American Heart Association Courses

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider (Original)
This course is directed to healthcare professionals who respond to patients in cardiac arrest. The course covers advanced skills in airway management, use of manual and automated defibrillators, management of cardiac arrest and management of post-cardiac arrest patients. Students should be able to read basic EKG's (Lead II), and have a current Basic Life Support CPR card. There is a written and skills evaluation with this course. The course length varies according to the student population. Generally 16 hours is scheduled. However, additional time can be added to insure that students are successful. Students receive the ACLS textbook and handouts prior to the beginning of the course. There is a pre-test sent to students to assist them in studying for this course. Course completion cards are valid for two years.

ACLS Refresher
The ACLS case scenarios are reviewed and practiced. Students are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the 10 core scenarios. There is a written and skills evaluation. Everyone is required to purchase the book. The course length varies according to the proficiency of the student. Generally 8 hours are scheduled. Students have the option of refreshing by attending an original course or they can attend a one day refresher course. Students must show their current or expired ACLS provider card and a current BLS provider card.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor
Prerequisites for this course include a current BLS for Healthcare provider card and a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider card. Students must also have a letter of recommendation from an ACLS instructor recognizing their potential as an ACLS instructor. Skills, equipment, instruction, presentation skills and administration are covered in this 16 hour course. There is a prescreening requirement.