Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a comprehensive course to teach learners how to respond to cardiorespiratory emergencies using the systematic ACLS approach. ACLS provider candidates will learn, then practice, the key skills of basic and advanced cardiac life support. These daily skills are then evaluated during the ACLS Provider and Renewal courses.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider is a two-day course. The Provider Course is required for initial ACLS recognition and is valid for 2 years.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Renewal is a 1-day course. Current ACLS Provider status is required, and renewal is valid for 2 years.

Suggested Audience

Prerequisite for attending an ACLS provider course is to be a "currently active" healthcare provider. Healthcare providers (medical, nursing, paramedical, or allied health personnel) are those whose daily occupation or volunteer activities demand proficiency in the knowledge and skills of ACLS. Attendees also need to have current Basic Life Support certification using the 2005 guidelines. 

Learning Objectives

After completion of this course the participant should be able to successfully demonstrate management of the first 10 minutes of VF arrest appropriate for his or her professional role. At a minimum, this successful management is determined by performance during case scenarios and specifically by: 

  • Successful demonstration of adult CPR skills and use of the AED.

  • Achievement of a satisfactory score on the written examination.

  • Recognizing management priorities for the adult with respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, cardiac dysrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, and acute stroke.

Course Requirements

Advanced study of course materials is required to successfully complete the ACLS course.

It is strongly recommended to have completed a basic cardiology course before taking ACLS for the first time. Blessing Hospital offers an ACLS Precourse. Call Educational Services at (217) 223-8400, ext. 4830 to register. There will be an EKG monitor strip test for new and expired ACLS participants.

Registration and Course Fees

Due to the nature of this course, enrollment is limited. Registration fees are as follows: 

2-Day Provider Course: $185.00 (includes book fee)*

1-Day Renewal Course: $95.00 (includes book fee)*

Health Care Provider (BLS) Course: $51.00 (includes book fee)*

*Discounts may apply for certain Blessing affiliates; call Educational Services at (217) 223-8400, ext. 4830, to see if these are available.

Registration fee must be submitted with the registration form. Consider yourself confirmed unless otherwise notified. Detailed course material will be sent after receipt of your registration and tuition.

If you require special accommodations call (217) 223-8400, ext. 4830, at least one week before the course