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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University's Student Health Services has earned accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

The association accredits fewer than 5 percent of university or college health services in the nation.

The honor recognizes Student Health Services as having passed a series of nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by the association. Student Health Services requested the extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services, said Dr. Lora Jasman, Student Health Services director.

During the accreditation site visit to OSU, Student Health Services was described by the association as "a Cadillac of college health services," Jasman said.

"The accreditation process is arduous; but always a learning experience for us. In SHS, we know of no better way to assure the OSU community that we meet national medical standards for our educational, clinical and administrative services," Jasman said.

"Accreditation underscores our long-standing commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the students and community we serve," said Susan Poole of health services, student affairs and community relations. "We are extremely proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation."

This is the third time Student Health Services has been accredited with a 3-year accreditation, the highest honor given by the association. Student Health has a long tradition on the Oregon State campus, having been established in 1916. A clinical staff of six physicians, six nurse practitioners, a physician's assistant, nurses, health educators and other health professionals serves students.

Services include a health promotion medical clinic, gynecology and sexual health, recreational sports medicine, nutrition, allergy, travel clinic, self-care, massage therapy and acupuncture. Laboratory, X-ray, physical therapy and pharmacy support these services. About 70 percent of OSU students use the services.