Table of Contents:
- What is ACLS Certification?
- How Long to Complete ACLS Online?
- What is the ACLS Final Exam Passing Score?
- What is the ACLS Recertification Timeline?
- Know the ACLS Completion Time Before Getting Certified
- FAQs
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is an important course that teaches you to handle cardiac emergencies like heart attacks. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 378.7 individuals per 100,000 population experienced cardiac arrest in the U.S. This underscores the need for more professionals to enroll in the certification. This also requires you to know the ACLS online course duration and pass score so that it doesn’t affect your working hours.
This also helps you plan your training and ensures you are fully prepared to meet the required passing criteria. Now let’s discuss how long ACLS takes and its pass score in detail in this guide.
What is ACLS Certification?
ACLS certification is for healthcare professionals who manage medical emergencies, such as stroke, cardiovascular arrest, and acute coronary syndromes. The course specifically builds on Basic Life Support (BLS) skills and teaches advanced life support knowledge, such as:
- Chest compressions
- Using a bag-mask device to provide oxygen
- Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Recognizing and managing respiratory issues and cardiac arrest
- Recognizing and managing peri-arrest conditions
- Related pharmacology
This certification is essential for doctors, paramedics, nurses, and other healthcare workers in intensive care units, emergency rooms, and ambulances. It ensures that these healthcare professionals act quickly in urgent situations, which greatly increases the chances of a patient’s survival.
ACLS courses cover both learning the theory and practicing skills, so you are ready to handle tough medical emergencies with confidence.
What Are the Components of ACLS Certification?
ACLS includes several advanced procedures and techniques. It easily teaches you how to handle heart and breathing emergencies. Here is a list of the main components of ACLS certification:
- Basic Life Support (BLS): It usually focuses on quality CPR techniques and AED usage to restart the patient’s heart.
- Airway Management: This helps ensure the airway is open, especially with the help of intubation or special airway devices.
- Ventilation Support: It provides oxygen with the help of a bag-valve-mask or special ventilators.
- Heart Monitoring: This allows you to track the rhythm of the heart using an ECG to spot irregularities and guide treatment.
- Defibrillation: The tool generally restores a person’s normal heart rhythm with electric shock, especially in cases of dangerous arrhythmias.
- Medications: This includes drugs like amiodarone or epinephrine to treat heart rhythm issues or improve circulation.
- Post-Resuscitation Care: It helps the patient’s heart beat again after stabilizing it to manage blood flow and temperature.
Read More: Resuscitation Triangle Team Roles in ACLS
What Influences ACLS Duration?
- The training format
- Your prior experience
- Your learning pace
- Initial certification or recertification
How Long to Complete ACLS Online?
The ACLS course usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. However, several factors may affect the timeline across training platforms, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the course duration.
One of the most preferred and flexible ways is to complete ACLS completely online. It allows you to complete the course at your own pace without compromising with your working schedule.
What is the ACLS Final Exam Passing Score?
The ACLS course requires a mandatory Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work, and the minimum passing score is at least 70%. You may take the self-assessment as many times as needed. However, you must bring your Certificate of Completion to the ACLS class or email it in advance.
You may also use the manual, study guides, handouts, and personal notes when answering the AHA ACLS test questions. Using the ACLS Provider Manual ahead of time with the online resources can help you pass the exam on your first attempt.
Read More: Study Guide To Body Systems: ACLS Certification Resource
What is the ACLS Recertification Timeline?
Upon successful completion of the course, you receive an ACLS provider card, which is valid for two years. This means you will be required to recertify your course before the expiration date. The update course requires 3 to 4 hours with breaks.
You must also know when your ACLS certification expires and opt for a refresher course as soon as possible. Always check if there is any grace period for renewal.
- Review Your ACLS Card: Check your ACLS certification card before it nears its expiry date to avoid any hurdles in the future.
- Sign In to Certification Portal: Visit the official website of your training provider to access your online account.
- Contact Certifying Body: Contact the training provider that issued your ACLS certification for further confirmation.
- Check Employer Records: You can also contact your supervisor or HR department for your certification details.
- Review Renewal Guidelines: Ask your training provider to give you more information on the ACLS online course duration and pass score.
- Update Your Records: You must always maintain your qualifications and inform your employer about the recertification process.
Know the ACLS Completion Time Before Getting Certified
You may not have enough time for other activities besides your regular work as a healthcare professional. This is why you need to know the ACLS online course duration and pass score before getting certified. Since the online course does not take much time, it offers you the flexibility to complete your certification at your convenience. The ACLS certification by ACLSNow.com is an excellent choice for those who want to get certified. It includes a free BLS course and also has an option for recertification. So, why wait? Get certified now.
FAQs
1. Can I take ACLS and BLS on the same day?
Yes, you can take both ACLS and BLS training together, especially if you have pursued the courses online. This mostly becomes possible if you are already familiar with the course content. However, make sure that you allocate enough time for the ACLS online course duration and pass score.
2. Does ACLS recertification take less time than the initial certification?
ACLS recertification is much faster and more focused than the initial course. While initial certification may take up to 10 hours, recertification usually takes 4 to 6 hours. However, this depends on your experience and how recently you last completed the ACLS course.
3. How is the validity of the ACLS provider card?
The ACLS provider card is usually valid for two years from the date of issue. You will need to recertify before the expiration date to maintain active certification. This is possible by completing an approved ACLS renewal course.
4. How can I get my ACLS certificate quickly?
Approach a training provider that offers a 100 per cent online ACLS course. This allows you to complete the program and download your certification card the same day. If you are prepared, you can study, test, and get certified within a few hours.
5. What is the ACLS course difficulty level?
The ACLS course is considered difficult, especially for those who are not in the medical field. The certification builds upon basic life support skills with more advanced, complex knowledge.
