To email a professor about a hospital stay, send a short message as soon as you are able (or ask a family member or the Dean of Students office to notify your professors for you). Say that you were admitted to the hospital, which classes and deadlines you have missed or will miss, and that you will follow up with a plan once you are discharged. You do not need to share your diagnosis; discharge paperwork showing the dates is usually enough documentation.
Below is a template you can send from the hospital, one for after discharge, sample wording for a parent or friend, and the next steps for a long stay.
Template: Sending from the Hospital
Subject: Hospitalized – Absence from [Course Name]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I was admitted to the hospital on [date] and will not be able to attend class or complete work for the next few days. I do not yet know my discharge date.
I will contact you again once I am discharged to make a plan for the work I miss, and I can provide documentation of the dates. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Course and Section]
Template: After Discharge
Subject: Back from Hospital – Catching Up in [Course Name]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I was in the hospital from [date] to [date] and missed [classes / the quiz / the assignment due on (date)]. I have discharge paperwork confirming the dates if you need it.
Could we agree on new deadlines for the missed work? I am available during your office hours on [day] or by email.
Thank you,
[Full Name]
If Someone Else Is Emailing for You
When you are too unwell to write, a parent, partner or friend can send a brief message, or your school’s Dean of Students office can notify your instructors. Keep it simple:
Subject: [Student Name] – Hospitalized, Absent from Class
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am writing on behalf of my son/daughter/friend, [Full Name], a student in your [course name] class. They were admitted to the hospital on [date] and are unable to attend class or check email right now. They will contact you when they are able. Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Because of student privacy rules, professors may not discuss the student’s grades or records with the person who writes. That is normal; the message is only to let them know.
Next Steps for a Longer Stay
- Contact the Dean of Students office. Many colleges have staff who notify all of your professors at once and explain your options.
- Talk to accessibility services. If recovery affects your attendance or ability to complete work, they can set up formal accommodations.
- Ask about an incomplete or medical withdrawal. If you miss a large part of the term, these options may protect your GPA. Rules and deadlines vary by school.
- Keep your paperwork. Save admission and discharge documents until final grades are posted.
Tips
- Short is fine. One or two sentences sent quickly is better than a perfect email sent late.
- Copy your academic advisor if several courses are affected.
- Do not return to heavy coursework before your doctor says you can; ask for realistic deadlines instead.
Writing to a professor for another reason? Use our templates for an absence email, a sick email, a death in the family, or emails about accommodation request, zoom link and withdrawing from class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documentation does a professor need after a hospital stay?
Usually a note or discharge paperwork showing the dates you were admitted and released. Your diagnosis does not need to be included.
Can a parent email my professor if I am in the hospital?
Yes. A parent or friend can send a brief notice. The professor may not share your academic information with them, but they will know why you are absent.
Will I fail if I miss weeks of class?
Not necessarily. Professors, the Dean of Students office and accessibility services can often arrange extensions, an incomplete or a medical withdrawal. Reach out as early as you can.