Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Course

BLS, ACLS, and PALS classes are currently limited to UT Medical Center Team Members only.

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course is totally redesigned for healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the resuscitation of a patient in or out of a hospital. Through the ACLS course, providers will enhance their skills in the treatment of the adult victims of a cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies. ACLS emphasizes the importance of basic life support CPR to patient survival; the integration of effective basic life support with advanced cardiovascular life support interventions; and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation.

ACLS is based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands-on participation through learning stations where students will practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as a team leader. Realistic simulations reinforce the following key concepts: proficiency in basic life support care; recognizing and initiating early management of peri-arrest conditions; managing cardiac arrest; identifying and treating ischemic chest pain and acute coronary syndromes; recognizing other life-threatening clinical situations (such as stroke) and providing initial care; ACLS algorithms; and effective resuscitation team dynamics.

Course Length

Renewal/Retrain – 8 contact hours
Initial Provider – 16 contact hours

Intended Audience

For emergency physicians, family physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers who initiate and direct advanced life support in emergencies.

Student Materials

• ACLS Provider Manual
• ACLS Online Pre-test (required)
• ACLS Precourse Checklist (required)
• ACLS Pocket Reference Cards

Card Type

ACLS Provider Card

Written/Skills Exam

Required for completion card

The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in CPR and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA materials, do not represent income to the association.