While Rensselaer helps nurture students’ minds, it’s equally important that we help to maintain their overall physical health and wellness.

The Student Health Center is a comprehensive, nationally-accredited, physician-directed program providing outpatient ambulatory health care with services that include:

• medical, gynecology, and allergy clinics
• a counseling center
• health education and wellness programs
• free flu shots
• specialty consultation referral

Located on the Troy campus, the Gallagher Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends during the academic semesters. Summer session and vacation hours are more limited. A 160-bed community hospital with a 24-hour emergency department is located two blocks from the campus.

The Student Health Center is fully certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The AAAHC is an independent national organization that evaluates the quality of care at ambulatory centers such as outpatient surgery centers, clinics, and college health centers. Rensselaer’s commitment to seek and maintain AAAHC certification provides assurance of the quality of patient care and the appropriate organizational framework for providing care.

The Counseling Center offers individual counseling sessions and group workshops for personal and academic adjustment problems. Confidentiality is strictly maintained except when a student’s behavior presents a clear and present danger to the student or to others.

All matriculated students pay a Health Center Fee that provides access to the Student Health Center during each regular semester. This is a mandatory fee that is not waivable. Coverage for summer sessions is included in the spring semester fee.

Rensselaer students are required to have adequate health insurance. The Rensselaer Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan uses a low-cost Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) that provides nationwide year-round coverage at a very reasonable cost.

This insurance plan, together with the services of the Student Health Center, provides seamless coverage for students while at school. The plan also meets J-1 visa requirements. Dependent coverage is available at reasonable cost. Students who have equivalent health insurance that provides non-urgent coverage in Troy, may request waiver of the PPO plan.

All students, including part-time students, must submit a medical history and record of physical examination on a form provided by Rensselaer. No other form can be accepted. Students must show adequate evidence of meeting Rensselaer and New York pre-matriculation immunization and tuberculosis screening requirements.