When a code blue occurs in the hospital, you will see the scenario where the charge nurse starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately and requests advanced airway equipment. This is where you can step in as a healthcare professional who has pioneered Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Basic Life Support (BLS) gave you the foundation, but this is a different level of responsibility.
Outside the hospital, CPR skills are being expanded to the public. Arizona recently became the 32nd state to require Hands-Only CPR for high school graduation, helping create a new generation of lifesavers.
If you are working or planning to work in healthcare here, you need to understand exactly what Arizona requires for ACLS, how certification works, and the best way to earn it before you find yourself in that moment.
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Is ACLS Certification Required in Arizona?
If you live or work in Arizona, you won’t find a state statute that universally requires every healthcare professional to hold ACLS certification. However, in the medical field, the real rules are often set by your role, the type of patients you care for, and your employer’s standards. Here are some points for you to consider for understanding the importance of ACLS certification in Arizona:
1. Paramedics and Advanced EMS Providers
Paramedic program prerequisites at Arizona colleges frequently include a current American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS card or its equivalent, in addition to BLS (Basic Life Support) credentials.
2. Registered Nurses in Critical and Emergency Care
ACLS is not required for all RNs, but it is a standard prerequisite for roles in emergency and critical care settings (such as ICU, ER, cardiac catheterization labs). Most employers will expect or require nurses in these areas to have and maintain current ACLS credentials.
3. Perianesthesia Providers
The University of Arizona’s Nurse Anesthesiology Specialty Handbook says nurse anesthetists must keep current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications in Arizona.
4. Respiratory Therapists in Acute Care
Facilities often require ACLS even when the state doesn’t explicitly mandate it for respiratory therapists. In practice, most Arizona hospitals list ACLS as a prerequisite for hire in adult acute-care units.
Roles like school nurses, athletic trainers, and community health educators generally require BLS but not ACLS unless their job description involves advanced resuscitation.
| Read More: ACLS Certification New Mexico |
What Are The Requirements for ACLS Certification in Arizona?
ACLS certification in Arizona follows national American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, but healthcare facilities may set extra rules based on your role and workplace standards. Here are the basic prerequisites for getting an ACLS certification:
Current BLS Certification Required
Before starting an ACLS course in Arizona, you must hold a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certification. This prerequisite ensures you already understand CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) operation, and basic emergency response before advancing to ACLS-level skills.
Be an Active Healthcare Provider
Enrollment for ACLS training in Arizona requires that you be an actively licensed or practicing healthcare professional in Arizona. Eligible roles include nurses, physicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other allied health providers. ACLS courses are not intended for the general public without medical training.
AHA-Approved Course Materials Required
Participants in Arizona ACLS certification must have the current AHA ACLS Provider Manual in print or eBook format. This material is required for course participation, skill review, and as a reference during both study and final testing.
Complete Precourse Work Before Class
For ACLS certification in Arizona, most AHA training providers require you to complete an online pre-course self-assessment and learning modules before class. You will also need proof in the form of a printed certificate or screenshot. It will be presented before participating in skills practice and final evaluations.
Read More: ACLS Certification California
7 Steps to Become ACLS Certified in Arizona
After fulfilling the eligibility criteria of Arizona, the next thing is getting the ACLS certification process done as per your schedule and conforming to the AHA guidelines. Choose the following steps for getting ACLS certification in Arizona:
Step 1: Check Your BLS Certification
Before enrolling in any ACLS course offered by Arizona providers, make sure your Basic Life Support certification is current.
Step 2. Choose an AHA-Authorized Training Center
Select an ACLS course provider in Arizona that is officially authorized by the AHA. This ensures your certification is valid for state licensing, recognized nationwide, and meets the latest AHA guidelines for advanced life support.
Step 3. Decide on Learning Format
In Arizona, you can choose between full in-person ACLS classes, fully online, or blended learning. Online is the best option for busy healthcare professionals. Pick the format that best matches your schedule, learning style, and work requirements.
Step 4. Register and Pay for Your Course
After deciding on your training provider and learning format, register online for the training. Be sure to register early since ACLS courses may become fast-selling in larger healthcare training centers in Arizona.
Step 5. Attend Skills Practice and Evaluation
While you can complete the coursework over the internet, there is a skills component for Arizona ACLS certification. Here, you will gain practice in advanced airway management, response to cardiac arrest, and team resuscitation skills with the supervision of an instructor.
Step 6. Pass the Final Exam
In order to become ACLS certified, you are required to pass the AHA written test, typically administered on the final day of your skills course. The examination tests the algorithms, drug orders, and emergency situations to ensure you are prepared for actual advanced care situations.
Step 7. Receive Your Certification Card
After passing the skills test and written test, you can receive your official AHA ACLS Provider eCard. Your certification is valid for two years and can be utilized in any healthcare facility throughout the state of Arizona as proof of your training in advanced life support.
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Cost of ACLS Certification in Arizona
Arizona prices are based on whether you choose an online, blended, or full in-person course. They may also vary based on taking it with other certifications or opting for one of the ACLS renewals in Arizona. Here is what’s included in the cost in 2025:
| ACLS Course Type | Estimated Cost Range |
| Two-day provider course ACLS with BLS | $150 |
| One-day renewal course ACLS with BLS | $125 |
| ACLS Renewal Instructor course | $150 |
Many Arizona hospitals, clinics, and EMS agencies offer full or partial reimbursement for ACLS certification, especially if it’s required for your role. Always confirm with your HR department or supervisor before paying out of pocket.
Why ACLSNow.com is the Top Choice For ACLS Certification?
When you are working in Arizona’s healthcare settings, ACLS certification isn’t just a credential. This is a necessity. ACLSNow.com makes earning it simple, accessible, and relevant to the emergencies you face here every day.
- With a fully online, self-paced format, you can work through 17 chapters of advanced cardiac care content at a time that fits your schedule.
- You will learn stroke recognition, airway management, ACLS algorithms for cardiac arrest and arrhythmias. The training is designed to help you respond decisively in real-world situations.
- Your course fee includes a free BLS class, six continuing education credits, and unlimited exam attempts. There’s no penalty for reviewing and retesting until you’re confident.
- The certification is valid for two years, and your provider card can be downloaded instantly, with the option to receive it by mail or print it yourself.
Read more: ACLS: A Complete Guide to Systems of Care
Get ACLS Certified Today in Arizona!
In Arizona, the need for advanced cardiac care skills is increasing day by day. As a healthcare professional, you must take measures to prevent deaths from sudden cardiac arrest. Getting ACLS certification in Arizona is one such step to stay prepared. However, you will consider some prerequisites and cost factors to come to a final decision. Always check your employer’s requirements and the format that fits well into your busy schedule.
So, if you want ot make an impact, enroll in an ACLS course in Arizona today. For the best value and flexibility, consider the ACLS + PALS + BLS combo. Certify on your schedule, at your pace, with training that meets the highest standards.
