ACLS Certification: A Look At Common FAQs

Posted on: 17 December 2019

Individuals in the medical field must have specific skill sets and knowledge in order to act appropriately in certain situations, and there are multiple certifications that can come along with that fact. Here is a closer look at ACLS certification and what it entails. 

What is the ACLS certification?

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) teaches healthcare professionals the proper ways to respond if they have a patient who is currently in a cardiac arrest situation. At these moments, individuals in immediate distress must have certain things done in order to save their lives. The training is provided by accredited schools and organizations and certification involves doing the coursework and usually taking a test when the course work is complete. 

What do you learn in ACLS certification classes?

During ACLS training, you will be exposed to techniques and practices to follow during critical life-saving moments. You will learn about: 

  • Advanced cardiac life support methods 
  • How to properly do chest compressions during cardiac arrest 
  • What advanced equipment is available to help during these situations 
  • How to properly manage a person's airway during cardiac arrest 
  • What to do when a stroke is suspected 

Can you take ACLS certification classes online?

You can take ACLS training courses online through several different providers. For individuals who do not have the time to commit to going to an actual school for training, online courses can be really convenient. These courses can be accredited just the same as courses offered in physical locations. 

How is ACLS different from basic life support (BLS) training?

BLS training is most often sought out by individuals who work as teachers, lifeguards, and even coaches, and some employers in the healthcare industry do require applicants to have BLS training. However, ACLS training is far more in-depth, and it is reserved for people who are already in the healthcare field. Much of the terminology and methodology taught during these courses is based on the idea that the student has a good medical understanding. 

Who should obtain the ACLS certification?

Some employers in the medical field will actually require that you obtain the ACLS certification as a prerequisite. However, many professionals choose to obtain the ACLS certification on their own because it looks really good on a job resume. Nurses who work in fields in which cardiac arrest is likely to occur, such as emergency departments or nursing homes, can also benefit from ACLS certification.

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