The American Heart Association has introduced a new Stroke Coordinator Certification to address the critical need for effective, coordinated care for stroke patients, who represent a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. This latest professional certification recognizes advanced expertise in managing stroke programs, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and driving quality improvements, according to a press release from the Association.
Certified stroke coordinators play a central role in ensuring healthcare systems reduce length of stay, lower in-hospital mortality and decrease 30-day readmissions for individuals who have experienced a stroke, based on data from the Association’s Get With The Guidelines® registry. The certification equips professionals with knowledge and skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, implement evidence-based protocols and leverage data for continuous improvement.
“Caring for patients who have experienced a stroke is a responsibility that impacts lives every day and requires strong clinical knowledge and leadership,” said Dena Brown, MBA, MSN, RN, SCRN, CMSRN, American Heart Association volunteer and Enterprise Stroke System Director at Cleveland Clinic, in the release. “Stroke coordinators ensure not only timely treatment, but also the highest quality of care across the continuum. This certification gives coordinators the tools and confidence to lead programs that improve outcomes, strengthen systems and expand awareness. It’s a game changer for professionals who want to make a real difference.”
The certification offers several benefits, including professional recognition verifying expertise in stroke program leadership and quality improvement, career development support for advancement into leadership roles within hospitals and stroke networks, and organizational impact contributing to measurable improvements in patient care and system performance.
This certification is the latest addition to the Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA) portfolio, which includes certifications in telehealth, telehealth stroke, tobacco treatment, and digital health in cardiac care. The Association aims to set a gold standard for individual professional credentials in healthcare.
“This certification is about more than professional recognition, it’s about empowering leaders in stroke care to make measurable improvements in patient outcomes,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., FAHA, volunteer member of the American Heart Association Center for Telehealth Expert Panel and senior vice president and chief digital health officer of Yale New Haven Health, in the release. “By validating expertise in program development, clinical knowledge and quality improvement, we’re helping healthcare professionals elevate the standard of care for stroke patients everywhere.”
Candidates must have at least two years of experience as a stroke coordinator, dedicating 50% or more of their time to stroke program responsibilities. Enrollment is open through the Association’s Professional Education Hub. The certification process includes evidence-based online education, a live remote-proctored assessment, and credentialing valid for three years.
The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is dedicated to reducing death and disability from stroke through research, systems of care, public education and support for survivors and caregivers.
