How to Get ACLS Certification
Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) certification offers a set of clinical algorithms for the treatment of life-threatening cardiovascular conditions. It was originally established in 1974 and has been updated regularly since that time, ensuring healthcare professionals possess the skills and knowledge to support patients during cardiac arrest, stroke and other emergencies.
Today, ACLS addresses a number of conditions, including sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), acute coronary syndromes and stroke recognition and treatment. It also focuses on treatment areas such as minimal interruption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the integration of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) use. In addition, new evidence may lead to better ACLS practices in the future.
What is ACLS certification?
ACLS certification demonstrates an individual has been trained to an American Heart Association (AHA) approved standard. The certification verifies a person is qualified to perform ACLS, assuring the holder:
- Understands basic life support (BLS)
- Knows how to recognize and manage cardiac arrest and other respiratory arrest scenarios
- Is capable of both leading and supporting a resuscitation team
- Is skilled in airway management
- Understands the pharmacology of ACLS
Upon completing ACLS certification, the certificate holder will be able to:
- Successfully manage strokes and acute coronary syndromes
- Both lead and support a resuscitation team
- Successfully manage a patient’s airway
- Recognize and be able to immediately manage cardiac and respiratory arrest
- Have a thorough understanding of ACLS pharmacology
What are the benefits of ACLS certification?
When a patient is suffering through a medical crisis, ACLS provides crucial tools for healthcare and medical professionals to improve their chances of saving a patient’s life. It draws on a wide range of technical knowledge and is appropriate only to those who are deeply experienced in patient care. For those who are qualified, however, it can mean the difference between life and death for a person in critical need. As such, it’s often mandatory for advanced medical personnel who will treat patients during serious medical emergencies.
ACLS courses teach students how to increase patient outcomes by sustaining life and making efforts to keep a patient’s neurological function intact during cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. With ACLS, healthcare or medical professionals can optimize resuscitation efforts, and ultimately, improve their chances of saving a patient’s life.
For most healthcare and medical professionals, ACLS certification usually is required for employment at hospitals and medical clinics. However, employers may provide funding for ACLS courses.
Who should consider ACLS certification?
ACLS certification is applicable to qualified medical professionals because it may involve intubating a patient and/or administering intravenous drugs. It is recommended for healthcare professionals and medical professionals who may have to respond to a cardiac emergency, including:
- Doctors
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Paramedics
ACLS certification, however, is not for policemen, teachers, physiotherapists or lay persons. As such, ACLS certification candidates will already know:
- How to read electrocardiograms (ECGs).
- How to administer medications
- Basic anatomy, physiology and pharmacology
In addition, responding to an ACLS incident may involve reading, interpreting and making treatment decisions based on the ability to read an ECG. For this reason, the candidate for ACLS certification should get in as much practice as possible at interpreting ECGs and with basic pharmacology. Taking a class in ECG and pharmacology will help those who have never taken an ACLS class before. That will maximize the chances of success and help save more lives.
What is ACLS certification for nurses?
Nurses who work in critical, urgent or emergency care units often are required to be ACLS certified. Other nursing positions where cardiac-related emergencies are common, such as senior care facilities, typically require ACLS certification as well. Furthermore, RNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are required to be certified and familiar with ACLS protocol, as they work with patients who have cardiovascular disease on a routine basis.
In order to qualify for ACLS certification for nurses, the candidate must undergo either online or classroom training for the didactic portion of the material. The second part of ACLS certification involves practical training, testing and evaluation of competency.
What is ACLS certification training like from SureFire CPR?
SureFire CPR goes above and beyond the call of duty to answer the question, “What is ACLS certification, and how can it help you achieve your career goals?”
We offer ACLS certification to qualified healthcare providers in the Southern California area, with multiple training locations available. The course is offered in two versions: one that is administered entirely on site in our offices, and one that includes a substantial online portion to accommodate the busy schedules of many of our students. But even the blended learning version of the course includes a one hour skills test that must be taken at one of our offices.
Plus, our courses are taught by acknowledged experts in ACLS who are currently practicing in their field. Leading small classes of qualified students, instructors guide a participatory approach to learning that encourages hands-on experience in order to fully develop the techniques. Muscle memory is an important function to integrate with our students’ existing skill sets, so adequate resources are always accorded to all students, including a one-to-one manikin-to-student ratio. All equipment students use to practice represents the most current technology.
We even offer ACLS certification renewal – an update type version of the program for students who have current ACLS certifications – as well as special courses that can be taught on site at your home or business to better meet your needs. That way, we make it simple to renew your ACLS certification at your convenience.
Given the critical importance of the training, SureFire CPR is proud to offer the highest possible caliber ACLS course. We understand you need to gain the skills and confidence to act in a crisis, which means you should learn to feel comfortable with the techniques. And as a result, we encourage an open discussion format designed to answer all your questions so you can engage with the material on your own terms. Meanwhile, we give you all the time and hands-on experience you need to feel at ease with the simple steps needed to save someone’s life.
Choose ACLS certification from SureFire CPR. Please contact us today at (888) 277-3143 or visit our website to learn more about our ACLS certification offerings.
