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Industry Articles

As an industry leader for over 30 years, Medicat has provided software solutions to 500+ college and universities across the country.

Below you will find educational articles, Q&As with student wellness experts, and suggestions for ways you can optimize your clinic’s operations and outcomes.

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Health & Wellness Education on Campus

A Smarter Way to Promote Health on Campus

Having a structured, easy-to-access health education “menu” can streamline your wellness programming and ensure consistent, high-quality outreach across campus.

Social Connectedness

Building Social Connectedness Amongst College Students

Webinar recap with mental health experts Casey Merrill, Executive Clinical Director at HopeNation Campus, and Dr. Linh Luu, Executive Director of Student Health and Counseling Services at The University of Memphis.

Medication Management for Boarding Schools With an eMAR Tool

Streamlining Medication Management for Boarding Schools With an eMAR Tool

Webinar Q&A recap with key experts Ruth Patten (Director of Client Development at Medicat), Ryan Seaberg (Founder and CEO of EiRSystems), and Danielle Shippey (Director of Health Services at The Hotchkiss School).

Boarding School EHR

How Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Improve Student Care in Boarding Schools

Boarding schools create a unique environment where education, wellness, and residential life intersect. With students living on campus, school health professionals play a vital role—not just in treating illness or injury, but in promoting ongoing wellness, managing chronic conditions, and supporting student mental health. In this setting, having timely, coordinated access to health information isn’t […]

LGBTQIA+ Student Mental Health

The Complete Guide to LGBTQIA+ Student Mental Health

Those who identify as LGBTQIA+ often have unique mental health struggles that can significantly impact both well-being and academic success. As a result, colleges and universities are implementing innovative approaches to support LGBTQIA+ students’ mental health needs.

College Wellness Spaces

Innovative Ideas for College Wellness Spaces

Today’s colleges and universities are pioneering spaces that go beyond traditional counseling services. In this article, we’ll highlight four campus wellness spaces that are transforming student self-care to inspire new ideas for your campus.

Post-Pandemic College Health

Post-Pandemic College Health

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed college health services, forcing institutions to rapidly adapt to new challenges. Let’s explore the lasting impact of the pandemic on campus health services and how colleges can stay ahead by embracing new processes and tools.

Immunization Compliance Simpler

8 Expert Tips For Making Immunization Compliance Simpler

February 26, 2025

For colleges and universities, staying on top of student immunization records can be a real headache. But with the right strategies and technology, it’s possible to create a smooth and efficient process. In our recent webinar, we spoke with two seasoned college health professionals, Theron Stancil, Assistant Director of Health Services at Georgia Tech, and […]

2024 CCMH report

Understanding the 2024 CCMH Report

February 19, 2025

The 2024 Annual Report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) provides an in-depth look at the mental health landscape of college students across the United States. The data highlights the essential role of college counseling centers in providing effective, yet often resource-limited, support for at-risk students.

Immunization Compliance

5 Common Immunization Compliance Management Mistakes

February 5, 2025

Between managing large volumes of student records, and navigating ever-changing vaccine requirements, here are five common mistakes we see when managing immunization compliance and practical tips to avoid them.

Healthcare Analytics

3 Ways Smart Data Management Can Support Your Clinic

December 18, 2024

Across the healthcare spectrum, clinics are having to adapt their traditional IT processes to handle increasing volumes of patient data, and with more challenging demands for breadth and depth. That’s why advanced approaches and tools are necessary for streamlined data collection, storage, sharing, and analysis.

EHR Success at Emory & Henry University

The Role of Onboarding in EHR Success

December 18, 2024

Transitioning to an electronic health records (EHR) system can be daunting for any college health center, especially when faced with challenges like staffing changes or time constraints. Medicat’s onboarding support empowered Emory & Henry University to overcome challenges and achieve a seamless EHR transition.

Customized EHR Solutions

The Importance of Customizing Your EHR Solutions

December 11, 2024

Jessica Fain, Director of Health Services at Emory & Henry University, shared how Medicat’s customized EHR solutions became a game-changer for their clinic. The flexibility and personalization of the system have significantly improved efficiency and empowered their team to deliver higher-quality care.

Peer Support on Campus

How to Bring Peer Support to Your Campus

November 21, 2024

Peer support programs have become a vital part of supporting student mental health, empowering students to connect and support one another. The structuring of these programs are student-led initiatives that create a safe space for mental health conversations. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of peer support programs and how to incorporate a peer support program on your campus.

Understanding the Okanagan Charter

Understanding the Okanagan Charter: A Framework for Prioritizing Campus Well-Being

November 20, 2024

Colleges and universities worldwide have prioritized student well-being as an integral part of their mission. However, establishing meaningful well-being initiatives that align with academic goals and institutional values can be a complex challenge. Enter the Okanagan Charter.

Student Well-being Programs

The ROI of Investing in Student Well-being Programs

November 7, 2024

By prioritizing wellness programs, institutions improve students’ well-being and positively impact retention, satisfaction, and graduation rates. How these types of programs enhance campus value goes beyond just student success—it strengthens the institution’s overall appeal and value to students and their families.

Wellness on Campus

Rethinking “Wellness”

November 6, 2024

How to Drive Collective Impact, Collaborate Better, and Leverage Data to Transform Your Campus Webinar Q&A recap with college well-being experts, Dr. Oliver Tacto, Emily Pagano, and Kelly Gorman.

Campus Mental Health Support

Meeting the Growing Demand for Campus Mental Health Support

October 30, 2024

College counseling centers struggle to keep pace with the demand for mental health services. Clearly, this is not just a mental health issue—it’s an academic and institutional challenge.

Leadership in College Health

Leadership in College Health

October 24, 2024

In today’s ever-evolving campus environment, college health professionals are in a unique position to drive meaningful change and advocate for innovations that enhance student health services.

EHR Solutions for Athletic Departments

Bridging the Gap Between Athletic and Wellness Departments on College Campuses

October 9, 2024

EHR solutions offer a seamless, efficient way to coordinate care between departments and ensure that student-athletes receive comprehensive support both on and off the field.

RFP Questions for EHR Vendor

Crafting an Effective RFP

September 26, 2024

When creating a Request for Proposal (RFP) for software that supports Student Health Services (SHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) on campus, it’s crucial to detail your school’s specific needs and expectations.

College Health Center Operations

How to Improve Your College Health Center Operations

August 14, 2024

Navigating the complexities of modern college health centers requires innovative solutions and a deep understanding of student needs. Medicat’s Customer Success Manager, CJ Pellegrino, to uncover strategies to optimize your College Health Center operations.

Optimize Your Campus Counseling Centers

Optimize Your Campus Counseling Center

Navigating the complexities of modern counseling clinics on college campuses requires innovative solutions and a deep understanding of student needs. Customer Implementation Specialist, Joelle Koka, uncovers strategies for optimizing counseling clinic operations and enhancing student support.

Modern Accessibility Services

Modern Accessibility Services in Higher Education

The evolution of disability services in higher education reflects a growing commitment to inclusion and equity. From its pioneering beginnings at UC Berkeley, to the complex landscape of today, the journey has been marked by significant progress.

College Health Services

The Role of College Health Services in Managing Complex Health Conditions

College health centers play a critical role in managing complex health conditions among students, such as diabetes and epilepsy. College health centers need to adopt multifaceted strategies to effectively support students’ health and well-being.

Improving Health Communication

Improving Health Communication in Higher Education

Let’s dive into the essential elements of effective health communication in higher education, the application of health literacy models and plain language guidelines and identify common errors and opportunities for improvement.

gen z & Social Media

Health Promotion Through Social Media

Social media has become an indispensable tool for promoting health initiatives, especially among Gen Z students. Here are some tips, trends, and best practices to effectively leverage social media to connect with Gen Z can significantly enhance your health promotion efforts on campus.

Non-Traditional College Students

8 Tips to Empower Non-Traditional College Students

When people think of college, they often picture students in the traditional 18-22 age range. However, a significant and growing portion of the student population is comprised of non-traditional students. Let’s explore eight tips designed to enhance the experience of non-traditional students on your campus and ultimately, improve retention.

Inclusive Health and Counseling Centers

Creating Inclusive Health and Counseling Centers

There has been a growing recognition of the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming health and counseling centers for LGBTQ+ students. Ensuring that all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe and supported is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success.

Healthy Sleep

The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance

Sleep is often the first thing students sacrifice when faced with the demands of college life. According to the University of Georgia, college students are only getting an average of 6-6.9 hours of sleep per night. However, the CDC recommends getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

Leveraging Technology for Wellness

Leveraging Technology for Wellness

Technology is revolutionizing the way we approach health and wellness. For college health and counseling professionals, wellness apps & telehealth platforms offer innovative ways to connect with students, provide continuous support, and enhance the overall efficacy of health and counseling services.

Medicat's Core Values

Embracing Excellence: Medicat’s New Company Values

With 30 years of history behind us, we’ve seen our company evolve, thanks to the dedication of our employees and the trust of our customers. Now we have embarked on a companywide effort to define our core values.

Medicat One Counseling Reports

New Reports in Medicat One Counseling

Leveraging reports to better understand student mental health is vital for college campuses striving to provide comprehensive support services. Some of the newest counseling-specific reports can have a major impact on the way your clinic reports on key outcomes.

VeriVax

Unlocking the Power of VeriVax

With VeriVax, immunization compliance is simplified for colleges and universities! Join us as we sit down with Beth Nettleton, Medicat’s Director of Customer Success, to explore the implementation process & benefits of VeriVax for your institution.

Community Referrals

Optimizing Community Referrals for Mental Health

Mental Health Referral Webinar Q&A recap with Michael Baker, CEO of Thriving Campus and Courtney Nugent, Care Manager at Tufts University.

Campus Resources

5 Strategies to Promote Resources on Your Campus

Research suggests that neglecting student resources can negatively impact performance, enrollment, and graduation rates. In this article, we’ll explore creative ways to promote campus resources and ensure that every student knows where to turn for help.

Key Resources for students

Connecting Students with Key Resources

This blog summarizes the highlights from our most recent webinar featuring Erin Halligan-Avery, CEO of ConcernCenter, and Darlene Schmitt, Associate Director of Counseling at SUNY Brockport on how schools can leverage a centralized resource directory to seamlessly connect students, faculty, and administrators with vetted resources to support student well-being.

EHR Software for Counseling Centers

5 Must-Have EHR Software Features for College Health Centers

Electronic Health Record (EHR) software is essential for streamlining operations and enhancing services. In this blog, we’ll delve into five must-have features that every college health center should prioritize when selecting their EHR software.

students with eating disorders

Developing a Multifaceted Approach to Supporting Students with Eating Disorders

Let’s explore strategies and initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive assistance to students with eating disorders, recognizing the importance of early identification and establishing clear referral pathways for effective intervention and support.

Counseling Electronic Health Record Software

5 Must-Have Features in EHR Software for Counseling Centers

Counseling centers reap significant benefits when utilizing Electronic Health Record software to streamline their operations & provide more efficient care to students.

Mental Health & Exercise

The Connection Between Movement and Mental Health

Engaging in regular exercise can serve as a potent tool for bolstering mental health, thus contribute to a happier, healthier campus community.

Inclusive & Accessible Wellness Activities

Building an Accessible Wellness Culture in Higher Education

The importance of fostering a culture of inclusive & accessible wellness on campus cannot be overstated. Let’s explore how you can create engaging and accessible wellness programs for your students.

boost immunization rates

Strategies to Boost Immunization Rates

Immunization compliance is a critical issue that institutions must navigate effectively to ensure the health and safety of their student populations. With the complexities of managing and enforcing vaccine policies, schools are seeking strategies to maximize compliance and streamline processes.

Taming Immunization Compliance Chaos

Taming Immunization Compliance Chaos

February 26, 2024

During our recent webinar, Taming Immunization Compliance Chaos, we gained valuable insights from our guest speaker, Emily Lenz, Director of Health Services at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accommodation Requests

Six Ways Software Can Help Your School Manage Accommodation Requests

February 14, 2024

With the increasing number of students requesting accommodations, it’s imperative for schools to implement effective systems to optimize this process. Here are 6 ways to manage this process.

Immunization Compliance Automation

Automating Immunization Compliance for In-State and Out-of-State Students

February 1, 2024

Embracing advanced technologies, such as integrating with state immunization registries and using tools like VeriVax, can help automate and streamline compliance processes.

healthy lifestyle

Gymtimidation No More

January 24, 2024

College health leaders across campus have the power to cultivate an environment that promotes fitness and encourages students to lead healthy lifestyles.

Medicat 30th Anniversary

Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation

December 27, 2023

Medicat has been on a remarkable journey. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary as a company, we’d like to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and anticipate what’s to come.

UTEP College Health Billing

Best Approaches to College Health Billing

December 20, 2023

In our exclusive interview with David Porras Jr., Assistant Director of Business and Clinical Operations at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), we delve into the transformation of their Student Health & Wellness Center.

Student mental health

Key Insights from ACE’s Six Considerations Report

December 13, 2023

The report sheds light on six critical areas related to student mental health that demand attention and offers valuable insights for higher education leaders on effectively navigating this complex landscape.

LGBTQ+ Mental Health

Focusing on LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Higher Education

December 6, 2023

This article explores LGBTQ+ mental health facts and the importance of creating a safe space for the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ students in higher education.

Seasonal Depression

Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Depression on College Students

November 15, 2023

It’s not uncommon for college students to experience this kind of depression, so it is important for universities to recognize the potential symptoms and have an action plan in place to help those affected.

Inclusivity and Support

Why First-Gen College Students Need Extra Support

November 8, 2023

Understanding the unique challenges first-gen college students face is crucial for higher education institutions and policymakers. These students often encounter obstacles that their non-first-gen peers may not face, such as financial pressures, navigating a complex higher education system, and dealing with imposter syndrome.

Counseling Outreach

Enhancing Counseling Outreach

November 1, 2023

Katherine Cornelius, the Director of Counseling at Belmont University, to discuss various aspects of campus counseling, including innovative programs like Walk and Talk, challenges with intern training, HIPAA compliance, and counselor caseloads.

Native American Student Organizations

Embracing Native American Student Organizations

October 25, 2023

Explore the importance of Native American student organizations and how they contribute to overall well-being of Native American students, foster a sense of belonging, and significantly impact their mental health.

Flu Shot on Campus

Helping Your Campus Thrive During Flu Season

October 18, 2023

Living in dorms and the high levels of social interaction on campuses make college students particularly susceptible to spreading the flu. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to encourage flu shot compliance and reduce the impact of seasonal outbreaks on college campuses.

SOC 2 Compliance

Protecting Student Health Data

October 11, 2023

Data privacy is a critical concern in today’s digital age, especially when it comes to sensitive information like electronic health records (EHR) in college settings. With the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare, it’s crucial for colleges to understand the basics of data privacy in college EHR systems, the benefits of SOC 2 compliance, and how to establish robust data privacy protocols.

Counseling International Students

Counseling Across Cultures

October 4, 2023

There are over 1 million international students studying in the U.S., and they face unique challenges when it comes to living and studying abroad. To overcome these challenges, it’s essential for international students to have access to counseling services specifically tailored to their needs.

Benefits of Patient Portals

Benefits of Patient Portals

September 27, 2023

Interview with Bethany Baughman, RN BSN CPN, & Customer Onboarding Specialist at Medicat where she discusses the benefits of patient portals. She has helped over 70 schools implement the Patient Portal.

ePrescribing Revolution

ePrescribing Revolution

September 20, 2023

ePrescribing serves as an essential tool to ensure medication safety for college students. By embracing this digital solution, colleges can empower their students to lead healthier lives and achieve academic success.

Student-Athlete Mental Health

College Athletics and Mental Health: Helping Student-Athletes Strike a Balance

September 13, 2023

College athletes face numerous challenges when it comes to balancing their athletic commitments and mental health. This article explores the importance of utilizing resources to help student-athletes maintain balance.

Student Immunization Compliance

6 Proven Strategies to Enhance Student Immunization Compliance

September 6, 2023

With all of the various requirements of the different programs, it can be challenging to efficiently collect and verify student immunization data at scale. Here are 6 proven strategies to help.

Wellness Reporting

From Data to Action: Improving Your Campus Through Reporting

August 23, 2023

In this article, we dive into reporting on wellness services utilization and its impact on student health clinics, counseling centers & immunization compliance.

First-year Student Wellness

Navigating New Beginnings: Fostering First-Year Success through Student Wellness

August 16, 2023

With new responsibilities, academic challenges, and social pressures, it’s crucial for colleges to provide support systems that help students navigate and succeed. Explore various strategies that college leaders can employ to support first-year students through a wellness lens.

Student Retention through mental health services

Mental Health Support Proven to Improve Student Retention

Mental health is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among college students. Let’s explore the importance of mental health services in supporting students throughout their educational journey.

Counseling EHR Frequently Asked Questions

Your Top Counseling EHR Questions Answered

We understand that switching to a new EHR is not easy, so we want to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed and confident decision. Continue reading to view answers to our most common questions regarding Medicat’s Counseling EHR Solution.

Safeguarding Student Privacy

Safeguarding Student Privacy: How Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Bolster Security

EHRs play a crucial role in ensuring student privacy amidst growing concerns about data breaches and cyber threats. This article will delve into the intricacies of EHR security and explore how colleges can establish a secure environment for student health data.

nurse ehr

The Inside Scoop on EHRs From a Former Nurse

Discover what features of an EHR are most helpful for nurses. Interview with CJ Pellegrino, Customer Success Manager at Medicat & former Nurse.

Power of EHR

Unlocking the Power of EHRs: Enhancing Student Education and Empowerment

Electronic health records (EHRs) are essential for keeping health & counseling clinics organized & efficient for healthcare providers & staff. Patient Portals in particular are a key tool to help enhance the student experience, but an exceptional EHR system can benefit both providers and their patients.

Healthcare Provider Burnout

Enhancing Provider Well-Being in College Health Centers: How to Prevent Burnout

Healthcare providers play a vital role in keeping the world running. There are several strategies that clinics can implement to prevent and combat provider and staff burnout.

EHR Implementation Q & A

EHR Implementation Q&A

Switching to a new EHR system may seem daunting, but the Medicat Implementation process aims to make this process as smooth as possible. This article will help give you better insight into our implementation process, and how you can prepare for a successful launch with Medicat.

Medicat's EHR System

Your EHR System: 10 Ways Tech Can Help Manage Compliance and Immunization Tracking

The electronic health records (EHR) system isn’t just for doctor’s offices and hospitals. An effective and well-designed EHR system can help you simplify communication and track student health records for greater compliance and efficiency.

Active Listening

The Connection Between Customer Effort and Active Listening

Customer experience, customer effort, and active listening are closely intertwined. Medicat’s Chief Customer Officer explains how.

Teletherapy on College Campuses

Making Teletherapy Sustainable for Your Campus

The rise of teletherapy has been extremely beneficial for many college students. Learn more about how to keep it sustainable on your campus.

College Campus Suicide Prevention

The Evolving Landscape of Suicide Prevention on College Campuses

Suicide is a significant public health issue on college campuses. Learn about trends in suicide prevention and intervention relevant to campus health leaders.

College Health Leadership

Top Qualities of College Health Leaders

Great leaders in college health clinics possess a range of characteristics that enable them to effectively support staff and create a positive environment for students.

Innovations in Mental Health Counseling

Trendwatch: Innovations in Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counseling programs on college campuses are evolving to better support student populations. Learn about these innovations.

wellness wheel

Bringing Holistic Wellness to College Health

Bringing a holistic and integrated approach to wellness to college campuses is not just beneficial for students, but also for the campus community.

shrinking student health budgets

Weathering the Storm: How to Manage Shrinking Student Health Budgets

With college student enrollment declining, many campus health clinics are facing tighter budgets. Here are some suggestions for keeping your clinic afloat.

new EHR implementation

Best Practices for Implementing a New EHR

Transitioning to a new EHR system is a huge undertaking. But it doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Here are some best practices to guide you and your team.

Challenges Mount in College Counseling

Challenges Mount in College Counseling

Mental health is a pressing issue among college students, with a significant proportion of students experiencing mental health problems. To address these issues, most colleges offer mental health services through campus clinics.

EHR Solutions

Five Challenges Solved by EHRs

College health providers face many challenges when it comes to providing high-quality care. EHR solutions can help alleviate this burden. Let’s explore the top five college health challenges that can be solved with an EHR.

Managing Shared Data

Managing Shared Data Between Health & Counseling Clinics

College health and counseling clinics are two important resources that play a significant role in the well-being of college students. However, there’s often a disconnect between these two entities. There are pros and cons of sharing data between health and counseling clinics on college campuses. We break it down for you.

EHR Vendor SOC2

Why should your EHR Vendor and their Hosting Facility have SOC 2?

February 12, 2023

This paper is provided to help explain why your EHR vendor should be examined by an independent third party, what SOC is, why Medicat chose the more rigorous Type 2 SOC 2 Examination on your behalf, and what that means to you.

Type 2 SOC 2

Why is SOC 2 Important to You?

The following information is provided to help explain why your EHR vendor should be examined by an independent third party, what SOC is, why Medicat chose the more rigorous Type 2 SOC 2 Examination on your behalf, and what that means to you.