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Advanced Cardiac Life Support

The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course is an advanced, instructor led classroom course that highlights the importance of a team approach to the management of cardiac arrest, peri-arrest states, acute coronary syndromes, acute stroke management and immediate post-cardiac arrest care. It also covers airway management and related pharmacology. In this course, skills are taught in group sessions. These small case based group learning exercises and testing stations are where problem based scenarios are presented. In this two-day course (one day for ACLS-R) you will enhance your skills in the treatment of arrest and peri-arrest patients through active participation in a series of simulated cardiopulmonary cases. These simulations are designed to reinforce important concepts, including: 

  • Identification and treatment of medical conditions that place the patient at risk for cardiac arrest
  • The Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills
  • The ACLS Secondary Survey
  • ACLS algorithms
  • Effective resuscitation team dynamics 

To successfully complete the ACLS Provider Course and obtain your certification card, you must do the following: 

  • Pass the 1-rescuer CPR/AED testing station
  • Participate, practice and complete all learning stations
  • Pass the Megacode testing station
  • Pass the closed book written exam with a minimum score of 84%

Course Prerequisites and Preparation

The ACLS Provider Course is limited to healthcare providers who either will direct or participate in the resuscitation of a patient, either in or out of hospital. Participants who enter the course must have the basic knowledge and skills to actively participate with the instructors and other students in course activities. ACLS does NOT teach ECG rhythm interpretation or basic pharmacology principles. The following knowledge and skills are required for course success: 

  • BLS skills
  • ECG rhythm interpretation for core ACLS rhythms 
  • Basic ACLS drug and pharmacology knowledge 
  • Practical application of ACLS rhythms and drugs 

Register Now

All students must complete the online pre-course self assessment and bring in the completion certificate. This can be completed by going to www.heart.org/eccstudent and entering the code: acls15