SHC has been awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC). The award means that SHC has met nationally recognized standards for quality health care set by the Chicago-based accrediting organization. SHC is the second college health service in Virginia to be accredited.

In order to achieve accreditation, SHC underwent an extensive on-site survey of its facilities and services. The survey team, composed of physicians and health care administrators, evaluated all aspects of patient care. The survey findings resulted in a favorable decision.

Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation and not all who undergo an on-site survey receive favorable decisions. In a letter to SHC, the AAAHC President said, "The dedication and effort necessary to achieve accreditation is substantial. SHC is to be commended for this accomplishment."

The AAAHC conducts its accreditation program on a national basis and has accredited more than 440 ambulatory health care organizations including single and multi-specialty group practices, ambulatory and office-based surgery centers, college and university health services, health maintenance organizations and other managed care systems, dental group practices, community health centers, and occupational health centers.

AAAHC is a private, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization. It receives professional guidance and financial support from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dental Group Practice, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College Health Association, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society of Outpatient Surgeons, Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology Centers, Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association, Medical Group Management Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, and the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society.