Stroke Certifications
In collaboration with The Joint Commission, The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association provide a comprehensive portfolio of stroke-focused certifications, available to all hospitals nationwide.
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Why Certify?
Patients and hospitals alike benefit from these innovative certifications.
Patient Care
Certified hospitals can provide improved efficiencies, reduced morbidity/mortality rates, improved long-term outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction.
Financial Outcomes
The implementation of a stroke-center program has been associated with a decline in the average cost of treating stroke patients and a lower average length of stay.
Market Differentiation
Certified hospitals can stand out from competitors. With certification, hospitals have access to a comprehensive communications & marketing toolkit to celebrate and leverage the credential news.
Stroke Certifications
Select the program that fits your hospital’s unique needs and goals. Learn more on The Joint Commission’s website.
- Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification is the most demanding and is designed for those hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the complex stroke cases.
- Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) certification is designed for hospitals providing endovascular procedures and post-procedural care.
- Primary Stroke Center (PSC) certification is designed for hospitals providing the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes.
- Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) certification is for hospitals or emergency centers with a dedicated stroke-focused program.
Support & Resources for Certifying Hospitals
Once certified, hospitals have access to an online community, education, resources, quality improvement consultants, a marketing toolkit, and the opportunity to participate in an advisory group.
![Stethoscope seen in the hand of a hospital professional wearing scrubs. A doctor in a white coat can be seen in the background.](https://www.heart.org/-/media/Images/Professional/Quality-Improvement/Healthcare-Certification/Cardiac-Certifications/Stethoscope-in-hand.jpg?h=492&iar=0&mw=800&w=800&hash=A998F4CC4DF405AAFC653A6BA61C3EAE)
Cardiac Certifications
Explore cardiac certifications to help you and your community achieve the goals of a STEMI system of cardiac care.