ACLS Certified • FAQ

What is a Certified ACLS?

A certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) provider is an individual who has completed a course and passed an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in managing life-threatening cardiac emergencies. The certification is typically offered by organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross.

How to become certified in ACLS?

Here are the steps to become certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS):

• Meet the prerequisites: To be eligible for ACLS certification, you must typically have a current healthcare provider-level basic life support (BLS) certification, and meet other requirements such as having a valid healthcare license or certification.

• Find an approved provider: ACLS certification is typically offered through professional organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross. Find an approved provider in your area that offers the certification course.

• Attend the course: Attend the ACLS course offered by the approved provider. The course typically includes didactic instruction, hands-on training, and practice scenarios.

• Pass the written and practical exams: After completing the course, you will be required to pass both a written and a practical exam. The written exam will test your knowledge of the clinical guidelines and protocols, while the practical exam will test your hands-on skills.

• Receive your certification: After passing both the written and practical exams, you will receive a certification card and be considered ACLS certified. The certification is valid for two years, after which you will need to renew your certification by taking a renewal course or retake the full certification course.

It’s important to note that the certification process can vary depending on the certifying body, so it’s best to check the specific requirements and steps with the provider you choose. 

Why becoming ACLS certified?

Becoming certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) can provide several benefits for healthcare professionals, such as:

• Meeting job requirements: Many healthcare employers and organizations require their staff to have current ACLS certification, especially for those working in emergency medicine, critical care, and other high-acuity areas.
• Improving patient outcomes: By becoming ACLS certified, healthcare professionals gain the knowledge and skills to effectively manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.
• Staying current with best practices: ACLS certification courses are based on the latest scientific evidence and clinical guidelines, which helps healthcare professionals stay current with the best practices for managing cardiac emergencies.
• Enhancing professional development: By completing an ACLS course, healthcare professionals can expand their knowledge and skills, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement opportunities.
• Improving employability: Having an ACLS certification can make healthcare professionals more competitive in the job market, as it demonstrates to employers that they have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies.

Please note that this ACLS certification is a process that validates the knowledge and skills of the individual. It’s a demonstration that the individual has met certain standards and has gained certain expertise in this field.

What are the best ACLS certifying organizations?

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross are among the most widely recognized and respected organizations that offer Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.

• The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization that focuses on educating healthcare professionals and the public about heart health. The AHA offers a variety of courses, including ACLS, that are based on the latest scientific evidence and recommendations from leading experts in the field. Read more…

• The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education. They also offers ACLS certification courses, which include both didactic instruction and hands-on training. Read more…

Both AHA and American Red Cross ACLS certification is widely accepted by healthcare providers, hospitals, and other organizations.

Other organizations that offer ACLS certification include the National Healthcare Association, the National Safety Council and the Emergency Nurses Association.

Keep in mid that the certification process can vary depending on the certifying body, so it’s best to check the specific requirements and steps with the provider you choose.

Salary of a certified ACLS provider?

The salary of a certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) provider can vary depending on several factors such as their level of experience, job title, location, and employer. In the USA, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale, the average salary for healthcare professionals with ACLS certification can range from $40,000 to $150,000 or more per year.

For example, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for paramedics is $44,630, and for nurses is $75,510. Both of these professions commonly require ACLS certification.

Having an ACLS certification can increase the earning potential for healthcare professionals. For example, according to PayScale, nurses with ACLS certification have an average salary of $72,000, while nurses without the certification average $66,000.

Please note that the salary can also vary depending on the location, as cost of living and demand for professionals in certain areas can also impact the salary.

The salary information given here is an estimate for the US job market and not an exact amount. It’s best to research the salary range in your area and look at the specific requirements and qualifications of the position you’re applying for.

Is it worth becoming ACLS certified?

An Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification can be worth it for certain healthcare professionals, particularly those working in emergency medicine, critical care, and other areas where they may be called upon to manage life-threatening cardiac emergencies.

ACLS certification demonstrates a level of knowledge and skill in the management of cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies, which can be valuable in the workplace. It can also help healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes by effectively managing life-threatening cardiac emergencies.

Having an ACLS certification can open up new job opportunities or advancement in current job. It can also be a requirement for some jobs, or for working in certain facilities.

If you live in the US, it’s important to check if the certification is recognized by the state you’re working in, and by the employers you are targeting.

So, in short, becoming ACLS certified is worth it depending on your individual career goals and the requirements of your workplace. It can be worth it for some healthcare professionals, but not for others. It’s best to weigh the benefits and costs of certification and to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.