Anyone ever try ACLS on line?

Specialties CCU

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Specializes in ICU, Tele, Dialysis.

I have moved into a cardiology office where we perform stress testing so I must keep up my ACLS but since I'm no longer on staff at the hospital I am looking around for ACLS classes and found some stuff on line. Anyone ever try this? Any feedback is appreciated!

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't think the AHA approves online courses.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, momdebo,

One shouldn't be required to be on staff at a hospital to go to that entity's ACLS classes. Ask when the next one is and sign up.

Here is a link to the AHA, "HeartCode ACLS Anywhere". Once you've completed the required modules, then be checked off on your skills:

Complete the 10 core cases and exam on your own computer, attend a skills check-off at an AHA Training Center or just enhance your skills by practicing and receive immediate feedback.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3018426

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The AHA does not recognize the ACLS program that is currently online. Laerdal (I think) does have a computer based program called heartcode that IS approved. My hospital bought it because so many of us needed it and we didn't have enough classes to fill the need and because it was the only one approved.

Personally, I think the computer version was a bigger pain than doing it live.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Yes, AHA does recognize the online 10 course modules as provided by them. Just follow the link I gave above. It is called, "HeartCode ACLS Anywhere". One must, after doing the 10 online modules, find an AHA TC where one can checkoff on the megacode skills station.

I agree, the computer ACLS is cumbersome.

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It's much easier to take the ACLS online than to actually find someone to check off your skills for the ACLS online course. I've heard that may "skill checkers" charge just as much as for the whole course - but the participants have already paid for the online portion online. Before taking ACLS online make sure you have someone local that will check off your skills for a reasonable cost.

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Specializes in CTICU.

momdebo

Started working for a big hospital system and they were pushing the online ACLS course and it was something I could do at home so why not.

I've been ACLS certified for over ten years and never have I seen such nitpicky BS. Failed the test the first try (and I even took notes while doing the modules). Only passed the second try with the help of my wife, she has 15 years CCU expereince & I have 11 years CTICU experience, and I only passed by one question.

I know the next time ACLS comes up I'll pay the cash to do it in person.

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I don't see the point in doing it online and then having to hunt around for someone to do a checkoff with and having to pay two fees. I found it easier to go through one provider, in person; one fee and good feedback and practice time with the instructor. Also, the course I attended was by far cheaper than all the online courses I found.

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