BLS vs ACLS

meandragonbrett · Sep 16, 2009

As a medical assistant, you do not need to take ACLS.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 16, 2009

Also, one has to have a current BLS card in order to do ACLS.

flightnurse2b, LPN · Sep 16, 2009

BLS as siri said is a pre-req to ACLS. i would just take the BLS. most places won't let you take ACLS unless you are licensed (RN, LPN, paramedic, RRT, etc) anyways unless they just want your $$.

NewGradRN09 · Sep 16, 2009

Also, having ACLS does not make you exempt from a BLS certification. Most jobs require BLS, so only having ACLS doesn't suffice. They are two separate certifications and must be renewed seperately.

Good luck!

GOMER42 · Sep 16, 2009

I don't think MAs are allowed to IVP the ACLS drugs, hence you wouldn't reap much benefit from taking the course aside from being familiar with what others will be doing.

RedCell · Sep 17, 2009

Hi everyone! I am a Certified Medical Assistant (not a Nurse, and I hate it when I am referred to as a Nurse!) and my BLS Certification is up next month. I went to this CPR school that offers the recertification course and the instructor said because of the economy alot of people are signing up for the ACLS course so it would look good on their resume. I am back in the job market and I would like to know if it is worth going for my BLS Recertification which is $65 or spend $225 for the ACLS? I have worked in Cardiology and in a Cath Lab and that is on my resume.
Thank You!

In my opinion ACLS and BLS are both one and the same based anecdotally on the "ACLS" staff that I have seen in action when called to certain floors. Both of them are ridiculously easy to obtain and if you do not routinely utilize the protocols, they are worthless when you actually need the "skillz" you are "certified" to carry out. You should do what makes you feel good about yourself. If you want ACLS certification, go get your ACLS certification. If not, stick with BLS, at least it costs less.

Just curious though, even if you have ACLS, can you push epi, atropine etc...as a CMA? My guess would be yes if given under the license of a physician or other practitioner, but I am not sure on that one.

romie · Sep 17, 2009

Remember that good ACLS is based on quality BLS. I mean good chest compressions without interruptions. All the EKG interpretations and algorithm knowledge will be meaningless if there is not a first responder who does not immediately begin chest compressions with or without bagging the patient.

dmc_rrt · Sep 17, 2009

Also remember that you are going to have to keep paying for the ACLS recerts

diane227, LPN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

BLS is required in order to take ACLS and one does not cancel out the other. As an RN I have to carry both. ACLS is inappropriate for you because the skills required in ACLS are not skills that are pertinent to your practice. You are not administering medications and you are not participating in advanced airway placement so the class does not apply to you. You have to be a nurse, paramedic, physician, PA, ARNP, to take the course.

DanielaRn · Sep 17, 2009

As posted earlier, take BLS. ACLS would not be helpful in your position; also BLS is certainly needed prior to taking ACLS.

WoofyMutt80 · Sep 17, 2009

Thanks for everyone's replies! I was told at the CPR place that as a CMA with ACLS I could call a code and bag a patient, but they never said anything about IVP's! After everyone's responses here, I will stick with the BLS, and look into the state laws (Massachusetts and possibly Rhode Island) on ACLS for healthcare providers.