Looking for an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional life support certification courses? Learn why taking an online medical certification course is becoming increasingly popular.
Online medical certification courses have become popular amongst healthcare providers looking for a convenient and flexible alternative to classroom-based courses. In the past, earning Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required providers to attend in-person classes led by an instructor.
In addition to the completion of the initial course, providers are required to take a recertification course every two years to retain certification. Keeping up with these courses can become stressful, especially for those who are already under a great deal of pressure. Many medical professionals are searching for more flexible alternatives to these traditional courses.
Luckily, an increasing number of medical institutions now allow employees to complete online medical certification courses. Here are the top 10 reasons why online certification might be the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
1. Self-Paced Courses
Online medical certification courses are very popular among those who do not perform well in long-form classroom-based courses and exams. Because online courses are self-paced, you’ll be afforded the flexibility to work at the times and locations that are most convenient for you. Virtual courses also allow you to take breaks, spend less time studying information you’ve already learned, and relieve the pressure of completing a timed exam. Sources even suggest that online courses lead to higher success rates and retention.
2. Cost-Savings
The cost-efficiency of completing life support certifications online compared to traditional in-person classes is a huge draw for young medical professionals who are already saddled with student loan debt. Traditional courses can cost up to $300 for the initial course and $200 for recertifications. Some courses also require students to purchase $50 provider manuals.
Comparatively, completing the initial course and exam through eMedCert is a more affordable option. BLS courses cost $90 while ACLS and PALS courses cost $169 each, including study materials and learning resources. When your certification expires after two years, earning your recertification will cost $60-$119. Applying for group certifications — something that many employers will encourage and possibly even cover — can further increase savings. Bundling your ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications can also help you save nearly $100 on initial medical certifications.
3. Faster Completion Time
Traditional instructor-led certification courses can take anywhere from 12-18 hours, while online courses can be completed in about 4-5 hours depending on your work pace. The exact time it will take to complete your online certification will vary from person to person, but you’ll spend considerably less time than you will spend when taking an in-person equivalent. In fact, saving time is one of the most commonly cited reasons for choosing to complete the exam online.
4. Covid-Friendly Option
Upon the onset of COVID-19, most in-person life support certification courses were canceled, causing healthcare providers to either postpone their certification or take their courses online. Because medical professionals are likely working around high-risk individuals, taking extra measures to social distance is crucial.
Having to postpone your medical certifications due to unforeseen circumstances can throw a huge wrench in the advancement of your healthcare career. By choosing to take online medical certifications, you can practice social distancing and avoid any potential delays.
5. Unlimited Exam Retakes
You can start your certification exam at any time after completing the sections of the course accompanied by self-assessment questions. After completing the exam, your results will be available immediately. If you don’t get a passing score of 80% (40/50) then you can retake the exam as many times as you need to without penalty. Additionally, you will be able to review the questions you got wrong and see which questions you got right.
6. Instant Access to Life Support Provider Card
After passing the certification exam, you will immediately have access to a digital copy of your provider card that will be valid for 2 years. You will also be shipped a wallet-sized, hard copy of your provider card to arrive within 2 to 5 business days of completion. Having instant access to your proof of completion is especially beneficial for nurses that are pressed for time and need to obtain their certification quickly.
7. Updated Accredited Courses
All of our online courses were written based on the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. However, they are intended to be used as alternatives to the AHA’s courses, as the AHA does not accredit any fully online course, like ours. That having been said, our courses adhere to the 2020 American Heart Association CPR standards and are accredited with the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and the California Board of Registered Nursing (CA BRN).
Additionally, our BLS, PALS, and ACLS material undergo recurring audits by regulatory organizations, 3rd-party clinical teams, and our internal medical team to ensure updated compliance, accuracy, and integrity.
To date, our courses have a 95% acceptance rate across the United States and have been accepted by a variety of employers, hospitals, and professional associations in all 50 states, as well as many other countries around the world.
8. Convenient CME Credits
Continuing medical education (CME) credits are an annual requirement for nurses and many other healthcare providers in order to stay up to date on the latest medical advances. Online medical certification courses are a great option for those looking to earn these continuing education credits quickly and conveniently. The eMedCert initial life support courses provide 4-8 CME credits each, while the recertification courses provide 2-4 credits. We provide AMA, ANCC, ACPE, and ADA continuing education credits that are redeemable upon completion of the course.
9. Lifetime Access to Comprehensive Study Material
Taking life support certification courses online offers you 24/7 access to comprehensive study material that will not only help you pass the exam but equip you with the necessary knowledge to provide life support in real-world situations. eMedCert courses are composed of more than 80 pages of training material, including algorithms and medications you’ll need to know. You’ll also have access to a downloadable PDF version of the material for convenient offline study and review for future recertification exams.
10. Satisfaction Guaranteed
An online certification is a big investment, so it's important to know you won’t have to spend money on a certification that will not meet your employer’s requirements. Here at eMedCert, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied for any reason or if the certification is not accepted by your employer. Because of this policy, online certification courses have a number of benefits and virtually no risks.
Conclusion
Medical certifications are a crucial step to achieving your career goals and ensuring you’re equipped with the information and skills needed to save lives. By earning your life support certification online, you can avoid adding another stressful task to your already hectic schedule as a healthcare provider.
For more information on our ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications, submit your questions to us.