Where can i get ACLS/PALS certifications?

caliotter3 · May 1, 2012

When I wanted those courses, I did an internet search and chose a provider from the information presented on their website. You can get a feel for the provider from their website. Look for the fact that they are an AHA provider, or an American Red Cross provider. I have found though, that there are some employers that will specify that they want a person to take the AHA course.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 1, 2012

Those are both AHA courses. Although there is no experience-related prerequisite, absolute beginners may find them too challenging because both of them include content related to hemodynamics, ABGs and EKG interpretation. ACLS has a 'demonstration' component that can be either done with a live instructor or through a specially equipped computer simulation lab. I believe that PALS will probably require a live instructor for completion because their 100% online course is very new & not available in many places. If they are required for a job, the employer will provide them.

Red Cross courses are not really recognized in US acute care environments.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 1, 2012

Search the American Heart Association website for available classes. You can also call your local hospitals, as they often know when/where ACLS/PALS classes will be held.

You register in advance and will be mailed an instruction booklet to study. There are some pre-tests that usually need to be completed and brought to your first day of class. Initial ACLS and PALS certification classes are two days long. You spend those two days studying and practicing simulation. The end of the second day is the written exam and the practical exam where you will be the leader of a mock code situation and make all of the decisions (medications, dosages, interventions) according to the scenario.

Don't take a class that is online. Even if it's cheaper and they tell you it's the same thing. Most hospitals will not accept online ACLS and PALS certifications.

Who told you to take these certifications as a nursing student? I don't recommend it, and neither do the managers and nurse educators that I work with.

First, ACLS and PALS are not just extensions of what you learn in school. There is a lot of knowledge that you need to have (code situations, emergency medications and dosages, IO and IV insertion, interpreting EKG rhythm strips, defibrillation and cardioversion). Most nursing students do not have the knowledge and experience to be successful in these areas while in school or immediately following graduation.

Second, if you're not employed, you will be paying for these classes yourself and you'll probably be out about 300 dollars or more per class. So that's 600 dollars that you have to pay, minimum. But if you're employed first, your employer will pay for these classes or offer them at a discounted price.

Third, you don't need these certifications for each job. You'll likely only need PALS if you'll be working in a Peds emergency room or Pediatric critical care. You'll likely only need ALCS if you're working in the ER, critical care, or high acuity areas. So there is really no guarantee that you'll even need these certifications to be hired. You'll end up paying for them for no reason.

Inori, BSN, RN · May 2, 2012

Thank you everyone for your advices and its detailed too! i'm in a rush to get these certifications because I want to work in the ER. It would show i'm serious about getting the job.

@Ashley a director of nursing mentioned it she said its not required but it would help. I'm a new graduate ADN, registered in RN-BSN for summer start, passed boards last week so am very new. Well .. in NYC the job market seems everyone wants 1-2 years exp, so anything that would give me a leg up would help. Thanks for tip about online ones .. I'll avoid those then and look for hospital based ones. Gah 2 days .. how heck i'm going to jam all of it in. $700 i guess there goes my piggy bank savings.

Inori, BSN, RN · May 24, 2012

OK i got the correct info! only take classes that are directly provided by AHA certifed providers. See link below to find class center, locations and schedule.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - Classroom

NewGoalRN · Jul 1, 2012

ACLS and PALS are usually cheaper than $300 each. I've seen ACLS first time takers anywhere from $150 to $180 with PALS being about $20 more YMMV

I would say take them especially ACLS and PALS only if you intend to work in the ER or with peds. It looks good on your resume, it shows that you have a commitment to learning, it sets you apart from the other new grad who doesn't have it and even if your facility requires you to take it with their instructors (rare), it will be much easier for you to absorb as you have already been exposed to it.