American Stroke Association Certification

Designed in its early stages as a research tool, the National Institute of Health's Stroke Scale is used by medical professionals to consistently assess stroke patients for neurological changes. After initial training, refresher courses are recommended every six months to a year.

Types

• The National Stroke Association offers two ways to complete certification. Training online allows certification and includes instant results after course testing. Online training is free and self-paced. A training video that includes worksheets and testing materials are available for groups such as health care organizations. One study packet including the test costs $25 (as of 2010). The DVD set costs $50. The DVD and paper course is self-paced. Employers use this method to keep training materials on hand and to provide hard copies for personnel files.

Features

• The National Stroke Association certification program includes four objectives of knowledge: Students should be able to identify neurological deficits, apply quantification of neurological measurement, have the ability to apply scores to neurological deficits and note changes in neurological deficits.

Benefits

• Neurologists, nurses, emergency physicians and medical students all benefit from the understanding of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Agencies or individuals utilizing this training are able to show competency in stroke assessment.