Advanced Cardiac Life Support
(ACLS)
Provider Course
Course Length: 16 Hours Syllabus (PDF)
Tuition:             $200.00 + cost of book if needed ($28.50) Schedule
Location:           NHSHP Application (PDF)

Intended Audience

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider Course is designed for healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the resuscitation of a patient, whether in or out of hospital and have not recently held ACLS certification.

Course Introduction

In this course you will enhance your skills in the treatment of arrest and peri-arrest patients through active participation in a series of simulated cardiopulmonary cases. These simulations are designed to reinforce important concepts, including
  • Identification and treatment of medical conditions that place the patient at risk for cardiac arrest
  • The Basic Life Support (BLS) Primary Survey
  • The ACLS Secondary Survey
  • ACLS algorithms
  • Effective resuscitation team dynamics

The goal of the ACLS Provider Course is to improve the quality of care provided to the adult victim of cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
  • Recognize and initiate early management of peri-arrest conditions that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome
  • Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and integrating AED use
  • Manage cardiac arrest until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), termination of resuscitation, or transfer of care
  • Identify and treat ischemic chest pain and expedite the care of patients with acute coronary syndromes
  • Recognize other life-threatening clinical situations, such as stroke, and provide effective initial care and transfer to reduce disability and death
  • Demonstrate effective communication as a member or leader of a resuscitation team and recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance

Course Description

To help you achieve these objectives, the ACLS Provider Course includes practice learning stations and a Megacode testing station. The practice learning stations give you an opportunity to actively participate in a variety of learning activities, including:
  • Simulated clinical scenarios
  • Demonstrations by instructors or video
  • Discussion and role playing
  • Practice in effective resuscitation team behaviors

In these learning stations you will practice essential skills both individually and as part of a team. This course emphasizes effective team skills as a vital part of the resuscitative effort. You will receive training in effective team behaviors and have the opportunity to practice as a team member and a team leader.

At the end of the course you will participate in a Megacode testing station to validate your achievement of the course objectives. A simulated cardiac arrest scenario will test the following:

  • Knowledge of core case material and skills
  • Knowledge of algorithms
  • Understanding of arrhythmia interpretation
  • Use of appropriate ACLS drug therapy
  • Performance as an effective team leader

Course Prerequisites and Preparation

The ACLS Provider Course is limited to healthcare providers who either will direct or participate in the resuscitation of a patient, either in or out of hospital. Participants who enter the course must have the basic knowledge and skills to actively participate with the instructors and other students in course activities. The following knowledge and skills are required for course success:
  • BLS skills
  • ECG rhythm interpretation for core ACLS rhythms
  • Basic ACLS drug and pharmacology knowledge
  • Practical application of ACLS rhythms and drugs
  • Effective resuscitation team concepts

Requirements for Successful Course Completion

To successfully complete the ACLS Provider Course and obtain your certification card, you must do the following:
  • Pass the 1-rescuer CPR/AED testing station
  • Participate, practice, and complete all learning stations
  • Pass the Megacode testing station
  • Pass the closed-book written exam with a minimum score of 84%

Schedule


     

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