Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Course overview
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) program is a scenario (case-based) continuing education course intended for trained and skilled healthcare providers who either direct or participate in cardiopulmonary emergencies and resuscitation efforts. This ACLS certification course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to enhance and refine knowledge and hands-on skill proficiency in emergency cardiovascular care. The ACLS training program has been updated to accompany the ACLS Study Guide, 6th Edition and the ACLS Ebook Study Guide, 6th Edition, published by Elsevier.
Prerequisites
All individuals who participate in an ACLS class must be previously trained, skilled, and be able to:
- Perform high-quality basic life support (BLS)
- Read and interpret basic electrocardiograms (ECG)
- Understand cardiovascular pharmacology, prepare and administer essential cardiovascular medications
Required for Successful Completion
Written Evaluation
Required
Performance Evaluation
Working in a team setting, competently direct the initial emergency care (including mechanical, pharmacological, and electrical therapy where applicable) for each of the following situations:
- High-quality BLS (CPR/AED)
- Respiratory arrest
- Cardiac rhythm management including pulseless VT/VF and two other rhythms
CAPCE
When offered by an approved HSI ACLS Training Center, continuing education (CE) hours for EMS professionals are available for ACLS from HSI, a CAPCE-accredited organization.
Certification Period
May not exceed 2 years from month of issue.
Spaced practice every 3-6 months strongly
recommended.
Course Length
Initial training: About 15 hours
Renewal training: About 7 hours
Student / Instructor Ratio
Maximum student-to-instructor ratio - 10:1
(6:1 is recommended)
Student / Equipment Ratio
Maximum student-to-manikin ratio - 3:1
Become an Instructor
Class Delivery Types
