Understanding the difference between an AHA PALS Certification and a fully online PALS Certification will help determine which option is right for you.
If you are one of the many healthcare providers who need to obtain and update their Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification every two years, it is important to know what you are looking for. For years, the American Heart Association (AHA) has been considered the standard in this field. The AHA PALS Guidelines are updated every few years, most recently in 2015, and AHA PALS Courses can be completed at various locations across the country.
Some hospitals and other institutions whose employees must be PALS certified specifically require an AHA PALS Certification – meaning it must come directly from an AHA-approved PALS course. If you are one of the individuals who face these requirements, unfortunately, an entirely online PALS Certification is not an option for you. While you are able to complete a portion of the AHA PALS Certification online, you are also required to complete an in-person, hands-on skills assessment in order to successfully pass the course and become AHA PALS Certified.
So, the short answer to the question is no – there are no entirely online AHA PALS Certifications. That being said, although some healthcare professionals are unable to use a 100% online course, this does not mean online PALS certifications are not valid options for many others.
Online courses are simply an alternative to the AHA’s PALS course, and each year, tens of thousands of professionals complete their PALS certification through an accredited online course. In a number of ways, an online PALS certification is a much better option for those who are not explicitly required to obtain an AHA PALS card.
If you are not required to take an AHA course and need to complete your PALS Certification or PALS Recertification quickly, sign up today by selecting the button below that corresponds with the course you need. If you still have any questions, we invite you to visit our FAQ page or contact our Support Team.