UTA Health Services

Keeping Mavericks Healthy Since 1965

Health Services originally opened on campus in its present building in 1965. Nine registered nurses and five physicians initially staffed Health Services. The facility housed a medical laboratory, a diagnostic radiology department and a pharmacy that was directed by a nurse until 1982 when a pharmacist was hired. In the 1960s and 1970s, Health Services was an inpatient and outpatient facility open 24/7 throughout the year. A nurse was always on duty. In fact, after 5:00 p.m. the nurse on duty was responsible for urgent care, patient meals, laboratory tests, dispensing medications, performing x-rays, and so on. Most in-patients were student athletes.

In the early 1980s the UT Arlington football team was disbanded. This created a dramatic drop in the inpatient census and the resulting closure of the inpatient-nursing unit. Concentrating on outpatient or ambulatory care, Health Services adjusted its hours from 24/7 to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and then down to a closing time of 5:00 p.m.

Until 1992 the Student Service Fee Advisory Committee funded Health Services. Then in 1992 the Texas Legislature passed a bill creating a Medical Services Fee. Funds to operate Health Services now come from student tuition per student per term. The Texas Administrative Code requires these funds be used for healthcare to enrolled students only.

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