Many people are unsure which certification they need, depending on their job role, employer’s policy, or healthcare setting. The differences between certifications like Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support can sometimes become vague because each course targets a different skill level and patient population. Let’s discuss the difference between ACLS and CPR certifications in this article.
What Does ACLS Stand For in Medical Field?
ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, a specialized course for healthcare providers that trains them to recognize and treat cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular events. It is designed to teach healthcare providers the skills and knowledge needed to recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The ACLS course also covers topics such as airway management, resuscitation techniques, pharmacology, and team dynamics.
What is Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification?
ACLS is a certification course for emergency medical personnel or healthcare professionals caring for critically ill patients. The course focuses on people in the hospital setting, such as workers in the Emergency Room or Critical Care Unit, because they will be required to have this certification. However, medical-surgical nurses may not be required but are highly encouraged to take an Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification course because they may encounter cardiac emergencies unexpectedly. According to the American Heart Association website, healthcare professionals that take ACLS will learn the following:
- Review of Basic Life Support skills
- Recognition and early management of respiratory arrest and cardiopulmonary arrest
- Management of peri-arrest, such as symptomatic bradycardia
- Airway management, including intubation and bag valve mask
- Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes and Stroke
- Related pharmacology
- Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team
Also Read- PALS VS ACLS – What Are The Significant Differences?
What is CPR Certification?
A CPR Certification training program teaches you how to perform chest compression with artificial ventilation to preserve brain function and other vital organs until emergency medical personnel can take over to provide advanced treatment. Obtaining just the CPR certification doesn’t require a minimum education level. CPR Certification meets the needs of workplace responders, emergency rescuers, healthcare providers, and the general public, with advanced modules available for medical professionals. CPR Certification course for healthcare providers covers the following skills:
- Cardiac arrest recognition
- Checking for breathing responsiveness
- Calling Emergency Medical Services or 911
- Head tilt, chin lift method
- Clearing the obstructed airway
- Hands-only CPR
- Delivering two rescue breathing and 30 chest compressions at a proper rate and depth
- Delivering electric shocks via AED or Automated External Defibrillation
What’s the Difference Between ACLS and CPR Certification Courses?
Advanced Cardiac Life Support and CPR certification focus on the proper techniques to save lives during cardiac arrest. But they differ in the level of advancement.
Course Content:
CPR and First Aid Certification is the foundation of your knowledge. It teaches all about the basics of CPR, such as effective chest compression, use of an Automated External Defibrillator, how to treat choking, burns, etc. CPR is a lifesaving skill you would use outside of a hospital, such as in schools, gyms, or public areas before EMS arrives, while Advanced Cardiac Life Support is geared towards professionals who participate in the management of cardiovascular emergencies.
ACLS teaches personnel in emergency response and healthcare professionals how to use a defibrillator properly but also includes learning to read and understand ECGs and emergency-scenario algorithms to follow. In addition, the course covers teaching about how to properly administer medication (oral or intravenous, for example). Other covered topics are how to use intubation materials, glucose machines, and cardiac monitors.
Audience:
Since most CPR Certification courses teach basic skills, the person performing them is not always a trained medical professional. Courses are commonly taken by yoga teachers, babysitters, fitness instructors, and workplace employees. You don’t have to be a healthcare provider to get CPR certification. Anyone can get it, whatever profession you have. Although most medical professionals are required to take this course, it’s open to the general public. If you work with people daily, it can be a beneficial skill to have. On the other hand, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification is designed for and taught explicitly to healthcare professionals.
Time Needed:
ACLS certification draws on a wide range of technical knowledge, including ECG interpretation, drug administration, and rhythm management. The course typically lasts two long days due to the training material covered. However, as with CPR certification, it includes several learning methods, and you can complete it in just a few hours.
Take Free CPR, AED & First Aid Practice Test and prepare yourself for the official certification exam.
How To Get ACLS Certification?
Most hospitals and emergency services within the United States require through the American Heart Association. But there are several ways to obtain AHA-approved ACLS certification.
Attending a local class is the safest way to obtain ACLS certification. The cost of the course usually ranges from $ 150-200. Many U.S. hospitals and EMS agencies prefer AHA-approved ACLS certification, but acceptance policies vary based on the employer, state regulations, or accreditation body. Some facilities also recognize American Red Cross ALS/ACLS cards. Always confirm with your employer or credentialing body.
The American Heart Association’s ACLS course typically takes 10–15 hours for instructor-led training or a blended format using HeartCode ACLS plus a required hands-on skills session. A fully self-paced online-only ACLS course does not qualify for an official AHA card.
Also Read- ACLS vs. BLS: What Are the Key Differences?
Where Can You Take CPR and ACLS Certifications?
The American Heart Association and American Red Cross are two major certifying organizations for basic and advanced life support that hospitals and other healthcare organizations accept. The American Heart Association is a research-based organization that encourages learning about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation through its research. The American Red Cross and CPR Select develops its own courses based on the latest ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation) science and ARC guidelines, which align with the same evidence used by the AHA.
Learn the difference between CPR certification vs BLS. At CPR Select, we provide different types of online certifications in CPR training, First Aid, and Basic Life Support to meet your level of need. We also adhere to the American Heart Association and Emergency Cardiovascular Care guidelines. After successful completion, you will receive your CPR provider card or certification card instantly.
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