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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 the 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 your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.


Compare ACLS Course Options
Blended Learning Online

Blended Learning HeartCode® ACLS

Classroom Learning

Classroom ACLS

Format

HeartCode ACLS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to ACLS mastery. Students follow a continuously adapting learning path that is personalized by their own inputs: their performance and their self- reported confidence level related to each probe. The course content is presented in the form of self-directed learning content, probes, and Cognitive Assessment Activities.

After completing the online portion, students will attend a structured, Instructor-led hands-on session that focuses on meaningful skills practice, debriefing, team dynamics training, megacode cases, discussions of local protocols and skills testing. Where available, students may also complete the hands-on session with a HeartCode compatible manikin.

HeartCode ACLS is the AHA’s ACLS blended learning delivery method. Blended learning is a combination of eLearning, in which a student completes part of the course in a self-directed manner, followed by a hands-on skills session.

Instructor-led, hands-on class format reinforces skills proficiency

The ACLS Instructor-led course teaches the importance of preventing cardiac arrest, high-performance teams, early and continuous high-quality CPR, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, post-cardiac arrest care, acute dysrhythmias, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Course Completion

Complete the online portion + hands-on skills session with an AHA Instructor, or with a Simulation Station or voice-assisted manikin (VAM)

Contact an AHA Training Center in your area to sign up for an Instructor-led class

Time

With the new adaptive learning format, the timing for completing the online portion of HeartCode ACLS can vary depending on the student’s level of experience.

The hands-on session for HeartCode ACLS will take approximately 5 – 6 hours using either Option 1 or Option 2 HeartCode Agenda.

The ACLS ILT Full Course is approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes with breaks and lunch. Here are additional times:

  • ACLS ILT Full Course: 10.25 – 11.25 hours without breaks
  • ACLS ILT Update Course 6 - 7 hours without breaks
  • ACLS ILT Traditional Full Course: 12.25 – 13.25 hours without breaks
  • ACLS ILT Traditional Update Course: 6.75 – 7.75 hours without

Completion Card

ACLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years

ACLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years

Accessibility

No accessible blended learning version at this time.

Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility’s accommodations.

CE/CME

Available

Available

FAQ

2020 HeartCode ACLS FAQ

2020 ACLS Provider Course FAQ

Features

  • HeartCode ACLS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to ACLS mastery.
  • Students follow a continuously adapting learning path that is personalized by their own inputs: their performance and their self- reported confidence level related to each probing question.
  • Course content is presented in the form of self-directed learning content, probes, and Cognitive Assessment Activities.
  • The student has a choice of completing a pre-hospital or in-hospital contextualized track.

  • Emphasis on preventing cardiac arrest, early and continuous high-quality CPR, integration of BLS into ACLS and importance of high-performing teams 
  • Hands-on team dynamics classroom activities 
  • Video-based course with real world scenarios. Includes realistic, clinical scenarios that encourage active participation – delivered through actual patient videos and lifelike simulations 
  • Hands-on class format to reinforce skills proficiency

Student Materials

20-1407 HeartCode ACLS

Instructor Materials

Additional course materials available for Instructors at AHA Instructor Network

20-1107 ACLS Instructor Manual

20-3101 ACLS Instructor Manual eBook

20-1109 ACLS DVD

20-1413 ACLS Digital Video

20-1110 Emergency Crash Cart Cards

20-1111 ACLS Poster Set (Set of 10)

Additional course materials available for Instructors at AHA Instructor Network

Ready to take a Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) class?

The AHA offers options for how you can purchase ACLS. 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. Choose from the options below.

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Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

PALS is geared towards healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children and for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.