont? These may include, but are not limited to, CVS, Kinney Drugs, Walgreens and the UVM Medical Center Pharmacy .
• Does my student have an ongoing, chronic or complicated medical condition for which they will most likely seek care for services in the Burlington area or at the UVMMC network?

Medical Leave of Absence

Sometimes there are either medical or mental health issues that interfere with a student’s ability to successfully finish their semester without having a negative impact on grades. Your Saint Michael’s College community wants you to care for yourself when such a need arises. The Medical Leave of Absence Policy allows you to take the time necessary to care for yourself, so you can come back healthy and ready to continue your academic career. The following policy and forms explain the process. When a student takes a medical leave, their transcript will show withdrawals from coursework but will not penalize the student with failing grades or a lowered GPA. However, you will need to repeat these courses or their equivalent in the future. You will not receive credit for the amount of coursework already started this semester. Any financial questions should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services. When on a medical leave, the student still has access to their SMC email, but is asked to take all belongings home with them and refrain from coming to campus until they are cleared to return as a student.

For more information on how to request a Medical Leave of Absence, contact Kathy Butts, Director of Counseling, at 802.654.2310 or kbutts@smcvt.edu.

Important Forms

• Medical Withdrawal Policy
• Medical Withdrawal Student Re-entry Self Report Form
• Community Mental Health Provider Report

Area Hospitals and Pharmacies

Hospitals:

Clear Choice
South Burlington – 802.448.8205

Concentra
South Burlington – 802.658.5756

UVM Medical Center – Main Campus
802.847.0000
Colchester Avenue
Burlington, VT

UVM Medical Center Urgent Care – Fanny Allen Campus
802.847.1170
College Parkway
Colchester, VT
(located within walking distance of the campus)

Pharmacies:

CVS
Essex – 802.879.7438

UVM Medical Center Pharmacy
Colchester – 802.847.7461
Burlington – 802.847.3784

Kinney Drugs
Essex Junction – 802.878.5351

Walgreens Pharmacy
Essex Junction – 802.872.1800
Winooski – 802.655.2444
Burlington – 802.862.1562
Essex Junction 802.878.3369

A comprehensive list of area providers including doctors, dentists, allergists, and counselors can be found in the Student Health Center.

Staff

	Anna Leavey, PMHNP-BC Director of Student Health Services Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner healthservices@smcvt.edu802.654.2234
Heidi Brodtman Administrative Assistant healthservices@smcvt.edu802.654.2234
	Mary Masson, APRN-C Nurse Practitioner healthservices@smcvt.edu802.654.2234
Tara Abele, APRN-C Nurse Practitioner healthservices@smcvt.edu802.654.2234

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that both students and their families have questions about accessing health care on the Saint Michael’s College campus. Please review both sections of the FAQs below and feel free to reach out if your question was not addressed.

Student FAQS

Can I access the Bergeron Wellness Center if I am living out of state?

The Bergeron Wellness Center provides in person and limited telehealth care as needed to all full-time undergraduate students studying and living on campus or within Vermont.

Our ability to support students living outside of Vermont will depend on the context. Regulations allowing the practice of medicine over state boundaries vary from state to state, but is generally not permitted. While some states relaxed regulations while under State of Emergency, this temporary loosening of regulations is subject to change at any time.

If you will be studying remotely outside of Vermont and need non-emergency health support, we invite you to call us to explore how we can support you. Our capacity to offer medical care will depend both on current regulations as well as if high quality medical care can be provided remotely based on your particular health needs.

Where can I find more information about COVID-19 testing, symptoms and prevention?

Please visit our COVID-19 webpage. You’ll find all the information you need. If you are not feeling well you should test for Covid-19 using a rapid antigen test.  If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to call us.

We encourage all students to bring a supply of both rapid antigen tests and masks to school with them for use if they are feeling unwell.

How much does an appointment at Bergeron Wellness Center cost? 

Appointments at the student health center are included in tuition for all current St. Michael’s undergraduate students. You do not have to pay for an appointment.

If we submit lab work or need to request imaging, at an outside medical lab or hospital, then the lab/hospital will bill your insurance. Whether or not and how much you have to pay will depend on your insurance.  You should be sure to check with your insurance about what it does and does not cover in Vermont.

Do I need to make an appointment to be seen? 

Yes.

Due to the volume of students we see, we do not offer walk-in services. However, depending on the appointment availability we may be able to accommodate a walk-in request.  Same day appointments are usually available.  We encourage you to make an appointment if you have a health concern. You can make an appointment in person or by telephone at 802-654-2234.

Can I just walk in and have a nurse take a look at me?

No, we do not offer walk-in services or consultations at this time. We encourage you to make an appointment if you have a health concern. You can make an appointment by telephone or by walking in.

Can you refer me to a specialist?

To be referred to a specialist, you must first make and attend an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner can refer you to a specialist if, after evaluation, they conclude that to be the next best step.  An appointment with a specialist will require use of your insurance.

Can I receive my regular allergy shots at the Student Health Center?

No. The Student Health Center refers all students to a local allergy and immunology practice in South Burlington. You may contact them directly to establish ongoing care. Here’s the info:

Timber Lane Allergy & Asthma Associates
53 Timber Lane, South Burlington, VT
Phone: 802-864-0294
Fax: 802-864-3779

I am struggling with a recent negative experience. Who can I talk to?

Mental health counselors are available by booking an appointment. For more information about how to schedule an appointment with a counselor, see the counseling center website.

If you are currently in a situation in which you feel unsafe, call Campus Public Safety at 802-654-2374, use the Livesafe App, or call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis there is an on-call Associate Dean (AD). To reach the on-call Associate Dean, contact your Resident Assistant (RA), other residential life staff, or Campus Public Safety.   You can also call the switchboard at 802-654-2000 and ask to be connected to the AD on call.

Howard Center Crisis Services provides 24-hour, 7-days a week emergency services for adults experiencing emotional or psychiatric crisis. Howard Center Crisis Services can be reached at 802-488-7777.

I missed class because I am sick. Can you write me a note to excuse my absence from class?

Illness and injury may occasionally impact your ability to attend class or complete assignments. We urge students to notify their faculty and staff immediately when an injury or illness prevents them from attending class or completing course work.

The Bergeron Wellness Center does not provide written medical excuses for class absences. Students may request documentation be sent to academics to verify the date and time they were seen for an appointment at the health center, but no further information will be provided. Students are responsible for making up all missed work. This approach allows for students, as young adults, to advocate for themselves and to take responsibility for their health and academics. This also encourages faculty and staff to communicate directly with students if concerns arise.

Does Bergeron Wellness Center provide gynecologic/reproductive health care services?

Yes.  Please call and make an appointment to be evaluated by an NP if you are concerned or just have general questions about gynecologic or reproductive health.  We can evaluate you, order testing or medications, if needed, and provide yearly exams.

Do you treat sexually transmitted infections?

Yes.

There are a few different options for you to get tested through our office.  If you believe that you have an STI you should make an appointment at Bergeron and we can discuss testing types, cost, and treatment options. Whether or not you think you might have an STI, we provide testing whenever you feel you need it.

Do you give pregnancy tests?

Free pregnancy tests are available at Bergeron Wellness Center. Please schedule an appointment if you believe you might be pregnant and would like to take a pregnancy test.

Do you prescribe medications and antibiotics for illnesses or injuries?

All of our practitioners are licensed prescribers. If you think you need a medication then you should make an appointment at Bergeron to be evaluated. Once a practitioner has evaluated you they may determine that it is appropriate to prescribe you medications.  We have some medications on site that can be purchased for $20 with cash or your knight card or we can give you a prescription to take to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Do you have flu shots?

St. Michael’s College sponsors multiple flu vaccine clinics every year in the fall. If you cannot make it to or have missed our clinics then you can go to a local pharmacy to get a flu vaccine.  You do not need a prescription to get a flu shot.

Do you prescribe ADHD medication?

The majority of our students on ADHD medication continue to receive their ADHD medication from their home prescriber. Please work out the details involved in managing your medication with your home prescriber before arriving on campus. We have the capacity to prescribe ADHD medications for only a very limited number of students who are not able to access their medication elsewhere during the academic year. For the limited student body for which we prescribe ADHD medication, we require monthly visits, a signed contract, and urine drug screening.

Can I change my name in the Saint Michael’s College system?

Saint Michael’s College recognizes that transgender, non-binary, and/or gender nonconforming students may not use the name that they were assigned at birth, as it does not reflect their identity, and use a Chosen Name.

Applicants are able to identify a chosen name during the Admission process, and the Registrar’s Office and Admissions Office work together to ensure all systems are updated. Once students matriculate at St. Michael’s College, they have access to the Chosen Name Request Form through the Registrar page on the mySMC portal.  They can fill out the form at any time. We send students an announcement about how to access this and all of our forms every semester.

For more information on using a Chosen Name, or changing your legal name you can visit the Registrar’s office page.

Is my medical information confidential?

Your medical information is confidential. If you are over 18 years of age then your medical information will not be shared with anyone, including your parents, professors, and other medical providers, unless you provide your consent. If you sign a consent to release medical information it will be specific to the person you wish for us to speak with and to that incident. For example, if you have strep and you wish for us to correspond with your parents about it, we will never share unrelated medical information during our correspondence.

There is no blanket consent form for parental correspondence. Each time you wish for us to correspond with your parents we will ask for your consent.

What vaccinations does Saint Michael’s College require?

Students must provide documentation of the following vaccinations:
1 dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine within the last 10 years
2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine
3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine
2 doses of chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. If the student has previously had chickenpox disease no vaccine or exemption is needed. You may submit documentation of disease or sign the Health Department form.
1 or 2 doses of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). This requirement is for first year students living in dormitories who are younger than age 22. Only those vaccinated before their 16th birthday need a second dose before college entry.

While not required, the following vaccines are strongly encouraged:
COVID vaccination, primary series and boosters’ doses, as recommended and eligible.
I cannot register for classes because of my immunization records. Can you lift my hold?

Bergeron Wellness Center places holds on student accounts when students have not provided the required immunization documentation. If there is a health services hold on your registration then you should contact the health center to find out which documentation we are missing.  Email healthservices@smcvt.edu.

In some cases, students are not up to date on their immunizations. If we receive your immunization record and find that you are not up to date, then you will need to make concrete plans to get those immunizations before we can lift your hold. All lifts on registration holds are temporary until a student brings us documentation to verify missing vaccinations. Once you have received immunizations and brought us the appropriate documentation we will permanently lift your health services hold.

I don’t have my physical exam appointment until after my forms are due for entry to school. Can I submit them late?

Yes.  We will accept your form late if you have an upcoming scheduled doctors’ appointment.  Please submit the form before coming to campus in August.  We will also accept a copy of your immunization record, that can be printed from your electronic health record, as documentation in place of the form completed by your doctor, or a record from a prior school.

Can I fill out exemption forms if I am against vaccinations?

As of July 1, 2016, changes of the law will go into effect and the philosophical exemption will no longer be available. For more information on the medical and religious exemptions, please visit the Vermont Public Health website.

Note that if you claim any exemption you may be kept out of classes during a disease outbreak if it is determined that you are at high risk for getting that disease and/or transmitting it to other students. The length of time that you are excluded from class will vary depending on the disease and the circumstances of that specific outbreak.

Can I get up to date on my vaccines at the health center?

Bergeron Wellness Center does not provide vaccinations. There are multiple local pharmacies that provide vaccinations on walk-in and appointment basis, depending on the vaccination needed. You can also set up an appointment with your home primary care provider to get up to date on your immunizations.  The practitioners at Bergeron are also happy to review your immunization records and provide prescriptions as needed for your missing immunizations.

I am almost out of my medications that are prescribed by student health services, now what?

Student health services has a 48 hours medication refill policy.  Please don’t wait until the last minute to call for a refill.  We can’t guarantee same-day refills.

Parent FAQS

Do you have an infirmary where my child can stay if they are sick?

We do not have an infirmary. Bergeron Wellness Center provides health services much like a primary care doctor’s office. We provide preventative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care to all current Saint Michael’s College students.

My child had an appointment with you that I would like to discuss. Can I talk to the clinician who saw them?

If your child is over the age of 18 then they must sign a consent form if they would like the clinician to discuss their medical visit with you.

Who can I call if I am worried that my child is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs additional mental health support?

If you are concerned that your child is experiencing a mental health crisis, call the switchboard at 802-654-2000 and ask to be connected AD on duty.

If you child needs additional non-emergent mental health support please call Bergeron Wellness Center at 802-654-2234 and inquire about our services and appointments.

Which vaccinations does my child need to attend Saint Michael’s College?

The Vermont Department of Health requires that all Saint Michael’s College students have the following vaccinations:

MMR series
Hepatitis B series
Varicella series (or verification of disease)
Tdap (within the last 10 years)
Meningococcal (given after age 16)
While not required, the following vaccines are strongly encouraged:

COVID vaccination, primary series and booster doses, as recommended and eligible.