[trace_element]

I have been trying to find a ACLS class to take in my area and not having much luck.....I see that you can take it (test) online and then have a clinical supervisor sign you off on the 'mega code'- is this a gimmick??

Just curious if anyone has had any experiences (good or bad) with online ACLS certifications?? Thanks

p.s. I am not currently employed but looking to apply for jobs requiring ACLS and thought i might be more marketable having already had the certification

[Dorito]

If you take the course online you should plan to attend somewhere that they do a skills checkoff. Not any supervisor can do this...it must be an ACLS instructor. Depending on the online course most places will want an American Heart ACLS card. (many online courses do not offer this). Personally I don't think the online courses are as effective. I coordinate our ACLS and PALS courses and if someone wants a skills check off they have to attend during one of our courses and complete a Megacode with our Physician faculty to check them off and it's usually not as easy as a regular Mega code. You would probably get a lot more out of a course if you attended and did the hand's on skills.

[trace_element]

Thanks Dorito.....i figured there was a 'catch' with the online ACLS class. I know hospitals teach the class periodically but mine won't teach it again for awhile. Do you know of any other type of place that might offer ACLS?? I want to take it before I move.

[glasgow3]

Originally Posted by trace_element

Thanks Dorito.....i figured there was a 'catch' with the online ACLS class. I know hospitals teach the class periodically but mine won't teach it again for awhile. Do you know of any other type of place that might offer ACLS?? I want to take it before I move.

Another type of place that might offer ACLS?......junior/community colleges that offer ems/paramedic programs. Also some EMS organizations offer ACLS training/recert courses for their employees and others.

[Dorito]

Nearly all of our area hospitals offer ACLS. We don't charge our employees who take the course here so if you take it elsewhere you may have to pay and sometimes managers won't cover the cost if you are taking it elsewhere. Usually the cost for a Provider course runs $175-200 depending on the area. Make a few phone calls to the Education department at area hospitals and you should be able to find a course. We only have them 4 times/year but we are a small rural hospital. Best of luck!

[BlueHenRN]

Originally Posted by trace_element

Do you know of any other type of place that might offer ACLS?? I want to take it before I move.

http://www.americanheart.org/present...tifier=3011764
Put your zip code under "find a class near you" and choose the right class on the page that will be generated. It will generate another page for you with places that offer the course!
Jess

[BinkieRN]

You can call the local American Heart Association and tell them you need ACLS and they can give you some names of instructors who do private ACLS classes. I don't know how much they cost but I hear this is the way the doctors take and renew ACLS. I'm taking ACLS next week compliments of the hospital.

[trace_element]

Thanks so much bluehen and binki for the AHA website......I found a class being offered in a couple weeks not far from where I live and I will register on Mon!! Hopefully it isn't full

[Otessa]

This is actually called "ACLS Anywhere" by the American Heart Association. The mega code needs to be monitored by an AHA ACLS instructor.

[st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3]

Thanks I would like to get mine too, especially close to home.