The American Heart Association has announced a new Stroke Coordinator Certification, designed to recognize advanced expertise in managing stroke programs and ensuring adherence to clinical standards. Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, according to the 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report, highlighting the need for coordinated, evidence-based care. The certification aims to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, implement protocols, and leverage data for continuous quality improvement.
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. This certification 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.
“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 several benefits, including professional recognition, career development into leadership roles, and organizational impact through measurable improvements in patient care and system performance. Candidates must have at least two years of experience as a stroke coordinator, dedicating 50% or more of their time to stroke program responsibilities.
“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 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.”
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, and public education.
