acls/pals

Online certs are not recommended for first-timers, only for recerts.

How it works: you do the written test on line. You then have to find a class that will allow you to just go in for the hands-on testing and get signed off. Either way, you would have to go to a class. Even if you are recerting, guidelines have changed this year and it's back to the old ways of megacodes.

Hey there Lucy603 -

I'm with Tazzi on this one.

Yes there are classes online. And some are pretty good.

BUT, they are for the experienced provider only and then you STILL have to find a testing location that will verify your skills.

I have had a few students show up for skills verification after "completing" these on-line courses. Rest assured - you better be sharp or they will not pass you on through. I can only recall one that did well enough to be successful at the skills without a having to do a "live" class. (Read: Ended up taking more time and money for the student!)

However, if you are very experienced and READY - it may work for you.

:)

Watch out! You can only do the didactic online. You will still have to find someone to observe you doing all the competencies and will have to pay for that. You will probably have to attend the course in that case, as I can't imagine doing the set up for one person. Takes us >2 hrs to set up and you need mutiple instructors - costs me about $2000 each time I set up the class. Believe me, you are not saving anything by taking the course online. And make sure you get American Heart Asso classes. I hear there are copies out there and most facilities will not honor anything but AHA as they have rigid standards.

For a first timer I would definitely recommend hands on! There are some techniques that you really need to try first in the classroom before you ever try them live.

I recently took PALS and was told that the online portion was being discontinued. Has anyone else been told the same thing?

As for recert of ACLS: the skills portion (only) can been coordinate with an ACLS class, where you come in for the skills station portion & the megacode. You can contact local hospital education departments to see if you can be checked off for the skills during one of their scheduled classes. But, I have not seen any AHA certified ACLS online classes for 1st timers, only for recertification.