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.

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 Certified 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.

Cardiac Certifications
Explore cardiac certifications to help you and your community achieve the goals of a STEMI system of cardiac care.