NALA Certification Levels

Progressive certification categories designed for different laboratory capabilities

NALA Certification Pyramid

Progressive certification levels from essential capabilities to advanced hub centers

Essential Cath Lab

Foundation Level Certification

Core Capabilities

  • Basic diagnostic angiography
  • Simple therapeutic interventions
  • Standard equipment and infrastructure
  • Basic quality monitoring

Requirements

  • Qualified medical director
  • Standard angiography suite
  • Core device inventory
  • Basic safety protocols
Volume Requirement: Minimum 50 procedures annually
Apply for Essential Certification

Emergency Procedure-Ready

24/7 Emergency Intervention Capability

Core Capabilities

  • 24/7 emergency stroke intervention
  • Mechanical thrombectomy
  • Emergency aneurysm treatment
  • Rapid response protocols

Requirements

  • 24/7 physician availability
  • 24/7 nursing and tech support
  • Emergency activation system
  • Emergency device inventory
Volume Requirement: Minimum 100 procedures annually (25+ emergency)
Apply for Emergency-Ready Certification

Advanced Non-Hub

Complex Interventional Capabilities

Core Capabilities

  • Complex aneurysm treatment
  • Flow diverter procedures
  • AVM embolization
  • Advanced imaging capabilities

Requirements

  • Fellowship-trained physicians
  • Advanced imaging equipment
  • Comprehensive quality metrics
  • Research participation
Volume Requirement: Minimum 200 procedures annually (50+ complex)
Apply for Advanced Non-Hub Certification

Advanced Hub

Regional Coordination and Training Center

Core Capabilities

  • All advanced procedures
  • Regional coordination
  • Training and education
  • Research leadership

Requirements

  • Training program accreditation
  • Regional network coordination
  • Quality leadership
  • International collaboration
Volume Requirement: Minimum 400 procedures annually (100+ complex)
Apply for Advanced Hub Certification

Certification Level Comparison

Compare requirements across all certification levels

Requirement Essential Emergency-Ready Advanced Non-Hub Advanced Hub
Annual Volume 50+ 100+ 200+ 400+
24/7 Coverage Optional Required Required Required
Fellowship Training Preferred Preferred Required Required
Research Program Optional Optional Preferred Required
Training Program No No Optional Required

Choose Your Certification Path

Select the certification level that matches your laboratory's capabilities

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