The University of Utah’s Student Health Center has once again achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), a nationally recognized organization that sets rigorous standards for outpatient health care facilities. Student Health has been continuously accredited since 2001, first by the Joint Commission and then by AAAHC since 2013.

This accreditation places the Student Health Center among a select group of more than 6,600 ambulatory health care organizations across the country that have met AAAHC’s high standards for quality and safety. It is also the only independently operated student health center in Utah to hold this accreditation.

Located in the Madsen Health Center, the Student Health Center provides comprehensive medical services to University of Utah students, as well as their spouses and dependents. The center also manages the university’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which provided coverage for more than 3,700 students last year.

Achieving accreditation is a multi-step process that includes a comprehensive self-assessment and an on-site survey conducted by AAAHC surveyors—health care professionals with direct experience in ambulatory care. The review evaluates a range of practices related to patient care, safety protocols, and clinic operations.

While the on-site survey is an important milestone, accreditation is intended to encourage a culture of continuous quality improvement. Accredited organizations are expected to regularly evaluate their procedures and policies to ensure they are consistently meeting established standards.

“This accreditation really reinforces the work our team does every day to make sure students are getting safe, high-quality care they can count on,” said Mark Pfitzer, director for the Student Health Center. “It’s not just about meeting a set of standards—it’s about showing our ongoing commitment to doing things the right way and always looking for ways to improve. We want students to feel confident that when they come to us, they’re in good hands.”

With this accreditation, the University of Utah’s Student Health Center affirms its role as a trusted health care resource on campus. Click here to learn more about the Student Health Center and services offered.