A PALS Certification is very important for all nurses who will be working with children. In addition to obtaining a BLS certification, most employers will require that a PALS certification course is completed within 6 months of being hired.
Fortunately, the modern era makes obtaining a PALS certification easier than ever before. In fact, by working online, you can become completely certified by the end of the day and immediately receive a digital copy of your certification.
A PALS certification, while structurally similar to an ACLS certification, offers a unique focus on treating children and infants who are experiencing cardiac arrest and other life-threatening situations. Reviewing the material and carefully understanding the unique dynamics of administering care to infants and children can potentially save a life.
In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions that nurses have about a PALS certification.
Table of Contents
- Who Needs to Complete a PALS Certification?
- What Will Be Covered on the PALS Exam?
- How Can I Best Prepare to Pass the PALS Exam?
- How Often Do I Need to Renew my PALS Certification?
- How Much Does a PALS Certification Typically Cost?
- How Can I Reduce the Cost of a PALS Certification?
- Does a PALS Certification Include a BLS Certification?
- How Many CME Credits Do PALS Certification Courses Provide?
- Do Most Hospitals Accept Online PALS Certifications?
- What Are the Benefits of Completing a PALS Certification Online?
Who Needs to Complete a PALS Certification?
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is required for all nurses that work with pediatric patients. This includes both infants and children (anyone under 18 years old). A PALS certification may also be required for some individuals working with children in non-medical settings, such as teachers, coaches, and lifeguards. If you are unsure whether you need to obtain a PALS certification, speak directly with your employer. Additionally, all nurses will likely need to obtain a BLS certification, whether they are working with children or not. Bundling both of these certifications together can help you save money.
What Will Be Covered on the PALS Exam?
PALS courses are designed to prepare pediatric nurses to act in a variety of situations. Topics such as administering child and infant CPR, using a child AED, recognizing cardiac emergencies and other emergencies, and administering shock treatment will all be covered. Additionally, recognizing arrhythmias, identifying respiratory distress, and working as a team will all be very important.
How Can I Best Prepare to Pass the PALS Exam?
The PALS certification exam is passed by the majority of nurses who take it, but you will still want to take the time to review all relevant material. Using flashcards, reviewing in groups, and making a list of PALS algorithms will all be useful strategies. eMedCert provides 80 pages of interactive material, along with over 50 self-assessment questions to help you prepare even further.
How Often Do I Need to Renew my PALS Certification?
A PALS certification, like a BLS certification and ACLS certification, will need to be completed every two years. Even if you have been working as a pediatric nurse for decades, a PALS certification will still need to be renewed on a regular basis. Fortunately, a PALS recertification requires less time and is more affordable than the original course.
Related Article: What To Do When Your PALS Certification Has Expired
How Much Does a PALS Certification Typically Cost?
The cost of a PALS certification will vary by provider, but at eMedCert, certifications can be obtained for the low price of $169. PALS recertification courses, which are less time-consuming and provide fewer CME credits, cost $119. If your certification is not accepted by your employer (which is rarely the case), you will be entitled to a full refund.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of a PALS Certification?
There are a few ways you can reduce the cost of a PALS certification. By choosing to get certified online, rather than in person, you will likely be able to save $100 or even more. Furthermore, bundling a PALS certification or recertification along with other needed courses, such as ACLS and BLS, can help you save even further. At eMedCert, when all three courses are bundled together, you will receive your BLS course for free.
Please visit our Bundle Page for more information on our ACLS, PALS, and BLS Bundles
Does a PALS Certification Include a BLS Certification?
Though a PALS certification covers some of the topics included in a typical BLS course, a PALS certification does not equal a BLS certification. In most cases, pediatric nurses will need to complete both of these courses.
How Many CME Credits Do PALS Certification Courses Provide?
Nurses and other medical professionals will need to obtain continuing medical education (CME) credits every year or, in some cases, every other year. The timeline and credit requirements that apply to you will depend on your employer and the type of work you are doing. For pediatric nurses, completing a PALS certification will provide 8 CME credits. A PALS recertification, on the other hand, provides 4 CME credits.
For more information on the continuing education offered for all eMedCert courses, please see our Continuing Education page.
Do Most Hospitals Accept Online PALS Certifications?
One of the reasons some people are hesitant to pursue a PALS certification online is they are worried their certification will not be accepted. However, both in the United States and around the world, many hospitals do currently accept online certifications. Digital proof of completion will be delivered immediately following the exam and a physical card will arrive in the mail a few business days later. If you are unsure whether your hospital accepts online certifications, be sure to clarify with your employer in advance. In the rare event that your card is rejected, eMedCert offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
Related Article: Are Online PALS Certification AHA Approved?
What Are the Benefits of Completing a PALS Certification Online?
There are many benefits that can come from receiving your PALS certification online. In addition to being able to work at your own pace, reviewing the material and completing the exam as needed, you will also be able to work from the comfort of your own home. Furthermore, these courses can usually be completed in less time and will also cost less money. Unsurprisingly, a growing portion of nurses and other professionals choose to complete their PALS certification entirely online.
Related Article: 7 Benefits Of Getting Your PALS Recertification Online
Conclusion
Obtaining and maintaining a PALS certification will not only be necessary for remaining in good standing as an employee, but this certification will also ensure you can effectively care for children and infants experiencing life-threatening events. Online PALS certification courses are a valid option for most nurses and are easier to access than ever before.