Table of Content
- Introduction
- Tips for Passing ACLS Skills Test
- Is ACLS Hard to Pass?
- Pass the ACLS Certification Exam in Your First Attempt
Introduction
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a set of procedures and skills used to treat life-threatening cardiovascular conditions. As a healthcare provider, you must obtain your ACLS certification or recertification to ensure you can promptly handle any emergency. This requires you to take the course and pass the exam to receive your certification. However, you must know how to pass the exam and become a certified professional. This guide will discuss how to pass ACLS, its studying tips, and other strategies in detail.
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Tips for Passing ACLS Skills Test
Basic life support (BLS) and ACLS training were held for ICU and Code Blue doctors in the United States to improve their response to medical emergencies. Following the training, the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) improved from 18.3% to 28.3%. Survival to discharge also increased, rising from 23.1% to 69.1%. These improvements highlight the importance of hands-on practice and continuous training in achieving ACLS certification.
Here are some common ACLS tips to help you prepare and pass the exam on your first attempt:
Take A Self-Guided Course
Self-paced ACLS courses allow you to personalize your learning experience. You can re-read the course material, rewatch lectures, and take breaks as needed to enhance your understanding.
This approach contrasts with in-person courses, where instructors focus on the collective learning pace of the class, often leaving individuals with alternative learning styles behind. A self-guided course ensures you can study for ACLS without hassle.
Use the ACLS Study Guides
Several current ACLS study guides are available with the course material. These guides have helped thousands of individuals studying for ACLS and pass the certification test. Never underestimate the importance of study guides, even if they seem repetitive. They can quickly highlight what you need to focus on to pass the exam.
Complete the ACLS Megacodes
ACLS megacodes are training exercises that simulate real-life cardiac emergencies to analyze a healthcare provider’s ability to manage medical situations. These megacodes help you learn how to study for ACLS by making you apply what you’ve learned in “real-life” digital scenarios. These exercises allow you to experience real-world cases and better retain skills and knowledge.
Some individuals who take online medical courses feel they miss out on the “hands-on” experience of physical classroom training. Megacodes help simulate that experience within a 100% online learning environment.
Study Algorithms
ACLS algorithms help reduce the need for high-pressure decision-making by standardizing your actions based on several science-backed best practices. You must memorize these algorithms to pass the ACLS test. The algorithms to check off your list in the ACLS course include adult cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndrome, adult suspected stroke algorithm, adult immediate post-cardiac arrest care, and more.
Once you’ve reviewed the course material, choose one to two algorithms to study. Memorize the steps and quiz yourself by covering the next step as you move through the algorithm.
Practice Recalling Precise Medications and Doses
The ACLS exam includes multiple-choice questions, often with closely related answer choices that make guessing difficult. Guesswork will not help with the medication portion of the test.
Some key medications to know include dopamine, epinephrine, atropine, lidocaine, and adenosine. Writing down information and creating physical flashcards can help. Later, you and a coworker can quiz each other in preparation for the ACLS certification exam.
Take the Practice Exam
This online ACLS practice or mock exam offers a sneak peek into your readiness without requiring you to commit to a full exam. It typically takes five or more hours and includes around ten quick questions. Repeatedly reviewing information in the same environment, such as at home or in the office, can cause your brain to lose focus. Change up your study routine by studying for a couple of hours in a park, coffee shop, or car.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Current research indicates that proper sleep strengthens your memory. It often improves “procedural memory,” which involves completing steps correctly, such as remembering the steps in an ACLS algorithm. Therefore, getting sound sleep while reviewing course materials and on test days is key to passing your ACLS certification exam.
Reduce Stress
Stress can impair one’s ability to recall information. To reduce stress, one can incorporate strategies such as eating a wholesome breakfast with healthy fats, going for a walk, lifting weights, or enjoying a yoga session.
Don’t Overdo Caffeine
A small amount of caffeine can enhance performance on the ACLS exam when consumed before the test. However, excessive caffeine intake can raise cortisol levels, increase your heart rate, and elevate your breathing rate, leading to heightened stress. Avoid consuming more caffeine than is suitable for you before taking the test.
Learning Basic ECGS
The ability to interpret and respond to electrocardiograms (ECGs) is a fundamental component of the ACLS exam. A patient’s heart rate and rhythm are helpful in situations requiring ACLS training. Improve your understanding by learning more about ECG. It is a test that records the electrical activity of the patient’s heart, including its rate and rhythm. Prior experience in ECG helps you contemplate how hard is ACLS.
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Is ACLS Hard to Pass?
The ACLS test can be challenging as it requires a thorough understanding of healthcare algorithms. However, with proper ACLS preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
Here are some test-taking strategies to help you succeed:
Answer the Easier Questions First
Don’t spend too much time on a single question. If you’re unsure of an answer, move on and return to it later. This is especially important if the exam has a time limit. Most online ACLS exams don’t have time restrictions, but getting stuck on one question can lead to frustration and stress. This may negatively impact your performance on the rest of the exam.
Take Your Time and Read All Questions
Slow down and carefully read each question during the ACLS exam. Misinterpreting a question can lead to selecting an incorrect answer. Ensure you fully comprehend every question before answering.
Relax
Studying the algorithms and medications for ACLS certification exams can feel overwhelming. Stay calm and trust that your preparation has equipped you for success. Take breaks during your preparation to recharge and maintain focus.
Pass the ACLS Certification Exam in Your First Attempt
Online ACLS certifications and recertifications are evidence-based, well-structured, and designed to enhance your knowledge as a healthcare professional. Passing the ACLS exam demonstrates your ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate Advanced Cardiac Life Support concepts. Follow the steps in this guide to learn how to pass ACLS on the first attempt. Enroll in a program authorized by recognized organizations in the United States to ensure access to accurate course material and up-to-date guidelines aligned with the latest ACLS protocols.
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