Student Services
Financial Aid
Financial assistance is provided through various federal, state, and institutional loan, grant, scholarship, and work-study programs based upon a student's eligibility as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students who need financial assistance are advised to plan ahead and submit application materials at the earliest possible date. Many of the grant and low-interest loan programs have limited funds, and financial aid is typically awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Housing
- On-Campus
Baylor College of Medicine, as an institution, owns no dormitory facilities. Favrot Tower Apartments, a 2-3 minute walk from BCM, is operated under the administrative control of the TMC Housing Department, and operates as a service to all students and medical professionals associated with the TMC. - Off-Campus
Community-based housing, such as furnished and unfurnished apartments, condominiums, duplexes, and houses are available near the Texas Medical Center in a wide variety of styles and costs. View housing listings.
Parking and Transportation
View information on TMC parking and METRO transportation.
Health Insurance Requirements
Students are required to participate in the medical insurance plan offered by the school, unless they are covered by a comparable plan by their parent or spouse.
www.bcm.edu/osa/handbook/health_insurance.html
Malpractice Insurance
Medical, nurse anesthesia, and PA students are covered by malpractice insurance while enrolled as students performing duties on a core clerkship or approved elective, either at BCM or elsewhere. Activities aside from the above are not covered by BCM malpractice insurance.
www.bcm.edu/osa/handbook/malpractice_insurance.html
Immunization Requirements
Before registration, all new students must show proof of immunizations/serologic confirmation required by the Texas Education Code and BCM for tetanus/diphtheria, measles (rubeola), rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, polio, varicella (chickenpox), and a TB test (Mantoux or PPD). If the TB test is positive, a doctor's report must be provided.
www.bcm.edu/osa/handbook/immunizations.html
Occupational Health
The Occupational Health Program's office consults with students in regard to health-related issues and conducts TB testing annually. The Office of Environmental Safety requires that all students view the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training Film on an annual basis and be respirator-fit tested and trained to prevent transmission of tuberculosis.
Mental Health Services
The Psychiatric Counseling Service for Students, directed by Heather Goodman, M.D., Ph.D., of the Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, provides confidential, free counseling for students, spouses, significant others, or couples. Students and spouses interested in obtaining counseling may call Dr. Goodman's office at 713-798-4881.
www.bcm.edu/osa/handbook/psychiatric_counseling.html
Student Employment
Considering the intensity and time demands of the curriculum, students are advised to arrange their financial affairs such that employment during the academic year is not necessary.
Situations do, however, arise that require students to undertake some form of limited employment. Those students with technical skills in another health-related discipline are frequently offered limited employment in one of the many hospitals located in the medical center. Others have taken positions within the College's Education Resource Center where studying is allowed when demands for services by other students are minimal. Some PA students have found it possible to resolve unexpected financial problems.
An administrative leave-of-absence for up to one year can be granted to students faced by unusual financial circumstances.