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

The American Heart Association has launched a new Stroke Coordinator Certification, designed to recognize advanced expertise in managing stroke programs and coordinating care for patients who have experienced a stroke. This certification addresses the critical need for effective, evidence-based stroke care across hospitals and health systems, given that stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.

Certified stroke coordinators play a central role in reducing length of stay, lowering in-hospital mortality, and decreasing 30-day readmissions for stroke patients, according to 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. “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.”

The certification offers benefits such as professional recognition, career development into program leadership and quality roles, and organizational impact through measurable improvements in patient care and system performance. It 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 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.”

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.