Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

What is ACLS?

ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. It is a course that teaches healthcare providers how to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies. ACLS includes the following skills:

• Recognition of life-threatening cardiac emergencies: This includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and other life-threatening cardiac emergencies.

• Chest compressions: Chest compressions are used to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs when the heart is not beating.

• Ventilation: Ventilation is the process of delivering air to the lungs. In ACLS, ventilations are typically given using a bag-valve-mask device or an endotracheal tube.

• Use of an external defibrillator: An external defibrillator can be used to administer a synchronized or unsynchronized shock to the heart back into a normal rhythm. The defibrillator can also be used for transcutaneous pacing and continuous ECG monitoring.

• Administration of medications: ACLS providers will be trained on dosages and how to administer medications to treat cardiac arrhythmias and other life-threatening conditions.

• Patient Assessment: Learning how to assess and build differential diagnoses to determine possible interventions and procedures for stabilization utilizing pre-set algorithms.

Who should take an ACLS course?

Anyone who provides care to patients who may experience a cardiac emergency should take an ACLS course. This includes healthcare providers such as nurses, doctors, technicians, paramedics, and respiratory therapists.

What is covered in an ACLS course?

An ACLS course typically covers the following topics:

• Techniques for chest compressions and ventilations: This includes learning how to give chest compressions and ventilations effectively.

• Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and arrhythmias: This includes learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies so that you can act quickly.

• Differences and appropriation between and application of airway adjuncts and Intraosseous access requirements.

• Technology Review: This includes learning how to use an external defibrillator and how to recognize when it is appropriate to utilize one.

• Administration of medications: ACLS providers may be trained to administer medications to treat cardiac arrhythmias and other life-threatening conditions.

• Team Dynamics: ACLS providers must be able to work effectively as part of a team and communicate effectively with each other.

How long does an ACLS course take?

The length of an ACLS course varies depending on the provider and number of learners. However, most courses take between 6 and 16 hours to complete.

• ACLS

  • Initial Course - 16 Hours (Two day Course)

  • Renewal Course - 8 Hours 

  • Heartcode Hybrid Course - 6 Hours

Which Course is Right for you?

• Initial Course - The initial course is perfect for 1st-time certifiers but can be taken for recertification as well. The longer course time allows for more in-depth instructor/student instruction and guidance.

• Renewal Course - The renewal course is tailored for current ACLS providers, who need to recertify their license. This course, just as with the initial course certification, allows for more instructor/learner guidance and instruction. 

• Heartcode Hybrid Course - The hybrid course was developed for initial and recertification. Allowing the learners to complete the majority of the program online(including the written exam requirement), and only requiring them to pass a practical skill test in person.

  • Purchase of the AHA Heartcode online course is necessary for completion and skill assessment. The link is available on the store page.

How much does an ACLS course cost?

• ACLS 

  • Initial Course - $300

  • Renewal - $250

  • Skills Evaluation Only - $150

  • BLS Added  - $60

Is ACLS certification required?

ACLS certification is not required in all settings. However, it is often required for people who work in healthcare, public safety, or education.

What are the benefits of taking an ACLS course?

There are many benefits to taking an ACLS course. These include:

• Learning how to help an adult in a life-threatening cardiac emergency will give the learner the best resources that could save someone's life.

• Gaining confidence in your ability to help an adult in a cardiac emergency: This could help you to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

• Meeting the requirements for certification: If you are required to be certified in ACLS, taking a course will help you to meet the requirements.