Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is a specialized training program for healthcare professionals managing cardiopulmonary emergencies, such as cardiac arrest and stroke. The program teaches advanced techniques, pharmacology, and team dynamics required to save lives during these events. The total time commitment for an ACLS certification class varies significantly based on whether the student is seeking initial certification, renewing an existing one, or using a blended-learning approach. The duration can range from a few hours to over two full days of instruction and testing.
Time Commitment for Initial ACLS Certification
The longest time investment is required for individuals pursuing their initial ACLS certification or those whose previous certification has lapsed significantly. This comprehensive training involves lectures, skill practice, and extensive testing, requiring substantial classroom time. A traditional, instructor-led initial course typically requires a commitment of approximately 10 to 16 hours, often scheduled over two full days.
This time is dedicated to mastering emergency cardiovascular care. Participants learn to recognize and manage various cardiac rhythms, practice airway management, and understand the proper use of emergency medications. The course culminates in a “megacode,” a simulated clinical scenario where the provider demonstrates command of all necessary skills and knowledge in a team environment. This extended format ensures new providers meet the proficiency standard for managing complex emergencies.
Duration of ACLS Renewal Courses
The time needed for an ACLS renewal course is substantially shorter than the initial certification. These abbreviated courses are designed for currently certified providers who are already proficient in the core concepts and skills. The prerequisite for renewal is typically a current or recently expired ACLS Provider card, confirming foundational knowledge.
An instructor-led renewal course generally takes between 4 and 8 hours to complete, often fitting into a single day. The focus shifts from comprehensive teaching to reviewing updates to the latest resuscitation guidelines. Time is spent on rapid-fire megacode scenarios and skills testing to confirm the provider’s continued competence in managing acute cardiovascular events.
How Blended Learning Affects Total Time
Blended learning, such as the American Heart Association’s (AHA) HeartCode ACLS program, significantly alters how total time is allocated. Blended learning splits the course into two main parts: a self-paced, online cognitive component and a hands-on, in-person skills session.
The online portion utilizes adaptive learning technology, meaning the time varies based on the student’s pre-existing knowledge. This self-directed module covers core knowledge, algorithms, and pharmacology through interactive activities and virtual patient cases, often taking around 6 to 8 hours to complete.
After finishing the online component, the student attends a much shorter, in-person session for skills practice and testing. This session can last as little as 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the training center. This separation allows providers to manage their schedules more efficiently by replacing long classroom hours with flexible online study.