ACLS classes-Best way to do these classes?

Published

I am thinking of taking ACLS certification classes. Are these classes difficult? How many hours of studying would be required? I see classes that are offered on-line. I think I would do better to attend a real classroom. I assume that the hospitals offer these classes. Will they allow me to take the class even though I am not employed by the hospital?

What are the usual fees involved? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in rehab.

Hi

i don't think I have advice but I am in the same boat...sort of, with you. I have actually enrolled myself in a local class near where I live,. I payed about $145 for first time certification. I downloaded the study material from their website, and let me tell you it not easy. You really need to study. I would recommend understanding basic EKG and cardiac physiology before moving on to the harder stuff (algorithms and drugs). Good luck. Looking forward to reading other responses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Courses offered online should be Am. Heart Asso approved. You do the didactic portion online then either go to a class for the competency or be tested on a computerized manikin. Either way, you need to talk to a training center coordinator first, as the online portion has an expiration date and you need to get the competency done within a specific time period. Many hospitals are training centers for AHA and will know who in the community provides the classes if they do not. Fire Depts (due to Paramedic licensures) also know about classes and many of our instructors are Paramedics). All AHA training centers have to hold 25% of the roster for "outside" people till a deadline date. We charge $200 for the book+live class but that will vary around the country. The first time you take it the class lasts two days. FULL days. As for preparation, AHA has an excellent plan that is part of the book & CD you get on registration. Just follow the plan. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in burn unit, ER, ICU-CCU, Education, LTC.

I hadn't worked in critical care for years. I took a hands on ACLS course last summer. Most of it was review. It surprised me that most of the meds are the same. I had to unlearn some things and relearn some new things.

The folks who gave the course were so good. I really enjoyed it. I think it cost under $100.00. If I am fortunate enough to get a job, I would want to review my materials again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

I would definitely recommend a live class. There's a lot of practice and hands on training you don't get through the internet. I took mine at the local Level 1 trauma hospital, not being employed there, and they had lots of slots for people not working there. It cost about $150, that included the review book and cd. Definitely study up on heart rhythms and your acls drugs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

regarding live classes vs. manikin assisted = I would not recommend anything other than a live class for people who have never had ACLS or who never get to practice the concepts. Lots of info to absorb and the manikin has no leniency

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I recently did my first ACLS. I, too, do not recommend an online class. This kind of thing is best done in a live, traditional class. An online class sounds questionable to me.

I studied the AHA ACLS book the day before the class. The pre-test is helpful, and should be required.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks all so much for all of this good information. :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion