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Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

Nova Southeastern University's Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course for healthcare and pre-hospital providers is designed for individuals who respond to cardiovascular emergencies in and out of the hospital.  Our ACLS course highlights the importance of team dynamics and communication, systems of care, and immediate post-cardiac arrest care.  In addition, the course also covers airway management and related pharmacology.  All participants will be monitored by NSU instructors and given feedback throughout the course.

Upon successful completion of the ACLS course, participants will be issued a 2 year American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS provider card.

Course Concepts:

NSU's advanced cardiac life support course covers the following topics:

  • Basic life support skills, including effective chest compressions, use of a bag-mask device and use of an AED
  • Recognition of early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest
  • Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia
  • Airway management
  • Related pharmacology
  • Management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stroke
  • Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team

Who is Eligible for the Course?:

Our ACLS course is designed for healthcare and pre-hospital providers who participate or direct in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest and other cardiac emergencies.  Past course participants have included:

  • Nurses
  • Paramedics
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Students
  • Emergency and Intensive Care Unit Workers

If you need your ACLS certification ASAP or if you just don't have enough time to attend a full class our AHA blended course format may be the best option for you. The blended course format is recommended for ACLS re-certification.  If initial certification is needed please see our in-person course listings. 

In the blended course format, participants learn the concepts of ACLS in an online eLearning format to be completed at their own pace.  Upon successful completion of the eLearning section, participants can then schedule an appointment with NSU's Division of EMS Education & Training to demonstrate their knowledge and skills with a NSU instructor. 

Participants will receive the same AHA ACLS course completion card as our in-person course upon successful completion of both the online eLearning and in-person skill evaluation.

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