National Institute of Health stroke scale

The National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) is a critical tool for assessing the neurological status of patients suffering from acute stroke. Developed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the NIHSS provides a standardized method for evaluating the severity of stroke-related neurological deficits. It plays an essential role in guiding treatment decisions, predicting outcomes, and ensuring consistent communication among healthcare providers. This course is designed to educate healthcare professionals—including nurses, neurologists, and emergency department physicians—on how to administer and interpret the NIHSS.

Course format

Our online NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) course offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience tailored to healthcare professionals who need a thorough understanding of the NIHSS or simply a quick refresher. This course is designed for those looking to enhance their ability to assess neurological deficits in stroke patients, apply NIHSS scoring accurately, and stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in stroke care.

Whether you're working in an emergency department, stroke unit, or primary care setting, this course will help ensure that you can efficiently and consistently apply the NIHSS in your clinical practice. You’ll gain valuable insights that will help improve patient outcomes, and your organization can trust that every team member is equipped to perform NIHSS assessments with confidence.

Use our NIH stroke scale course to enhance your clinical skills in stroke care.

Course overview

Our course front matter includes the syllabus and statements from all instructors and contributors.

Scientific basis

The material in this NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) course is based on the latest research and best practices in the field, citing sources such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), American Heart Association (AHA), American Stroke Association (ASA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Stroke Organization (WSO), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These trusted organizations provide evidence-based guidelines to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped with the most up-to-date information for assessing and managing stroke patients.

Additional review information

Additional information is available for organizations that are reviewing our course, just ask us.
Complete printout of study materials
Complete testing instruments with answer keys -- This is only available to accreditation organizations and government regulators that review our course.
Complimentary online course access
Resumes, CVs and all credentialing information for our instructors

Basic information

What can I do with an NIH stroke scale certification?

This certification can enhance your professional credentials and fulfill your employer’s requirements for stroke care training. It equips healthcare providers with the skills to accurately assess and monitor stroke patients using a standardized, evidence-based tool.

Who needs NIH stroke scale training?

This course is designed for healthcare professionals who care for stroke patients, including nurses, neurologists, emergency physicians, rehabilitation therapists, and anyone involved in stroke assessment and management.

How often is NIH stroke scale training required?

Requirements vary by institution and profession. We recommend completing NIH stroke scale training every two years to stay up-to-date with best practices, though some organizations may require more or less frequent training.

Completion eCard

Sample of our course completion eCard (click to enlarge):

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Students will also have a copy of their skills form (see information on the left).

Please verify the authenticity of our eCards by emailing us with the name and expiration date of the student.

Sign up now

Contact us at +1 484‑464‑2882 email us to schedule an in-person training for your group (minimum of 10 people). Or see our online sales page.