ACLS

[kujomonster]

Im interested in learning more about ACLS certification. Who can take this class, how long is it, how much, etc. Can student nurses or new graduate nurses take this class?

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

From what I understand, the online-only ACLS courses will not earn you an AHA ACLS certification. Some online providers will be very upfront with that information on their websites, while others won't. In order to earn AHA certification, you must do the in-person megacode.

ETA: For the class I took--a private provider--we were required to do the pre-assessment online from the AHA. That is where you can learn/review the rhythms and pharmacology. I was also provided a pharm and EKG book by the class provider, along with the ACLS algorithm book.

The AHA does have an online ACLS study program BUT will require you to see an AHA-certified instructor for hands-on training and testing. I have done it and the program is quite unwieldy. Classes are definitely easier for me.

Also, my facility does not accept any CPR or ACLS certifications other than AHA's. I imagine many hospitals are doing the same.

[Pokytrokyt]

the acls certification review course, which you take on line, then the mega code with the instructor.

ok, so i need to take an online or in-person class first, pass an exam then do the "megacode."

what's involved in the megacode? is it done one-on-one between a student and instructor, or in teams?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

First, you arrange with a trainer the date and time of your competency testing. They should also allow time for review and practice. Then you take the online program, but allow no more than 60 days from the date you finish the online course to the date you do the hands-on. That is one choice.

The second choice is to go to a live class and do it all live, except for the test. You must take it online.

Please be sure to pay for American Heart Association ACLS only!! They have the highest standards.

[Vespertinas]

The second choice is to go to a live class and do it all live, except for the test. You must take it online.

I didn't have to. Either time.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

an ACLS class is usually offered through an employer at little or no cost to you. My class was free minus the $30 I had to pay for the ACLS manual. Most classes are over a span of two days; my class was in one day, roughly around 10 hours. You'll go over the guidelines/algorithms, have practice stations based on the algorithms and then go through your skills stations. ACLS tests the BLS component, so you need to make sure you have a current BLS certification before you take an ACLS course. There is the megacode simulation test and then you have a written test at the end.

The class requires preparation prior to taking; you also need to be comfortable with arrhythmia interpretation because the class will not teach you how to read the rhythms.

Anyone with a BLS certification can take it, really, but it seems to be the most relevant to RN's, MD's and respiratory therapists.

[BlueSunRise]

I just read all your threads, which deemed themselves VERY helpful. Thank you! I googled my question and this is what popped up. My question being can non-nurses (recent nurse grads) take ACLS and cert in it. Reason being, most ER tech jobs require this certification. Again, thanks for sharing!!!!