ACLS recertification

To remain current, ACLS recertification is required every two years. The rationale for frequent recertification is to ensure each healthcare provider, be it a physician, nurse anesthestist, nurse practitioner or a med-surg nurse, is aware of the most up-to-date cardiac life support protocols. This is particularly important now since 2010 saw a major change in ACLS guidelines come out of the American Heart Association. Among the major changes are:

• Changes in the order of assessing a patient (no longer Airway-Breathing-Circulation).
• New chest compression guidelines.
• Use of quantitative capnography to monitor endotracheal tube placement.
• New medication protocols for ACLS
• Many more...

Online ACLS recertification makes the process relatively painless. Recertification programs, as opposed to ACLS certification programs, typically assume self-study and provide testing for the certificate. If you want a full-blown ACLS review course, you might look into the regular certification programs that walk you through the material online then test. Content of ACLS courses typically include cases and straightforward didactic material.

The ACLS recertification exam can also serve as continuing medical education for some professionals, but there are specific and strict requirements about when a passing score can yield continuing education credits. Examinees should consult with the specific online ACLS vendor for details about CE credits.