Frequently Asked Questions

1)   Where is Health Services at Bow Valley College?

Health Services is located in downtown Calgary in the North campus building, 332 - 6 Avenue SE, in Room N371.

2)   What kind of services does Health Services provide?

Bow Valley College Health Services provides on-site nursing services to learners enrolled in programs within the Calgary area, including:  

•  First aid

•  Assistance with finding a doctor in the community

•  Basic dressings and wound care; suture/staple removal

•  Blood pressure measurement

•  Immunizations for health care program learners

•  Check blood sugar

•  Health assessment

•  Health education

•  Health education resources

•  Ice and heat application

•  Crisis intervention and referral

•  Referral to community resources

•  Resource information for community agencies and services

•  Assistance with incident reporting

•  Assistance with Worker's Compensation (for students)

•  Smoking cessation resources

•  Check weight and height

3)   What time is Health Services open?

Health Services is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. We are closed for lunch every day from 12:30 to 1:30 pm and do not answer the door or the phone during that time.

4)   Do I need an appointment or can I just drop-in?

You should book an appointment if you need to see the nurse about immunizations for your health care program. Call us at 403-410-1675.

If you are feeling sick or are injured while at school, you can come to Health Services, 3^rd floor Room N371, North campus, and ask to see the nurse.

If you would like to talk about a health problem or have health questions, this may take a bit more time with the nurse and so an appointment would be preferred. Then, the nurse can spend the needed time with you and make sure you get the care you deserve!

5)   Are there doctors in Health Services?

No. We do not have a doctor in Health Services. We provide nursing services only (please see Question #2 for a list of services we provide).

6)   I don't have a doctor. Can Health Services help me find one?

If you do not already have a family doctor, we can help you to find a doctor. We have a doctor we can refer you to. That doctor can see you while you are a student at Bow Valley College. Please come to Health Services, 3^rd floor Room N371, North campus to see the nurse for help with this.

 7)   I am in a health care program and need to have an up-to-date immunization record.

 What do I do if I don't have any immunization records from the past?

If you have not been able to locate any past immunization records, that is okay. Please call Health Services (403-410-1675) to make an appointment with the nurse to review your immunization history and we will provide you with anything you need. If you are taking a program outside of Calgary, you should follow the instructions on the BVC Immunization Requirements information sheet.

8)   What immunizations do I need to get for my health care program?

                      Can Health Services give them to me?

When you receive acceptance into your program, you should also receive information about the immunization requirements. If you are taking your program within the Calgary area, Health Services will provide you with what you need and/or refer you elsewhere when appropriate. If you are taking a program outside of Calgary, you should follow the instructions on the BVC Immunization Requirements information sheet and attend to your immunizations in your community.

9)   Where can I go to see a dentist? What if I don't have much money to pay for the

 dentist?

The nurse at Health Services, Room N371, can help you with finding a dentist that will accept your type of health care insurance, including Alberta Works.

We can also help you if you have no insurance coverage for dental care.  

10)    Where can I go to get my eyes checked? How much will it cost?

An eye doctor is called an Optometrist. You can go to any Optometrist that you choose. If you have health insurance that covers eye exams, you will need to pay to get your eyes checked and send in the receipt to the insurance company. Then you will get money back. Check with your insurance company to find out how much money they will give you back and how to go about getting the refund.

Eye exams cost approximately $80.00 or more.

If you cannot afford to pay for an eye exam or glasses, please visit Health Services, Room N371 North campus, for assistance from the nurse.

11)    I don't know if I have Alberta Health Care or not. If I don't have this coverage, how

 do I get it? What does Alberta Health Care cover?

Some learners at Bow Valley College have Alberta health care coverage as part of their health benefits, but some may not. If you do not know if you have provincial health care coverage or not, please come to Health Services, Room N371, North campus and speak with a nurse. We also have application forms for Alberta health care coverage. There are no fees for Alberta health care coverage.

If you have out-of-province health care coverage, you may be covered for some health care costs for a limited amount of time. If you exceed that time and need treatment, you may be required to pay for services. Therefore, it is important to have up-to-date health care coverage for the province you live in.

Provincial health care covers costs for doctor visits, lab testing, specialist referrals and diagnostic tests like x-rays, ultrasounds and MRI scans. There are some services and supplies that are not covered by provincial health care and you will be required to pay for them. Ask your health care provider before receiving the service.