The University Health Center (UHC) is opening a satellite COVID-19 testing center in the Ulmer Student Center’s E.O. Grundset Room on Monday, September 13. COVID-19 testing will be available free of charge to Southern students, employees and dependents, according to UHC nurse practitioner Michelle Mix in a statement to the Accent. Mix stated the testing center will remain active for the rest of the semester and could possibly continue next semester.
The E.O. Grundset testing center will not test individuals who are in quarantine or showing signs of illness, according to Mix
“This location is for non-symptomatic, non-quarantined individuals in need of testing – either because they are a vaccinated exposure, testing for travel or just want testing,” she wrote in the statement.
According to Southern’s Safety Information and Updates webpage, symptomatic or quarantined individuals must make an appointment with the UHC to be tested.
The webpage also states the testing center will be open during the following hours:
- Mondays from 12 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 12 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
No appointment is needed, according to the webpage.
The new testing location will provide the PathGroup PCR testing, which will be performed using a nasal swab, according to Mix. Results can be expected one to two days after testing.
Mix said individuals who want testing will be required to show an insurance card if available, but they will not be charged for the test.
According to Mix’s statement, the UHC hired BSN students to staff the testing center.
“The location [will be] staffed with licensed nurses who are also students in their BSN year – with oversight by the UHC staff,” Mix wrote.
Mix additionally stated that BSN students working at the testing center are paid employees and will not earn academic or clinical credit for the job.
To make an appointment with the UHC, call 423-236-2713. Visit Southern’s Safety Information and Updates webpage to follow the university’s current quarantine numbers.
