Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course
The AHA’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
Ready to take an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or ACLS EP class?
The AHA offers options for how you can purchase ACLS Course. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (HeartCode ACLS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials.
Which course is right for me?
ACLS or ACLS for Experienced Providers
ACLS:
- For healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies and for personnel in emergency response
What does ACLS course teach?
- Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an AED
- Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
- Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia
- Airway management
- Related pharmacology
- Management of ACS and stroke
- Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team
ACLS for Experienced Providers:
- For those who are proficient in performing BLS and ACLS skills, reading and interpreting ECGs, understanding ACLS pharmacology; and who regularly lead or participate in emergency assessment and treatment of prearrest, arrest, or postarrest patients
What does this course teach?
- Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and integrating use of an AED
- Recognize and manage respiratory arrest
- Recognize and manage cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including post–cardiac arrest care
Course Completion Card
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a BLS Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.
Continuing Education Credits
Depending on which BLS course option you choose, CE/CME may be available for your profession.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course Options
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is available in two different training methods – blended learning and classroom training. All ACLS course options teach the same AHA science-based skills and result in the same AHA ACLS Course Completion Card.
Is ACLS Course right course for me?
ACLS is geared towards healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies or personnel in emergency response. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years. Please contact us to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.
ACLS Course for Experienced Providers
ACLS for Experienced Providers goes beyond the core ACLS training by offering critical thinking opportunities for those advanced, experienced, healthcare professionals who use ACLS on a regular basis. The goal of ACLS EP is to improve outcomes in complex cardiovascular, respiratory and other (e.g., metabolic, toxicologic) emergencies by expanding on core ACLS guidelines and encouraging critical thinking and decision-making strategies. Through cooperative learning and active participation in case-based scenarios, learners enhance their skills in the differential diagnosis and treatment of prearrest, arrest and postarrest patients.