Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

The American Heart Association’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of high-performance teams. The 2025 ACLS course reflects the new 2025 science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

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 cardiac arrest, stroke, or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, critical care/intensive care, and surgery such as Physicians, Nurses, and Paramedics, as well as others who need an ACLS course completion card for a job or other requirement.

What does this course teach?

  • Systematic approach (assessment)
  • High-quality BLS
  • Airway management
  • Rhythm recognition
  • Defibrillation
  • Intravenous (IV)/intraosseous (IO) access (information only)
  • Use of medications
  • Cardioversion
  • Transcutaneous pacing
  • High-performance teams

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course Options


Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course Options

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 post-arrest patients.

What does this course teach?

  • Cardiovascular Emergencies
  • Respiratory and Metabolic Emergencies
  • Toxicology Emergencies
  • Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

Learn more about the ACLS for Experienced Providers course


Ready to take an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or ACLS EP class?

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

Course Completion Card

Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.

Continuing Education Credits

Depending on which ACLS course option you choose, CE/CME may be available for your profession.