ANVP - Advanced Neurovascular Practitioner

The Advanced Neurovascular Practitioner certification (ANVP-BC) is relevant for advanced practice nurses with expertise in caring for clients with an acute CVA or stroke. The ANVP-BC credential is available through the Association of Neurovascular Clinicians (ANVC).

The management of clients with acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) requires interdisciplinary health care professionals trained to care based on the latest evidence. Advanced practice nurses (APRN) are essential to providing quality care to these clients.

Applicants for the ANVP-BC credential may apply online via the ANVC. The cost is $350 for ANVC members and $450 for non-members. The ANVC offers an in-person or virtual review course which is an additional $200 for members and $300 for non-members.  

The following is required to be eligible for this certification:

• Completion of a post-graduate (post-master's degree) acute neurovascular fellowship program.

• Completion of a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours of advanced training and education in the area of acute neurovascular disease.

Until December 2023, APRNs that have not completed an acute neurovascular fellowship, but have completed at least 5 years of acute stroke management as an APRN, may be eligible to sit for the ANVP-BC. Direct clinical practice experience must be verified by a hospital administrator or a physician practice partner.

The ANVP-BC certification is valid for five years. The credential expires on August 31st of the fifth year of certification.

To renew the certification, the APRN must fulfill the following items:

• Current ANVP-BC certification.

• Current licensure in advanced role specialty in the country of origin.

In addition, the APRN must complete one of the following options:

• OPTION 1: Recertification by Examination: Minimum of 1,000 neurovascular practice hours in the past 5 years and completing the ANVP board certification examination.

• OPTION 2: Recertification by Continuing Education: Minimum of 1,000 neurovascular practice hours in the past 5 years and evidence of 100 hours of continuing education pertinent to neurovascular clinical practice.

For additional information regarding the types of activities that qualify for CE hours, the ANVP Recertification Handbook further describes the requirements.

The ANVC offers an exam blueprint for exam candidates.

The ANVC also offers the following certifications:

• Advanced Stroke Coordinator (ASC-BC)

• Certified Neurointerventional Clinician (CNIC-BC)

• Neurovascular Registered Nurse (NVRN-BC)