AHA PALS Course Information
This instructor led, classroom course uses a series of videos and simulated pediatric emergencies to reinforce the important concepts of a systematic approach to pediatric assessment, basic life support, PALS treatment algorithms, effective resuscitation, and team dynamics. The goal of the PALS Course is to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children, resulting in improved outcomes.
AHA PALS Course Target Audience
The AHA PALS Classroom Course is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children. This includes personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units, such as physicians, nurses, paramedics and others, who need a PALS course completion card for job or other requirements
AHA PALS Course Pre-Requisites
- Each participant is expected to have reviewed the information in the 2020 PALS Course Provider Manual prior to the course.
- It is MANDATORY that you complete the Precourse Self-Assessment & Precourse Work HERE (2.5 CME/CE provided) and identify any gaps in your knowledge, and remediate those gaps by studying the applicable content in the PALS Provider Manual or other supplementary resources.
NOTE: You MUST bring a printed copy of the completed Precourse Self-Assessment & the Precourse Work certificate for admittance to the course. - Participants who attend the course must have the basic knowledge and skills to participate actively with the instructor and other students. In most cases, no time will be spent on rhythm interpretation skills and/or pharmacology during the course. This information should be reviewed prior to attending the course.
- PALS participants are strongly encouraged to have a current Basic Life Support card, or at least proficiency in BLS when attending our 1-day Provider/Renewal course, though this is not required to attend the class. Participants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in BLS CPR skills repeatedly during the course.
- Find a class here.
Successful Completion
- Perform high-quality Child CPR AED and Infant CPR per AHA BLS recommendations.
- Differentiate between patients who do and do not require immediate intervention.
- Recognize cardiopulmonary arrest early and begin CPR within 10 seconds.
- Apply team dynamics.
- Differentiate between respiratory distress and failure.
- Perform early interventions for respiratory distress and failure.
- Differentiate between compensated and decompensated (hypotensive) shock.
- Perform early interventions for the treatment of shock.
- Differentiate between unstable and stable patients with arrhythmias.
- Describe clinical characteristics of instability in patients with arrhythmias.
- Implement post–cardiac arrest management.
- Pass the open-book written exam with a minimum score of 84% Course.
Completion Cards
The American Heart Association has transitioned to the use of “eCards”. These will be issued in all of our future course. For more information, please visit our eCard page.
Length and Description
- Our 1-day Provider/Renewal PALS course is for the first time or renewal attendee who has some experience in caring for the pediatric patient. Less time is spent in the practice settings and more emphasis is placed on pre-course knowledge and experience.
- Everyone is welcome to attend the 1-day Provider/Renewal PALS Course but they are expected to come prepared, especially if this is their first time. American Heart Association® Program Administration Manual guidelines: Who can attend the 1-day Provider/Renewal Course?
Continuing Education Credit
- Due to changes in the application process recently implemented by the Texas Nurses Association and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Continuing Education Credit is not available at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
- Respiratory Care Practitioners:
- Texas Medical Board (25 Texas Administrative Code ξ140.210):
(8) Successful completion of the initial course in advanced cardiac life-support, pediatric advanced life-support, the neonatal advanced life-support course, basic trauma life-support, or pre-hospital trauma life-support shall be credited on the basis of 12 clock hours. Recertification courses shall be credited for the number of hours actually completed during the recertification course, but shall not count for more than 12 hours.
- Texas Medical Board (25 Texas Administrative Code ξ140.210):
- Radiology Techs:
- Texas Medical Board (25 Texas Administrative Code ξ140.511):
(2)Successful completion or recertification in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course, basic cardiac life support course, or advanced cardiac life support course during the continuing education period. Such successful completion or recertification shall be limited to not more than:
(A) three hours credit during a renewal period for a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course or basic cardiac life support course; or
(B) 6 hours credit during a renewal period for an advanced cardiac life support course.
- Texas Medical Board (25 Texas Administrative Code ξ140.511):
- These rules may change at any time so please contact your appropriate boards for any updates.
Online E-Learning Option
- Blended learning is a combination of eLearning, in which a student completes part of the course in a self-directed manner, followed by a hands-on skills session.
- HeartCode® PALS is a self-directed, comprehensive eLearning program that uses eSimulation technology to allow students to assess and treat patients in virtual healthcare settings.
- HeartCode® PALS is designed for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies.
A.C.T.N.T. Healthcare Services offers the American Heart Association® Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Classroom Course anywhere in Texas.
PALS Course Products
Visit our PEDI Slide Chart page for more information on this award winning emergency reference tool.