Testing, Isolation & Health Information

Testing, Isolation & Health Information

Updated  March 7, 2024

This page has content that may be inconsistent with new CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Pat Walker Health Center is here to support students, faculty and staff with COVID-19 testing consultation and follow-up care, as necessary. We continue to work in close alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), and local community medical providers to ensure we provide the campus community with the latest news, best practices and guidelines.

Testing is available in the area and by appointment on campus at Pat Walker Health Center for all university students and employees. To schedule COVID-19 testing, call 479-575-4451, option 1, or schedule an appointment online through the Patient Portal.

COVID-19 Testing

Note: A positive home COVID test is a positive test, no need to re-test! 

COVID-19 Testing is available on-campus for university students and employees five days a week at the Pat Walker Health Center (Appointment Only).

  • Call 479-575-4451, option 1 to speak with a scheduler or medical provider, OR

  • Schedule online at using the Patient Web Portal.

Rapid Symptomatic Testing: Individuals experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms can make an appointment to be seen by a medical provider at the Pat Walker Health Center. Once a rapid COVID-19 test is completed, you will receive results in as little as 15-20 minutes. 

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, PWHC medical staff will advise you of next steps.

PWHC can file with your health insurance provider, however out-of-pocket costs are determined by your individual plan. Discounts may apply to uninsured patients for their COVID-19 test; however, office visit and other ancillary charges may still apply.

If you do not have health insurance, a Student Health Insurance Policy  is offered by Academic Health Plans and is underwritten by United Healthcare Student Resources.

It is the responsibility of the patient to check with their insurance provider regarding benefits coverage.

When to Stay at Home and Isolate

Isolation: separates and restricts the movement of people who are sick with a contagious disease — like COVID-19 — from people who are not sick. This would be any individual who tests positive for COVID-19.

If you test positive for COVID-19 through a HOME-TEST or AT A CLINIC, you should stay at home until you are fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, and your symptoms are improving.

Students needing additional support can also contact U of A Cares or their RA if living in the residence halls. 

Those who receive a positive test result should follow isolation guidelines and notify supervisors, and/or instructors as they would for other illness related absences. The university also encourages the notification of others who may be considered close contacts (see below). 

If you have tested positive, we encourage you to reach out to those you have recently been in close contact with to inform them of your status.

Masks Available If Needed

Masks are available for free to everyone on campus. KN95, C195 and 3-ply disposable masks may be acquired by contacting the Facilities Management Central Supply (575-3840). 

Please note the following CDC guidance regarding masking:

  • Some masks and respirators offer higher levels of protection than others, and some may be harder to tolerate or wear consistently than others.
  • It is most important to wear a well-fitted mask or respirator correctly that is comfortable for you and that provides good protection. While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitted respirators provide the highest level of protection.

 CDC Masking Resources:

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water; avoid cross contamination – hand sanitizing stations are available in all campus buildings.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and dispose of the tissue properly.
  • Avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces.
  • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Avoid close contact with others if they are ill or you are ill.