Corie Beckermann is the director of Student Health Services at St. Cloud State University. Photo by Nick Lenz ’11
Q. What strides has the University taken in your time here to meet the health services needs of the modern student?
A. Through the years, St. Cloud State has done a great job of supporting our students as demographics have changed. In my time here, we have expanded support for non-traditional students, veterans, student parents and their families and LGBTQ students, to name a few.
Learning more about our students and their unique needs is important to help them remain healthy and able to be academically successful.
By the Numbers
12,000+ patient visits to Student Health Services medical clinic and pharmacy in FY17
94% of students are insured
93 years Student Health Services has been on campus, starting in 1925
24 years Student Health Services has been nationally accredited by the Accreditation
Association for Ambulatory Health Care
Q. How have students evolved through the years in how they use health services?
A. Technology has definitely played a big part in how students seek health information and medical care. With the age of electronic health records, students are able to web book appointments 24/7, receive test results and consult with their health care provider through secure messaging.
They complete forms online, receive text messages to remind them of their appointments, to let them know their prescription is ready, and that their bill is available to pay. We are currently exploring options to utilize telemedicine when appropriate and to better serve online and distance learners in the future.
Q. Is there a trend to more students asking for health services help when they need it?
A. We have seen an increase in the complexity of our student health care needs. Our students mirror national trends which continue to show an acute need for mental health services in the college student population. We are then able to help connect them with other resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Accessibility Services, etc. to help form a broader network of support.
Q: With the move from Hill Hall to Eastman Hall once renovations are complete, how will Health Services benefit from being housed with UCHOOSE, Counseling and Psychological Services, Recovery Community and Healthy Huskies, having all of those services housed in one central place for students needs?
A: The move to Eastman Hall will make it easier for students to access multiple health and well-being related services and programs in one location. The opportunity to design a space to meet the current health care needs of our students is exciting.
The new space will provide better accessibility, improved privacy and work flow in addition to being co-located with related services and programs. This new professional space will lend itself nicely to a more integrated model and will likely also increase utilization of all of our services as Eastman becomes a new campus destination.
More to know
Student Health Services is a nationally accredited provider of high quality, accessible, cost-effective health care for St. Cloud State students. The medical clinic is staffed by board certified family practice physicians, nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. Services include an on-site laboratory and pharmacy.
