Health Resources
Prioritizing Your Well-being: Explore NAITSA’s Health Resources
At NAITSA, we highly value your well-being and understand the importance of your health. That’s why we have curated a comprehensive Health Resources page specifically for you. Here, you can access up-to-date information about the resources conveniently available on campus, in close proximity, or virtually.
Please be aware that to use most of these services, you must provide your Alberta Health Care number. If you are an Alberta resident and haven’t yet obtained your Alberta Health Care number, click here to check your eligibility and learn how to obtain it.
To better understand the coverage offered by Alberta Health Care, check this link.
DISCLAIMER: NAITSA emphasizes that the professionals and services listed on this website are not endorsed. The purpose of providing this information is solely for your reference.
In the case of an emergency, immediately call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.
Medical Services Around Campus
NAIT Health Services
In the event of injury, registered nurses are available for assessment and care. All on-campus injuries should be reported at health services.
Services are available at all 3 NAIT campuses and include the following:
- Injury, wound care and burn first aid treatment for occupational injuries (injuries on campus)
- Ice packs, headache medication are available if needed
- Workers’ Compensation Board reporting for school/WIL placement occupational injury/non occupational or illness. Students and apprentices are covered by WCB for work-related accidents.
- All first aid and injuries must be reported to Health Services through an incident report within 24 hours.
- Immunization record review for students in the School of Health and Life Sciences and Biological Sciences Programs.
- Mental health first aid: Initial assessment will be provided and referred to appropriate resources for further care.
- First-Aid is available at Patricia and Souch Campuses through First-Aid certified instructors.
Hospitals within walking distance from campus
* Walk time determined by walk from NAITSA
Royal Alexandra Hospital (20 minute walk)
10240 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
+17807354111
Open 24 hours
Medical clinics within walking distance from campus
* Walk time determined by walk from NAITSA.
** Most health places have covid-19 restrictions, so wearing a mask may be required.
*** Always call in advance to check walk-in availability.
Park Plaza Medical Clinic (8 minute walk)
11826 103 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 2J2
+17807589299
Open: Monday-Saturday, 10am – 5pm.
Closed: Sunday.
Walk-ins: Monday-Saturday, 10am – 3pm (do not prescribe narcotics to walk-ins)
MediCentres Family Care Clinic (17 minute walk)
10507 Kingsway NW #102, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1
+17807845078
Open: Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm. Sunday 12pm – 7pm.
Closed: Saturday
Walk-ins: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9am-3pm. Sunday 12pm – 7pm.
Medical Clinic (26 minute walk)
10904b 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 0X5
+17804291813
Open: Monday 10am – 4pm, Tuesday 10am – 2:30pm, Wednesday 9am – 4pm, Thursday 10am – 2:30pm, Friday 10am – 2:30pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm.
Closed: Sunday
Walk-ins: Monday – Friday, 10am – 1pm. Saturday 10am – 3pm
Eastwood Medical Clinic (35-40 minute walk)
7919 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0R5
780-756-3666
Open: Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm. Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Walk-in: Most days. Call to check walk-in availability.
Care Excellence Medical Center (41 minute walk)
12633 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0T3
+17804888004
Open: Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm. Saturday, 10am – 4pm.
Closed: Sunday
Walk-ins: Mornings. Walk-in list is cut off near 12:30pm. Call to check walk-in availability.
Pro Care Medical Clinic (45-50 minute walk)
11408 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0M1
+1-587-977-1508
Open: Monday – Thursday, 2pm – 7pm. Friday, 2pm – 6pm. Saturday, 10am – 2pm.
Closed: Sunday
Walk-ins: Daily, 1:30pm – 6:30pm.Call to check walk-in availability.
Services that can be provided by pharmacists
Pharmacists play a major role in your health. They can help you find the best medicine for your needs and, in some cases, even prescribe you medication. See below how pharmacists can help you.
Your local pharmacist can:
- Renew your prescription for current, ongoing therapy to ensure treatment is not interrupted.
- Assess symptoms of minor conditions, such as coughs and colds, and either offer treatment (some pharmacists can now prescribe and all pharmacists can advise you on non-prescription medications) or refer you to the most appropriate treatment location.
Pharmacists also offer a wide range of services that can help you and your family maintain good health and avoid emergency situations, including:
- help you with over-the-counter medications
- provide you with information on how to properly store and take your drugs
- review your medications to ensure all the medications you are taking are necessary and dosages are appropriate
- give you advice on non-prescription and natural health products (such as herbal remedies)
- monitor and help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure
- design weight loss and smoking cessation programs
This is only a partial list of what pharmacists can help you with. Get to know your pharmacist – the more they know you, the more they can help. Learn more about the range of services your local pharmacy can offer at the Alberta College of Pharmacists website.
1. Pharmacists can let you know how to take your medications safely. Please ask!
Every year thousands of people are admitted into hospitals because they did not take their medication properly. Please talk to your pharmacist. Do not leave the pharmacy or hospital until you fully understand how to use your medication properly.
What do you need to know to take your medication safely?
- Why am I taking this medication?
- How and when should I take this medication?
- Is there anything I should or should not eat or drink while I am taking this medication?
- What should I do if I miss my dose?
- How will I remember to take my medicine?
- I have allergies. Is it safe for me to take this medication?
- Are there any side effects I should watch for?
- What should I do if I don’t feel well after I take my medication?
- Will my medication interact with other drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol or drive while I am taking this medication?
- Can I take this medication if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
- How will I know if this medication is working?
- If I feel better can I stop taking it?
- Where should I keep my medication?
2. Pharmacists can prescribe some medications!
The prescriptions can include schedule 1 drug or a blood product, but not controlled drugs. There are no lists of drugs; instead, all pharmacists are expected to limit their prescribing to situations where they have an adequate understanding of the patient, the condition being treated, and the drug being prescribed. (Section 16, Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Profession Regulation; Standard 11, Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians). Pharmacists are authorized by a Health Canada s(56) exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to prescribe narcotics, controlled drugs, and targeted drugs.
3. Pharmacists can adapt an existing, initial prescription!
A pharmacist working as part of a care team and having an established relationship with the patient and the care team, is in an ideal environment to make needed assessments to adapt prescriptions as needed to optimize patient care. Examples include adapting the initial dose of a patient’s medication based on the patient’s admission history and Netcare records and adapting the initial frequency of a medication. Altering prescription requires the pharmacist to have knowledge of the medications or practices and adequate knowledge of the patient’s health records and needs.
Reference: AHS
"Alberta Find A Doctor" tool
Alberta Health Services has a very handy tool that allows you to search for doctor’s offices taking new patients. You can filter the results based on location, by gender, and even by language.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page13253.aspx
or
https://albertafindadoctor.ca/
Free contraceptive options and sexual health clinic
The Cape Clinic is a volunteer-run medical clinic that provides accessible IUD and Nexplanon insertions and removals for free or a significantly reduced price for anyone who does not have the funding or financial resources to afford one – including (but not limited to) newcomers to Canada, those who are experiencing unstable housing, those who use substances, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, students, and youth.
They have experienced doctors that can discuss all options with the patients.
For more information or to book your appointment, visit their website: https://www.cape-health.com/
811
What is 811?
811 is a telephone service that provides 24/7 nurse advice and general health information for Albertans.
- Some specific services they provide are:
- Symptom-based nurse triage and health information
- System navigation on AHS
- AlbertaQuits tobacco helpline
- Addictions information and referrals
- Central access to specialized services
- Information on HIV and STI’s
- Referrals to clinical services
When to call 811?
Whether you or someone else are experiencing symptoms, 811 can give advice, support and information about mental or physical health
How much is 811?
Calling 811 is free of cost and confidential.
Virtual Doctor Options
There are some platforms now that allow you to speak to a doctor through video for services that can be assessed based on symptoms that you can describe to them. Each platform has their benefits and limitations. We encourage you to read about them so you can choose the best one based on your needs. Please note that some services are covered by your Alberta Health care plan and others have fees that are disclosed in the apps. It is your responsibility to research and choose the service that best suits your needs.
PC Health App
PC Health app is a free app that gives you the option to book with a general practitioner and other health care professionals. Download the app for more information: https://www.pchealth.ca/
Please, check if the appointment you are requesting has fees associated with it.
To book an appointment with a general practitioner that is covered under your Alberta Health Care, make sure that “Alberta” is displayed as your location.
For a step by step on how to book with a general practitioner doctor through PC Health app, click here.
TELUS MyCare App
Telus MyCare app is another option to meet with a doctor virtually. If you are covered by Alberta Health Care, your appointment with a general practitioner will be covered by AHC.
To download the app and get full instructions on how to use it, visit: https://www.telus.com/en/health/my-care/doctors
If you are not covered by Alberta Health Care, the appointment costs $70.
Mapple app
Mapple app is another option to meet with a doctor. Doctors are available 24/7 to provide advice and prescriptions for common illnesses. After signing up for a profile, open the app and click “Get care”. After describing your symptoms a healthcare provider will review, respond within a few minutes and connect with you. The app is free but there is a cost for meeting with a practitioner; pay per visit starting at $69, or $30 per month.
Mental Health Resources
myWellness plan
We offer a program called myWellness for all students. This is an online mental health program that contains a variety of resources to support student wellbeing.
Peer Support
Peer Support is an anonymous and confidential supportive listening service for students, by students. Delivered on a walk-in basis located in J209B on NAIT Main Campus, as well as LiveChat. To start a chat, and check their operating hours, click here.
Free Counselling at NAIT
NAIT offers free professional counselling for students. Please visit their website to book a session or email counselling@nait.ca for assistance booking.
InkBlot therapy
Inkblot is a platform that connects professional counsellors and students. The sessions are held online, through video, and are confidential. To use Inkblot Therapy, you can fill out a short survey and be paired with a registered and licensed psychologist or social worker that meets your specific needs. The first session of 15 minutes is free, so if you do not happen to find a perfect match, you are able to try again. If you are active on the student benefits plan, it covers 80% of the cost of a half hour or longer session. In the last year, students have reported a 96% satisfaction rating with the quality of the service.
Other resources
The Family Center-Edmonton
The Family Center in Edmonton offers affordable counselling services for anyone over 18 years of age. Your first session is free of charge. They offer in-person, phone, or online sessions. Visit their website for more information.
Momentum Counselling
Momentum Counselling offers counselling through a sliding fee scale, so it can cost $40-$200 for a session, factoring in your finances and other eligibility criteria. They specialize in solution-based counselling for those who are in need of affordable and convenient support.
Kids Help
Phone- 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
International Students
Using AHC for the first time
Who is eligible for AHCIP
You are eligible for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage if you are:
- legally entitled to be in and remain in Canada and make your permanent home in Alberta
- committed to being physically present in Alberta for at least 183 days in any 12-month period
- not claiming residency or obtaining benefits under a claim of residency in another province, territory or country
- any other person deemed by the regulations to be a resident or temporary resident, not including a tourist, transient or visitor to Alberta
When you move to Alberta from another province or country, there may be a waiting period before you become eligible for coverage under the AHCIP.
If you move to Alberta from another country, and have an immigration document from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, you may be eligible for AHCIP coverage.
How to apply
For steps on how to apply, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-how-to-apply.aspx
What to know
How to choose a doctor
To find a doctor that best fits your needs, visit https://albertafindadoctor.ca/. This website will allow you to input your location, preferred gender of the doctor, as well as preferred language. This tool helps you find a doctor accepting new patients near you.
Keep Your AHC Card Handy at All Times
In emergency situations, your Alberta Health Care (AHC) coverage includes the cost of ambulance services. If you find yourself in an emergency, AHC ensures that you receive the necessary medical assistance without any additional charges for ambulance transportation.
Remember, in case of emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital for immediate assistance.