What is NIHSS certification?

The NIHSS certification is a medical certification that demonstrates an individual‘s proficiency in the NIH‘s Stroke Scale and is administered by the American Heart Association. Developed by the American Stroke Association, American Academy of Neurology, and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the online training class is designed for medical professionals such as nurses, emergency doctors, neurologists, clinical researchers, and medical students. The program consists of six groups, each with six patients, and typically takes six to 12 months to complete. The course includes instruction, demonstration, and certification, with the goal of teaching medical professionals to identify and assess neurological deficits in stroke patients. Candidates must rate a test group of six patients using the stroke scale and not incorrectly rate more than six items. The course costs $10 for non-AHA members and is free for AHA members.