Sick Notes in Lethbridge: Guide for University Students & Workers
Whether you're a University of Lethbridge student needing a deferred exam note or a worker at one of Lethbridge's major employers, here's how to get a sick note fast.
## Sick Notes in Lethbridge: Students & Workers Guide
Lethbridge is southern Alberta's largest city, home to the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, and major employers in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Whether you need a sick note for work or a medical certificate for a deferred exam, here's your complete guide.
### Lethbridge Healthcare Access
Lethbridge faces significant healthcare challenges:
- **Chinook Regional Hospital** emergency wait times average 4-6 hours
- Walk-in clinics are limited and often at capacity by mid-morning
- The physician shortage in southern Alberta means many residents lack a family doctor
- University students (especially those from out of town) often have no local doctor
### For University of Lethbridge Students
The University of Lethbridge requires medical documentation for:
- **Deferred exams:** A medical certificate confirming you were unable to write the exam
- **Assignment extensions:** Documentation of illness affecting your ability to complete work
- **Withdrawal after deadline:** Medical grounds require physician documentation
**Important:** The U of L Student Health Centre has limited capacity and long waits during exam periods. MedLetter provides the same official documentation accepted by the university.
### For Lethbridge College Students
Lethbridge College has similar requirements:
- Medical documentation for missed practical labs or clinical placements
- Sick notes for apprenticeship program absences
- Deferred assessment requests require physician confirmation
### Major Lethbridge Employers & Their Policies
**Cavendish Farms / Lamb Weston:**
- Sick note required after 2+ days absence
- Shift workers must provide documentation for any missed shift affecting production scheduling
**Alberta Health Services (Chinook Regional):**
- Documentation required after 3+ days
- Healthcare workers may need clearance for communicable illness
**City of Lethbridge:**
- Follows municipal collective agreement — typically 3+ days requires documentation
- Some departments require documentation for any absence
**University of Lethbridge (as employer):**
- Academic staff follow ULFA collective agreement
- Support staff follow AUPE agreement — typically 5+ days
**Agriculture / JBS Foods:**
- Processing plant workers typically need documentation after 2 days
- Safety-sensitive positions may require return-to-work clearance
### Getting a Sick Note in Lethbridge
| Option | Cost | Wait Time | Hours |
|--------|------|-----------|-------|
| MedLetter | $49 | 0 min (1-4 hr delivery) | 24/7 |
| Chinook Regional Hospital | Free | 4-6 hours | 24/7 |
| Lethbridge Walk-In Clinics | Free | 2-4 hours | Limited |
| U of L Student Health | Free | 1-3 hours | Weekdays only |
### Why Lethbridge Residents Choose MedLetter
- **No clinic wait** — Lethbridge clinics are overwhelmed, especially during cold/flu season
- **Available 24/7** — perfect for shift workers and students during exam periods
- **Same-day delivery** — official sick note in your inbox within hours
- **Accepted everywhere** — University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College, all employers
[Get Your Sick Note Now — $49, Same Day Delivery](/get-started/sick_note)