The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced the launch of a Stroke Coordinator Certification, designed to recognize advanced expertise in managing stroke programs and driving quality improvements in stroke care. This new professional certification aims to support healthcare professionals in ensuring adherence to clinical standards and reducing length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day readmissions for stroke patients, according to the Association’s Get With The Guidelines® registry.
Certified stroke coordinators will be equipped 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, AHA volunteer and Enterprise Stroke System Director at Cleveland Clinic. “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 of expertise in stroke program leadership, career development opportunities, and organizational impact through measurable improvements in patient care. It is the latest addition to the Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA) portfolio, which already includes certifications in telehealth, telehealth stroke, tobacco treatment, and digital health in cardiac care.
“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 AHA Center for Telehealth Expert Panel and senior vice president at Yale New Haven Health. “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.”
To be eligible, 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 AHA, is dedicated to reducing death and disability from stroke through research, systems of care, public education, and support for survivors and caregivers. Additional resources and multimedia are available on the release link.
