Accessing Health Resources

Managing work, family life and school can be a real balancing act. Taking care of yourself is important. ECU has resources available to ensure you stay physically healthy to meet the challenges of your busy lifestyle.

Online Only Students

Immunizations: Students taking four or less credit hours on campus and/or students enrolled in online programs only do not have to meet the immunization requirements for university enrollments. Exemption is automatically given at time of course registration.

Insurance: Only students enrolled in six or more on-campus credit hours are required to show evidence of creditable coverage health insurance or enroll in the UNC system-wide Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Please note that the same policy applies for graduate students who are enrolled in three or more on-campus credit hours.

Student Health Services on Main Campus: Students who take primarily online classes and do not pay a Health Service Fee may utilize SHS by paying a per-visit fee* in addition to other applicable charges. Student Health Services is located between the Flanagan building and Joyner East on main campus. The Health Sciences SHS is located on the 2nd floor of the Health Sciences Student Center.  Spouses and dependents of students are not eligible for services at SHS.

*Optional Fees:  Online Students may elect to pay the the student health services fee which allows access to campus health services without an office visit charge. The health service fee also allows access to on-campus counseling services.

For more information about Student Health Services visit their website.

On Campus Students

Immunizations: Students must provide a valid record of immunizations, complete a TB Screening questionnaire, and submit a Report of Medical History Health Form. Students taking five or more credit hours on campus must meet the North Carolina State Law Immunization requirements. If students do not meet these requirements, dismissal from school is mandatory per North Carolina law. Information about these requirements along with access to the necessary forms can be found on the Student Health Services Enrollment Requirements website.

Insurance: Students enrolled in six or more on-campus credit hours are required to show evidence of creditable coverage health insurance or enroll in the UNC system-wide Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Please note that the same policy applies for graduate students who are enrolled in three or more on-campus credit hours.  Students who already have their own coverage or who are covered as a dependent/spouse under another individual’s plan may waive out of the requirement for SHIP by providing documentation of that coverage. Students must enroll in or waive out of SHIP each semester. More information regarding health insurance on the Student Health Insurance website.

Student Health Services: Currently enrolled students are eligible to receive health care service at Student Health Services (SHS) if they have paid the Health Service Fee as part of their general university tuition and fees. SHS is located between the Flanagan building and Joyner East on main campus. The Health Sciences SHS is located on the 2nd floor of the Health Sciences Student Center.  Spouses and dependents of students are not eligible for services at SHS.  For more information about Student Health Services, visit their website.

More resources

  • Campus Recreation and Wellness
  • Counseling Resources
  • Well-Being at ECU
  • Self Care Resources: Many illnesses and injuries can be safely and effectively managed at home.  Our self care guide below is not meant to replace a diagnosis from a health care provider; however, it may help you identify possible causes of your symptoms and how to best treat them at home.
  • After Hours Care
  • 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line: There are 2 easy ways to access the free, 24 hour nurse advice line when SHS is closed:
    • Call (252) 328-6841 and if SHS is not open you can remain on the line to be connected to the nurse call service. You can use this service from any phone, any time, as long as you are an enrolled ECU student.
    • Prefer an online method to reach out? Fill out this simple online request form. Once submitted, a nurse will reach out by phone to follow up. (Please note: this form should ONLY be used when SHS is closed)
  • If you or a family member are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.