Who is required to have acls

The course takes from 10 to 12 hours for health care workers pursuing ACLS certification for the first time. Medical professionals who are renewing their certification typically require six hours of class time. The cost of the course and the materials needed vary by training center or instructor.

The former is an online instructional program that allows trainees to work at their own pace while they serve patients in virtual healthcare settings, the AHA states.

The program uses eSimulation technology. The latter course aims to better outcomes in complicated cardiovascular, respiratory and related emergencies by augmenting the basic ACLS standards.

According to the AHA, ACLS courses are designed for health care professionals — primarily those who work in hospitals — who participate in or direct the management of cardiovascular emergencies. Physicians are sometimes required to have ACLS certification depending upon their specialty and their employer.

For example, Indiana University Hospital provides a detailed table that lists the certifications required by the facilities in their system, considering how often the physician uses sedation with patients. Physicians are often covered by other certifications that are more advanced than ACLS.

The ACLS course teaches health care professionals to recognize and manage early respiratory, cardiac arrest and peri-arrest symptoms, including symptomatic bradycardia, airway management, stroke intervention, pharmacology associated with ACLS and effective team member communication. The ACLS EP course presents case scenarios and encourages class participants to use critical thinking to make decisions on what steps to take in each situation.

ACLS methods are a product of this ongoing commitment to optimum patient care. Most employers in the medical arena require ACLS certification as a condition of employment. This ensures that all employees are properly trained and remain abreast of any and all changes, improvements and advances in the care and treatment of cardiac patients.

Thankfully, nurses and other health care professionals who are required to obtain this certification can do so on their own time with convenient online options.

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