ACLS Certification: Advanced Cardiac Life Support for Healthcare Professionals

ACLS, or advanced cardiac life support, is a different technique in resuscitating patients suffering from cardiac arrest. Health care providers working in acute hospital settings usually learn how to treat different heart arrhythmias, such as tachycardia, bradycardia, asystole and ventricular fibrillation.

Function

• Nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists and physicians are candidates for ACLS certification since they administer medication, start IVs, and maintain patient's airways.

Time Frame

• The ACLS course, sponsored by the American Heart Association, is a 13.5 hour course. Depending on the workload and the hospital's policies, this course may be spread over two days.

Types

• During an ACLS course, health care providers get hands-on experience, learn different ACLS algorithms for heart arrhythmias, and learn to work as a team in treating and assessing patients.

Considerations

• If you work in a health care setting, see if your department requires ACLS certification; also find out if the hospital pays for the course or if you must pay.

Testing

• At the conclusion of the ACLS course, a test showing your knowledge and grasp of the course material is required.