The AHA’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).
Summary
Who should take this course?
For healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies and for personnel in emergency response.
ACLS is geared towards healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies or personnel in emergency response. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.
What does this course teach?
- Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an AED
- Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
- Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia
- Airway management
- Related pharmacology
- Management of ACS and stroke
- Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive an ACLS EP Provider Course Completion Card which is valid for two years.
- Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and integrating use of an AED
- Recognize and manage respiratory arrest
- Recognize and manage cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including post–cardiac arrest care
Format
Instructor-led, hands-on class format reinforces skills proficiency
For those who are proficient in performing BLS and ACLS skills, reading and interpreting ECGs, understanding ACLS pharmacology; and who regularly lead or participate in emergency assessment and treatment of prearrest, arrest, or postarrest patients
Course Completion
Contact an AHA Training Center in your area to sign up for an Instructor-led class
Course Length
The ACLS ILT Full Course is approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes with breaks and lunch. Here are additional times:
- ACLS ILT Full Course: 10.25 – 11.25 hours without breaks
- ACLS ILT Update Course 6 – 7 hours without breaks
- ACLS ILT Traditional Full Course: 12.25 – 13.25 hours without breaks
- ACLS ILT Traditional Update Course: 6.75 – 7.75 hours without
Completion Card
ACLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years
Accessibility
Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility’s accommodations.
Features
- Emphasis on preventing cardiac arrest, early and continuous high-quality CPR, integration of BLS into ACLS and importance of high-performing teams
- Hands-on team dynamics classroom activities
- Video-based course with real world scenarios. Includes realistic, clinical scenarios that encourage active participation – delivered through actual patient videos and lifelike simulations
- Hands-on class format to reinforce skills proficiency
Instructor Materials
20-1137 BLS Instructor Package with Digital Video(link opens in new window)
20-1104 BLS Instructor Package with DVD Set(link opens in new window)
20-1103 BLS Instructor Manual(link opens in new window)
OR
20-3103 BLS Instructor Manual eBook(link opens in new window)
20-1105 BLS Course DVD Set(link opens in new window)
20-1414 BLS Course Digital Video(link opens in new window)
Additional course materials available for Instructors at AHA Instructor Network
Registration
We do not currently use AHA’s new website Atlas for class registrations. It does not notify us of enrollments, therefore, you MUST call or email to register!
