MC students seek health care off campus grounds
At one time, an on-campus nurse in Fayerweather Hall offered students immediate medical care without leaving campus. Now, students must seek care off campus, often traveling to nearby clinics or across the street to Blount Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The shift has left some students questioning accessibility and whether the college is meeting the full scope of student health needs.
According to the Vice President and Dean of Students Dr. Ben Stubbs, the on-campus nurse program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the college has relied on a partnership with River Valley Health to provide medical care for students.
“River Valley Health provides a level of flexibility related to insurance coverage, payment options, virtual and on-site care and other features,” Stubbs said. “We felt that these were important when exploring potential partners.”
Through this partnership, students can schedule appointments for both in-person and virtual care, depending on their needs. The clinic also offers resources such as prescription services, giving students access to treatment options beyond what the college could provide on campus.
Still, the convenience of off-campus care does not fully replace the reassurance of having a medical professional on site.
Caroline Kirkland (‘28) said the absence of immediate care can feel unsettling, especially in urgent situations.
“Accidents and sudden medical emergencies happen, and having a nurse on campus could provide relief to students needing immediate medical care,” Kirkland said.
Even with the hospital located just across the street, Kirkland said proximity alone does not eliminate concerns.
“Not having an on-campus nurse can increase anxiety, especially among students and staff with chronic health conditions,” Kirkland said. “Although MC is right next to the hospital, it would be comforting to know a trained medical professional is on campus at all times.”
For some students, the issue is not just about emergencies but also about everyday accessibility. Without a campus provider, even minor illnesses can require transportation, scheduling and additional costs, which can feel overwhelming, especially for first-year or out-of-state students unfamiliar with the area.
Stubbs acknowledged these concerns, particularly for students who may not have easy access to transportation.
“We understand that off-campus services, even student-friendly partners like River Valley Health, may not be convenient for all students. That is why we are exploring options to offer health services on campus,” Stubbs said.
The College has not ruled out bringing back on-campus health services and is currently considering different funding models. Stubbs said there are multiple ways to structure such a program, though no final decisions have been made.
The question of cost remains part of the conversation. While some students support the idea of reinstating a campus nurse, others are cautious about how it could affect tuition costs.
Kirkland said that although on-campus care would be beneficial, requiring all students to pay for it may not be practical.
“Many students likely would not frequently need health care services at college, so including it in tuition might make college costs more burdensome,” she said.
The college’s size may also play a role in its approach. Smaller institutions often face different financial and logistical challenges than larger universities when it comes to maintaining on-campus medical staff.
Even so, the conversation around student health services continues to evolve. The combination of convenience, cost and student well-being make the issue an important one.
River Valley Health building in Alcoa. (Photo courtesy of River Valley Health.)