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Discussion

How hard is ACLS certification?

Hi everyone,

I'm a senior nursing student that will be soon working on a ICU floor as a nurse extern/technician. I will be graduating in May 2017. How hard is the ACLS certification and is it worth paying ~$250? If you do have ACLS training, could you tell me the materials you learned?

Thank you!

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    • Experts

    It's not that difficult; certainly nothing like it was ages ago when I graduated and took it.

    I would wait to take it until you know if your employer requires it. Why pay for it out-of-pocket if it's something that is covered by your job?

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    • Experts

    Not hard at all. FYI, you don't need to be affiliated with healthcare in any way to take the course: anyone on the street can walk in and take ACLS.

    I'm going to take the opposite position of the previous poster and say that if you can afford to take ACLS on your own, take it. You can write it off on taxes as training in most cases (consult with your tax preparer though). Taking it shows initiative on your part. If you're going to be working in the ICU in any way, you're going to need it regardless so why not get it done now? It also means that you can hit the ground running when hired, instead of having to be scheduled to take the course (some employers won't let you start work without ACLS completed). Once you have the job, then let them pick up the tab for ACLS renewals.

    Best of luck whatever you decide.

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    It's as hard as you make it. If you study the manual pre course, know your algorithms, drugs and heart rythyms it's a walk in the park. If you don't, you probably won't pass.

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