The American Heart Association has introduced a Stroke Coordinator Certification to support healthcare professionals in managing stroke programs, addressing the critical need for coordinated care as stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. The certification recognizes advanced expertise in overseeing stroke programs, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and driving quality improvements for stroke patients.
According to the Association's Get With The Guidelines registry, certified stroke coordinators play a central role in reducing length of stay, lowering in-hospital mortality, and decreasing 30-day readmissions for stroke patients. The certification equips professionals with 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. “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.”
Benefits for stroke coordinators and managers include professional recognition verifying expertise in stroke program leadership and quality improvement, career development supporting advancement into leadership roles, and organizational impact contributing to measurable improvements in patient care and system performance. This certification is part of 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.
“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. “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.
