New Licensed Registered Nurse - BLS / ACLS - HCP Training

[rex.jr_RN]

Hi,

Is it advisable to have your training on line for BLS and ACLS for HCP in order to get the certificate from AHA? Does AHA provides the certificate for BLS and ACLS - HCP taken from on-line courses?

I'm having a hard time enrolling to the training course in the Hospitals and their schedule is available this month of april. I'm still unemployed so I would like to work out on my training first while waiting for the approval of my RN License endorsed here in Indiana from California.

Hoping for your response.

[ERjodiRN]

i believe even with the online courses you are only able to take the written test and are still required to go to a testing facility to do the mega code testing. i would suggest searching for testing sites in your area if you're not able to access the hospital classes. you will get much more out of it in person.

[Del Sol]

You can always call your closest AHA association (or check on line) to get info. Sometimes your local county EMS offers the AHA BLS for HCPs (depending on where you live). If there is a community college close to you, and they have Nursing or EMT programs, chances are they may offer the BLS and/or ACLS there. In my state, at one of the Commun. Colleges, they offer this as a part of their Adult Continuing Education classes. Hope that helps

[Del Sol]

I forgot, as ERJodieRN mentioned above, it does include hands-on "mock code" component as well.

[RNMariposa]

I recommend that you only do an online class if you are doing a renewal. If this is your first time taking the class then I would go in person. Only the written test is online. You will have to go take your skills test at an approved facility. The AHA has a list of those online. Go to the class schedules and type in what you want and it will give you a list of places in your area that does the skills portion of the test. I have done my renewals the past two times online and it really is a very good class. There are practice tests and main test at the end. There are short videos of the skills being performed and well as written instructions with some pictures shown. If you do not pass the first test there is another test it will give you. When you go in to take your skills test it only last about 30mins and you are done. Doing the online portion depends on how fast you are with it. Straight through usually takes me about an hour- hour and a half tops.

[whipping girl in 07, RN]

I've done the renewal for ACLS online and while I'm sure I'll do it that way again in the future, it was not easy to get the hang of. I think if you've never taken it before it would be hard to do online, and I'm not sure they let you get certified initially without going to a live class.

[rex.jr_RN]

Thanks guys,

Yeah, Im a newly licensed RN - State of California and waiting for the approval of my RN endorsement here in Indiana.

Yeah, I havent got any certificate of the Training yet but we have it during my nursing program but not certified by AHA. Its actualy available on some of the Hospital over here but they're just so sluggish on their response. One sent me their sched but it starts late on April so maybe I just have to wait. Im still unemployed though I have waiting job in Hospital and Nursing Home, im just waiting for my License here in Indiana.

Anyway, thank you so much.