UT Arlington Student Health Services originally opened on campus in its present building in 1963. The Health Center was initially staffed by nine registered nurses and five physicians. 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 '60s and '70s, the Health Center 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, the Health Center adjusted its hours from 24/7 to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and then down to a closing time of 6:00 p.m. due to lack of demand for evening care.

Until 1992, the Health Center was funded by the Student Service Fee Advisory Committee. Then in 1992, the Texas Legislature passed a bill creating a Medical Services Fee. Funds to operate the Health Center now come from student tuition at the rate of $45.00 per enrolled student per term. The Texas Administrative Code requires these funds be used for healthcare to enrolled students only.

In 1998, a pilot program was initiated to evaluate faculty and staff members on an urgent basis. This program was formalized in 2000. Since the Health Center was no longer seeing students only, the university changed its name to UT Arlington Health Services.

In January 2007, the Health Center changed the Medical Clinic from all walk-ins to all appointments. Patients need to call for an appointment prior to arriving at the Health Center. As of August 2008, the Health Center offers the following services: general medical clinic, women's health, mental health (Psychiatry and psychology), immunization clinic, medical laboratory, diagnostic radiology, and pharmacy. In addition, we offer a health promotion and substance abuse service. We are currently staffed by 38 employees and a number of work-study students during the Fall and Spring terms.

Over the years, UT Arlington Health Services has continued to offer excellent health care services to the University community. We have always been here for you. So, come by and see us as your on-campus choice for health care.