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ACLS, or Advanced Cardiac Life Support, is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. It's a critical skill set for many healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and others.
ACLS is a certification that is recognized globally and is usually necessary for healthcare providers who are involved in emergency response, critical care, and emergency room settings. ACLS courses focus on:
Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device, and use of an (AED) automated external defibrillator
Recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
Airway management
Related pharmacology
Management of ACS and stroke.
There are certain requirements that individuals must meet before they can take ACLS classes. These include:
Being a healthcare professional who either directs or participates in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies. This includes professionals in emergency medicine, emergency response, intensive care, and critical care units.
Having a prior Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Having the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner.
When searching for ACLS classes, it's important to look for courses that offer:
Certification: Ensure the class offers an American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS certification, which is the most recognized form of certification.
Practical experience: The class should have a hands-on component where you can practice skills in a controlled, clinical scenario.
ACLS classes are generally quite intensive and fast-paced. Here's what you can typically expect:
Theoretical Instruction: This includes lectures on emergency procedures, pharmacology, and specific case studies.
Practical Training: You will practice life-saving skills and techniques in a controlled environment.
The certification process for ACLS typically involves:
Completing the course: This includes both the theoretical instruction and clinical scenarios.
Passing the exam: At the end of the course, you'll need to pass a written exam and a skills test.
Upon completion, you will receive an ACLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years.
Once you're ACLS certified, you can find related jobs in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, emergency medical services, and clinics. Websites like Dreambound can offer you a comprehensive list of job openings in your area.
After obtaining your ACLS certification, you can further your career by taking additional classes such as:
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): This is an advanced course that focuses on the systematic approach to pediatric assessment, basic life support, and team dynamics to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children.
Basic Life Support (BLS): If you want to refresh your basic emergency skills, a BLS class can be beneficial.
Before you start your ACLS course, there are a few things you could do to prepare:
Brush up on your EKG interpretation skills: ACLS providers need to be able to quickly identify different types of cardiac arrhythmias.
Review pharmacology: Understanding the different medications used in cardiac life support can make the material easier to understand.
ACLS certification is essential for any healthcare professional working in a critical care environment. It equips you with the necessary skills to respond effectively to cardiovascular emergencies.
There are pros and cons to both online and in-person ACLS classes. Online classes offer flexibility, allowing you to complete the course at your own pace. In-person classes, on the other hand, provide the opportunity for hands-on practice and immediate feedback from instructors.
ACLS certification is valid for two years. After this period, you will need to take a recertification course to renew your skills and keep the certification valid.
ACLS certification is an invaluable asset for healthcare professionals. It not only increases your knowledge and skills but also makes you more marketable in the healthcare field. Whether you are a seasoned healthcare professional or just starting your career, ACLS certification is a step in the right direction.
Remember, when choosing an ACLS class, make sure it is accredited and recognized by the American Heart Association. And lastly, don't forget to check out Dreambound's blog for more information on how to become a respiratory therapist in California and how to become a certified medication aide in California.
Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help with the different parts of the certification process across the country:
Weighing the possibilities of a career shift ? Dreambound has written many extensive guides to guide you in making informed decisions. Check out some of these resources below:
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
Yes, Dreambound offers many online programs. On Dreambound's search, you can filter by online, in-person, and hybrid (part online, part in-person).
Dreambound is completely free for you to use! We are supported by schools and organizations who pay to advertise on our website, so we can offer all of our career resources for free.
