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PALS Course Options

PALS is available in two different training methods – blended learning and classroom training. All PALS course options teach the same AHA science-based skills and result in the same AHA PALS Course Completion Card.

Is AHA PALS the right course for me?

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


Compare PALS Course Options
Blended Learning Online

Blended Learning HeartCode® PALS

Classroom Learning

Classroom PALS

Format

Blended Learning (online portion, followed by hands-on skills session)

HeartCode PALS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to PALS 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. The student has a choice of completing a pre-hospital or in-hospital contextualized track. After completing the online portion, students will attend a structured, Instructor-led hands-on session that focuses on meaningful skills practice, debriefing, team scenarios, discussions of local protocols and skills testing. Where available, students may also complete the hands-on session with a HeartCode compatible manikin.

HeartCode PALS is the AHA’s PALS 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.

The PALS Provider Course aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in patients with respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest by using high‐performance team dynamics and high‐quality individual skills. The course includes a series of case scenario practices with simulations that reinforce important concepts.

Course Completion

Complete the online portion + hands-on skills session with an AHA Instructor, or with a HeartCode compatible manikin

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 PALS can vary depending on the student’s level of experience.

The hands-on session for HeartCode PALS will take approximately 5 hours with breaks, or 4 hours and 50 minutes without breaks

Approximate course completion times are listed below. Times are based on a recommended ratio of 6 students to 1 Instructor to 1 manikin or station (NOTE: the CPR and AED and Management of Respiratory Emergencies stations require 1 Instructor and 2 manikins for 6 students per station). Using different ratios will result in increased course completion times.

  • PALS ILT Full Course: 12.5 hours with breaks; 10.5 hours without breaks
  • PALS ILT Update Course: 8 hours and 45 minutes with breaks, 8 hours and 15 minutes without breaks
  • PALS ILT Traditional Full Course: 17 hours and 15 minutes with breaks; 16 hours and 45 minutes without breaks

Completion Card

PALS Provider Course Completion eCard, valid for two years

PALS Provider Course Completion eCard, valid for two years

Accessibility

This course meets accessibility requirements.

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

CE/CME

Available

Available

FAQ

2020 HeartCode Courses FAQ

2020 PALS ILT FAQ

Features

  • HeartCode PALS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to PALS 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.

  • Includes realistic, clinical scenarios that encourage active participation – delivered through actual pediatric patient videos and lifelike simulations
  • Comprehensive and includes our systematic approach to assess and treat pediatric patients in emergency situations
  • Hands-on class format to reinforce skills proficiency
  • Co-branded with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Student Materials

20-1412 HeartCode PALS

20-1119 PALS Provider Manual (includes PALS Reference Card)

20-3120 PALS Provider Manual eBook (includes PALS Digital Reference Card)

20-1115 PALS Emergency Crash Cart Cards

20-1118 PALS Reference Card

20-3121 PALS Digital Reference Card

Instructor Materials

20-1117 PALS Instructor Manual

20-3122 PALS Instructor Manual eBook

20-1114 PALS DVD

20-1424 PALS Digital Video

20-1117 PALS Instructor Manual

20-3122 PALS Instructor Manual eBook

20-1114 PALS DVD

20-1424 PALS Digital Video

20-1115 PALS Emergency Crash Cart Cards

20-1116 PALS Poster Set (set of 10)

For additional resources, visit the AHA Instructor Network

Ready to take a PALS Course?

The AHA offers options for how you can purchase PALS. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (HeartCode PALS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials. Choose from the options below.

Related Training

doctor with stethoscope on infants chest

Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS)

The AHA’s PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization) Course has been updated to reflect science in the 2015 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. In this classroom-based, Instructor-led course, students learn how to use a systematic approach to quickly assess, recognize the cause, and stabilize a pediatric patient in an emergency situation.