ACLS/PALS Certification ONLINE??

Loo17 · Feb 18, 2015

Hey I am wondering if anyone has done the ACLS/PALS online (certification, not recert) and if employers are ok with that or if they have a problem with it. I just moved to the ends of the US (ND) and there isn't much here. Thinking online is my best bet. Thinking I can add to my resume while looking for a job, waiting for calls... Anyways, looking for some input. Anyone have any experiences with this? Good? Bad? Indifferent?? Thanks!!

I believe you have to do a hands on portion with the online. I would imagine as long as the online certification you chose includes the hands on portion that your employer would not have an issue with it. Im not sure a completely online certification would be beneficial for you as an initial certification.

labordude, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2015

As far as I am aware, there is no completely online initial certification that is recognized by the American Heart Association. Many of the online providers will give you a card, but it is not an AHA card, merely one they have created themselves. I took ACLS recently and it was pretty fun. The right instructor makes the difference.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 19, 2015

Hi,

I did ACLS online because I am an idiot and missed my class, thus it was last minute no choice! It was PAINFUL, and I do not recommend it. Took me five hours to get it done secondary to all the videos and trying to get used to the simulator, and I am no rookie at ACLS! Then on top of it you still have to find and pay an instructor to do the mega code for you and give you your card.

I do not recommend it, even for the experienced provider, it is just awkward and the simulator takes a few tries to get used to!

Annie

FlyingScot, RN · Feb 19, 2015

There is no true ACLS that is completely on-line. As stated before you'll either get a card from an ACLS lite organization (not AHA-the gold standard) or you'll have to have an actual instructor run you through the mega-code. Having never been certified you might pass the didactic portion but I'm quite sure you'll struggle with the hands on since you will have had no time to practice. I highly doubt that having this type of ACLS will make you stand out as a candidate.

And, as Annie Oakley, said the on-line course is no picnic. The simulator part is very specific and it's timed!!!! I have been certified for nearly 30 years and had to go this route about 8 years ago. Even though at the time I actually ran codes I struggled with the simulator part.This is not the way to go. Get a job and let them pay for the two day course.

meghan_matthews · Jul 15, 2015

Maybe it was different 5 or 10 years ago, but as far as I've experienced, most employers are good with an online certification these days. There are a few good companies who do it online, so you can obviously shop around! Unfortunately AHA doesn't do any fully online courses--my guess is that's because they have so many independently contracted providers who would be out of jobs if they started doing it all online.

Anyway, I did both ACLS and PALS with Kardia Medical Solutions and I thought it was pretty easy to get through. Of course there are plenty of options out there, that's just the only one I've personally used and I had a good experience. It's such a pain to do in-person classes because you're forced to sit there and pretend to listen for hours Honestly, if you're just looking to have this on your resume, I would definitely do it online and if an employer who hires you has a specific course they want you to use, they'll probably pay for you to do it...but I really doubt you'd have an issue. Oh - and if you get hired by someone and they want to see that you did a hands-on portion, I think you may even be able to do that independently from the course itself.

But do whatever you're most comfortable with!! :)

FlyingScot, RN · Jul 16, 2015

Maybe it was different 5 or 10 years ago, but as far as I've experienced, most employers are good with an online certification these days. There are a few good companies who do it online, so you can obviously shop around! Unfortunately AHA doesn't do any fully online courses--my guess is that's because they have so many independently contracted providers who would be out of jobs if they started doing it all online.
No. It hasn't changed. And you really can't say "most employers" are okay with on line courses because you've likely only had experience with a few out of the thousands out there. Your few do not constitute "most". The reason AHA does not do fully on line courses has nothing to do with jobs and everything to do with having quality assessments of students. It gives students an opportunity to ask questions and get real-time feedback/correction. You can't get this on line.

featherzRN, MSN · Jul 16, 2015

I've never had an employer that was ok with a non AHA BLS/ACLS. So check before spending the money to make sure it will be accepted.

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 16, 2015

I'd agree with the non-AHA thing. I've not had an employer yet that would accept it. I did it once but it didn't really count and ended up doing a proper AHA one. It's only 2 days and it's a great skill to maintain, plus it's constantly changing. I did one at a neighboring hospital that was run by firefighters and it was FUN! Those guys were hilarious. Mostly I just do the renewal one here at my own hospital as a single day. I wouldn't waste your time with a non-AHA one. When you need it for a job you might be turned down and it deemed not acceptable. I don't mess around with certifications because those are the things that pay my rent.

ACLS/PALS Certification ONLINE??

Online ACLS/PALS?