In the healthcare industry, a wide range of roles and certifications cater to diverse patient needs. Two such roles are the Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certified professionals. This blog delves into these distinctions to help you understand which role may align best with your career aspirations.

What Are Acute Care Nursing Assistants and ACLS Providers?

Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA):

• Role: An ACNA supports registered nurses and other healthcare providers in delivering direct patient care, particularly in acute care settings like hospitals and clinics.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, collecting specimens, and providing basic medical care and emotional support.

ACLS Certified Professional:

• Role: ACLS certification equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to manage cardiovascular emergencies, including cardiac arrest and arrhythmias.
• Responsibilities: Performing CPR, defibrillation, advanced airway management, and administering life-saving medications during critical situations.

Key Differences Between ACNA and ACLS

Scope of Practice

• ACNA: Focuses on providing hands-on patient care, supporting daily activities, and assisting with medical procedures under supervision.
• ACLS: Centers on life-threatening cardiac emergencies, employing advanced techniques to stabilize patients.

Work Environment

• ACNA: Typically found in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• ACLS: Operates across diverse settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units, and pre-hospital environments (e.g., ambulances).

Certification Requirements

• ACNA: Requires state-approved nursing assistant training and certification.
• ACLS: Demands additional certification for professionals already qualified in healthcare roles, such as nurses or paramedics.

Job Descriptions

Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA):

• Assists patients with basic needs like bathing, eating, and mobility.
• Monitors and records vital signs, such as heart rate and temperature.
• Collects specimens for testing and provides basic wound care.
• Supports medical staff in procedures and ensures patient comfort.

ACLS Certified Professional:

• Responds swiftly to cardiac emergencies.
• Conducts CPR, defibrillation, and advanced airway management.
• Administers emergency medications, such as epinephrine.
• Collaborates with medical teams to optimize patient outcomes during critical incidents.

Education and Training

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Education: Completion of a state-approved training program, typically lasting a few weeks to months.
• Certification: Passing a state competency exam is mandatory to practice as a certified nursing assistant.
• Training: Hands-on clinical experience during the program and on-the-job training.

ACLS Certified Professional:

• Education: A healthcare degree or certification (e.g., RN, Paramedic).
• Certification: Requires completion of an ACLS training course and passing a written exam and skills evaluation. Certification renewal is required every two years.
• Training: In-depth classroom and practical training focused on cardiovascular emergencies.

Career Outlook and Salaries

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Job Growth: Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 203 due to an aging population.
• Salary: The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $49,000 in 2023, with variations based on location and experience.

ACLS Certified Professional:

• Job Growth: Dependent on the specific healthcare role (e.g., RNs: 6% growth, Paramedics: 6% growth from 2023 to 2033).
• Salary: Varies widely—registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $75,330 in 2023, while paramedics earned $37,850.

Final Thoughts

Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and ACLS-certified professionals play vital roles in the healthcare system. While ACNAs focus on daily patient care and support, ACLS providers specialize in managing cardiac emergencies. The right choice for you depends on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.

Whether you're drawn to direct patient interactions or high-pressure emergency care, both paths offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives.

Explore More

Dreambound offers accessible programs to help you kickstart your healthcare career. Learn more about these roles:

• How to Become an ACNA in Alabama
• How to Become a Critical Care Nurse in Alabama
• Find ACLS Classes Near You