ACLS Certification is required by health care providers working in acute care settings and also by providers of emergency services.
The majority of hospitals and emergency services within the United States require that this certification be obtained through the American Heart Association (AHA).
Don’t be fooled by Non-AHA imitations.
There are a number of ways to obtain AHA approved ACLS certification. Below is a breakdown of what is required and how it can be obtained. Also included are some cautions about online certification.
Attend a local class
- The safest way to obtain AHA ACLS certification is by attending a class in your local area. Many hospitals provide the course at a discount to their employees. You can also check your yellow pages for education facilities that provide BLS, ACLS, and first aid training. The cost of the class usually ranges from $ 150-200.
Ask your education department about opportunities for fee reimbursement or fee assistance. - When looking for a course in your local area, you should make sure to ask if the certification is AHA approved since nearly all hospitals and emergency services in the United States require AHA approved ACLS certification.
AHA approved certification always requires a written exam and hands-on skills station test.
Online Certification:
- You should be very cautious about online ACLS certification. There are quite a number of websites that offer “ACLS Certification” but are not AHA approved. Some may even say “approved by AHA certified physicians” or “AHA physicians recommend this course”. Beware of these sites. Most hospitals and healthcare facilities will not recognize these certifications.
- There are several online courses that are AHA approved and they will say so right upfront. They want you to know they are approved and they will always make that clear.
- AHA does offer an online course or CD called “HeartCode ACLS Part 1.” If
This is the American Heart Association’s self-directed learning program. The cost of Part 1 is $120 and includes CME/CE credits. To complete the AHA ACLS certification, there are two parts to the program. Part 1 is the online or CD-based learning component that allows users to work through the ACLS curriculum at their own pace. Part 2 is the hands-on skills evaluation session usually costs around $50.
Conclusion
ACLS certification is a great way to expand your knowledge base as a health care professional, and it will help prepare you to be ready to perform advanced resuscitation in the healthcare setting. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
ACLS-Algorithms.com is here to provide you with the best web-based ACLS training available. Try the Megacode Simulator or watch a video about the new 2015-2020 ACLS guidelines for cardiac arrest algorithm.
miriam arnold says
If I sign up to take your online course, where do I go to do my skill hands on session??
ACLS says
This website is strictly for training purposes this does not provide you with any type of American Heart Association provider course certification. This is to help people prepare for the American Heart Association ACLS and PALS provider course.
Kind regards,
Jeff
Engelic says
What is the AHA guideline for anesthesiologists performing moderate sedation requirements for ACLS certification?
ACLS says
The American Heart Association does not make guidelines for anesthesiologist performing moderate sedation. There are no requirements for moderate sedation for ACLS.
Kind regards, Jeff
Emoni says
Are the any requirements for taking the ACLS? For example, must one be certified in BLS FIRST, prior to taking the ACLS?
ACLS says
There are no requirements or prerequisites for taking ACLS. It would be advantageous to have a familiarity with BLS, but it is not required.
Kind regards,
Jeff
Imrana Masood says
I have attended ACLS on 21-22 august at muscat
By authorized AHA department
I have lost my certificate
How can i get it again.
ACLS says
Here is what the AHA states about lost cards and getting a replacement.
Lost AHA ACLS Cards and Obtaining Replacement Cards
Kind regards,
Jeff
Kathi Rasmus says
I would like to take ACLS class here in Reno, NV. When are the classes and do we get books anymore or go online to study? Thank you
Kathi Rasmus
ACLS says
You can use the American Heart Association class locator to find something in your local area. Here is the link:
AHA ACLS Class Locator
Kind regards, Jeff
George Gomez says
how do i find an aha certified acls certification class in my area ? i have time constraints what is the most fast/efficient way to take class and get acls certified ? I live in melbourne, florida ,32940 and i am board certified internist
ACLS says
You can use the AHA ACLS class locator to find a local provider. ACLS class locator
Kind regards, Jeff
ANASS ALSUDANI says
Hi Jeff
The locater only shows classes in the US, is there any way to verify the authenticity of a course given outside the US??
ACLS says
You may be able to find a resource that can answer your question through the AHA International Page HERE.
Kind regards, Jeff