Acls and Pals classes online

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shanederosier

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Has anyone taken acls or pals classes online and you have what is a good class to take
Thanks
 
I took a PALS class earlier in the year for part of my paramedic recert. The "class" was very brief and completely oriented around the written test. Be careful, AHA guidelines state that you need a practical exam as well and while the online class is cheaper, usually doesn't offer the practical portion with it. Bottom line is I'll be taking an AHA approved PALS class again this month. If you are just taking the online for an employer that doesn't care how you get it,probably doesn't matter. If you are taking it for a registry cert or for a pre-req, be careful.
 
As an instructor I have had a lot of problems with people taking the online class.

After taking the online class, the "student" needs to come in and take the practical test.

They often have no idea how to go about doing that and flub it pretty bad.

Part of the class is really rehersal, and builds confidence. While the online is good enough to cover the info needed, is does not impart ability to run a code in the AHA format.

I try to be as enabling to students as is humanly possible, but there is a line that has to be met, and it often takes a fail (needs remediation) and a retest in order to meet it from those taking the online class.

My suggestion, especially with the new guidlines, Don't.
 
I have taken the ACLS online/CD course, and I like it. Have not dealt with the PALS one.

I took the HeartCode version 2 years ago, and it made life very easy, but here are some pros/cons that I had:

It took me several practice rounds to see what I could and could not do with the software, learning shortcuts and how it was structured. They gave ample time for this. I can see this being frustrating to many... as it was for me at first.
I did not agree with some of the final rationales and made me want to argue... didn't work. But I got over that.
For a provider who has taken ACLS every 2 years since the 80's, it was nice not to sit in class listening to much of the same stuff. Tell me the changes, and get on with the show is my thoughts.

A quick trip to the AHA training site and did my practicals. It does not get much easier than that. The best $120 I spent.

Now... I would not suggest this for a first timer. But for recerting when your schedule does not mesh up with a real class... and you are getting close to expiration... definitely a great back up for us multi-recert heads.

Now the question is.... do I cough up the money for another round? Or attend a free class a several months early on my own time, wasting another precious day off?

:-/
 
MasterIntubator said:
I have taken the ACLS online/CD course, and I like it. Have not dealt with the PALS one.

I took the HeartCode version 2 years ago, and it made life very easy, but here are some pros/cons that I had:

It took me several practice rounds to see what I could and could not do with the software, learning shortcuts and how it was structured. They gave ample time for this. I can see this being frustrating to many... as it was for me at first.
I did not agree with some of the final rationales and made me want to argue... didn't work. But I got over that.
For a provider who has taken ACLS every 2 years since the 80's, it was nice not to sit in class listening to much of the same stuff. Tell me the changes, and get on with the show is my thoughts.

A quick trip to the AHA training site and did my practicals. It does not get much easier than that. The best $120 I spent.

Now... I would not suggest this for a first timer. But for recerting when your schedule does not mesh up with a real class... and you are getting close to expiration... definitely a great back up for us multi-recert heads.

Now the question is.... do I cough up the money for another round? Or attend a free class a several months early on my own time, wasting another precious day off?

:-/
Click to expand...

I agree, but only in a February-before-your-registry-expires pinch.

It is HARD to get into a mid-winter ACLS class.
 
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