American Heart Association Launches Stroke Coordinator Certification to Elevate Stroke Care Quality

The American Heart Association has introduced a Stroke Coordinator Certification designed to recognize advanced expertise in managing stroke programs and driving quality improvements in stroke care. Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, according to the Association's 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, underscoring the need for coordinated, evidence-based care across hospitals and health systems.

The certification targets healthcare professionals who serve as stroke coordinators, a role central to reducing length of stay, lowering in-hospital mortality, and decreasing 30-day readmissions for stroke patients, based on data from the Association's Get With The Guidelines® registry. The program equips coordinators 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 and American Stroke 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. It’s a game changer for professionals who want to make a real difference.”

The certification offers benefits including professional recognition, career development into program leadership and quality roles, and organizational impact through measurable improvements in patient care and adherence to guidelines. It is part of the Certified Professional by the American Heart Association (CPAHA) portfolio, which also includes certifications in telehealth, telehealth stroke, tobacco treatment, and digital health in cardiac care. 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 at Yale New Haven Health, emphasized the broader impact: “This certification is about more than professional recognition, it’s about empowering leaders in stroke care to make measurable improvements in patient outcomes.”

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, focuses on reducing death and disability from stroke through research, systems of care, public education, and support for survivors and caregivers. This new certification aims to set a gold standard for individual professional credentials in stroke care, ultimately elevating the standard of care for stroke patients everywhere.