American Heart Association 2025 Advanced Cardiac Life Support Blended Learning ACLS Skills Session Heartcode ACLS Parts 2 and 3 at Saving American Hearts INC. *** NEW ADDRESS *** 1301 S. 8th Street Suite 116, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905.  (INCLUDES FREE BLS!)

There are three parts to completing your ACLS Certification

1). Go to www.elearning.heart.org and create an account or log in. Purchase the HeartCode ACLS online for $173 at https://elearning.heart.org/course/1601

2). Complete the online course which is Part 1. Email the certificate or text a picture to (719) 551-1222.

3). Purchase the ACLS Skills Session (In-person hands on skills checkoff) for $100 on this website. The in-person skills session is Part 2, which is the practice and Part 3 which is the hands on testing portion where you will  act as the team leader. You will first practice and then be tested on your BLS Skills for 1 and 2 person rescuer on an adult and the use of an AED and 1 Megacode Scenario as well as one Bag-Mask Ventilation Scenario.

Upon successful completion of the course, your AHA ACLS/BLS Provider cards will be issued on the same day via email.

What Is an ACLS Skills / ACLS Checkoff Session?

ACLS Skills (ACLS Checkoff) is the in-person, instructor-led, hands-on evaluation component of an AHA ACLS course.

It is not a lecture class and not a written exam. Instead, it is a formal demonstration and validation of psychomotor and team-based resuscitation skills, ensuring the learner can:

• Apply ACLS algorithms correctly

• Perform high-quality CPR and airway management

• Operate a defibrillator/monitor safely

• Lead or participate effectively in a resuscitation team

• Manage cardiac arrest and peri-arrest scenarios in real time

This session is required for:

• ACLS Provider initial courses

• ACLS Renewal courses

• ACLS HeartCode blended learning completions

Where ACLS Skills Fits in the AHA Training Pathway

Common Pathways

1. Traditional Classroom ACLS

   • Didactic instruction

   • Skills practice

   • Written exam

   • Skills testing (checkoff)

2. HeartCode ACLS (Blended Learning)

   • Online cognitive portion completed first

   • In-person ACLS Skills session required to complete the course

In both cases, no AHA ACLS Provider eCard is issued unless the learner successfully completes the skills checkoff.

Purpose of the ACLS Skills Checkoff

The ACLS Skills session exists to verify that the learner can:

• Translate knowledge into action

• Perform under stressful, time-critical conditions

• Demonstrate safe, effective, guideline-based care

• Work as part of a high-performance resuscitation team

It is competency-based, not attendance-based.

Session Length

• 30–90 minutes, depending on:

  • Initial vs renewal

  • Group size

  • Instructor discretion

  • Learner performance

Instructor Role

• Must be a current AHA ACLS Instructor

• Observes, evaluates, and documents performance

• Provides corrective feedback and remediation if needed

Core Skills Evaluated During ACLS Checkoff

1. High-Quality CPR

Learner must demonstrate:

• Correct compression depth and rate

• Full chest recoil

• Minimal interruptions

• Proper compression-to-ventilation ratios

• Effective team coordination during CPR cycles

2. Airway Management & Ventilation

Includes:

• Use of BVM with oxygen

• Airway adjuncts (OPA/NPA)

• Recognition of inadequate ventilation

• Integration with CPR and advanced airway placement

• Proper ventilation rates once an advanced airway is in place

3. Cardiac Rhythm Recognition

Learner must correctly identify rhythms such as:

• Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

• Pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT)

• Asystole

• Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

• Bradycardia with a pulse

• Tachycardia with a pulse (stable vs unstable)

4. Defibrillation & Electrical Therapy

Hands-on demonstration includes:

• Safe operation of a manual defibrillator/monitor

• Correct pad placement

• Appropriate energy selection

• Clear communication (“All clear”)

• Cardioversion vs defibrillation

• Transcutaneous pacing (TCP)

5. ACLS Medications

Learner must demonstrate knowledge of:

• Indications

• Dosages

• Routes

• Timing within algorithms

Commonly evaluated medications:

• Epinephrine

• Amiodarone

• Adenosine

• Atropine

• Magnesium

• Dopamine infusion (conceptual)

• Norepinephrine infusion (conceptual)

6. ACLS Algorithms (Scenario-Based)

Learners are tested through megacode scenarios, which may include:

• Adult cardiac arrest

• Symptomatic bradycardia

• Unstable tachycardia

• ROSC and post-cardiac arrest care

The learner must:

• Follow correct algorithm sequence

• Identify H’s and T’s

• Make timely clinical decisions

• Communicate clearly with the team

7. Team Dynamics & Leadership

Evaluation includes:

• Closed-loop communication

• Clear role assignment

• Situational awareness

• Leadership (for team leader role)

• Mutual respect and professionalism

The ACLS Megacode

The megacode is the centerpiece of the ACLS Skills session.

What the Megacode Is

A realistic, continuous simulation where the learner must:

• Recognize patient deterioration

• Initiate CPR

• Interpret rhythms

• Deliver shocks and medications

• Achieve ROSC or manage termination of efforts

Roles

Depending on class format, learners may rotate as:

• Team leader

• Compressor

• Airway manager

• Medication administrator

• Monitor/defibrillator operator

Evaluation & Documentation

Pass/Fail Criteria

• Learner must meet all critical performance objectives

• Instructors use AHA skill checklists

• Remediation is allowed during the session

If a Learner Does Not Pass

• Immediate coaching and re-attempt

• Additional practice if time allows

• Referral for further training if needed

What Learners Are Expected to Bring

• Proof of online HeartCode completion (if applicable)

• Current BLS Provider status

• Willingness to actively participate

• Appropriate clinical attire (recommended)

What ACLS Skills Is NOT

• ❌ Not a lecture

• ❌ Not a self-paced session

• ❌ Not a “rubber stamp”

• ❌ Not a written exam

• ❌ Not optional for certification

Outcome of Successful Completion

Upon passing the ACLS Skills Checkoff:

• Instructor submits course completion

• AHA ACLS Provider eCard is issued

• Certification valid for 2 years

Why ACLS Skills Sessions Matter

ACLS Skills sessions ensure that providers:

• Can perform under pressure

• Follow current AHA science-based guidelines

• Protect patient safety

• Function effectively during real cardiac emergencies

This is especially critical for:

• Nurses

• Paramedics

• Physicians

• Respiratory therapists

• Critical care and emergency staff

ACLS Skills / ACLS Checkoff – In-Person Hands-On Skills Testing

Complete Your AHA ACLS Certification with In-Person Skills Validation

The ACLS Skills Session (also called ACLS Checkoff) is the required in-person, hands-on skills testing component of the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course.

This session is designed for healthcare professionals who have completed the online ACLS cognitive portion (HeartCode ACLS) or who are renewing their ACLS certification and need skills validation to receive their AHA ACLS Provider eCard.

All ACLS Skills sessions are conducted by authorized AHA ACLS Instructors and follow current American Heart Association guidelines.

What Is ACLS Skills / ACLS Checkoff?

ACLS Skills is a structured, instructor-led session that evaluates a participant’s ability to apply ACLS algorithms in real-time emergency scenarios. This is not a lecture course. Instead, participants demonstrate competency through hands-on performance, simulation, and megacode testing.

Successful completion of this session is required for:

• HeartCode ACLS (blended learning) students

• ACLS renewal students

• Healthcare professionals needing AHA-approved skills verification

What You Will Practice & Be Tested On

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During the ACLS Skills session, participants demonstrate proficiency in:

• High-quality CPR and team-based resuscitation

• Airway management and effective ventilation

• Cardiac rhythm recognition and interpretation

• Manual defibrillation and cardioversion

• Transcutaneous pacing (TCP)

• ACLS medications, dosages, and timing

• Adult cardiac arrest algorithms

• Bradycardia and tachycardia management

• Post-cardiac arrest care

• Team leadership and closed-loop communication

All skills are assessed using scenario-based megacodes consistent with AHA standards.

Who Should Take ACLS Skills?

This session is appropriate for:

• Nurses (RN, LPN, APRN)

• Paramedics and EMTs

• Physicians and Physician Assistants

• Respiratory Therapists

• Critical care, emergency, and ICU staff

• Any healthcare professional requiring AHA ACLS certification

Participants must hold a current BLS Provider certification.

What to Expect During the Session

• Small group or one-on-one skills evaluation

• Hands-on practice using AHA-approved equipment

• Realistic cardiac emergency simulations

• Immediate instructor feedback and remediation if needed

• Efficient, focused testing environment

Most ACLS Skills sessions are completed in 30–90 minutes, depending on class size and participant experience.

Certification & eCard Issuance

Upon successful completion of the ACLS Skills Checkoff:

• Your course completion is submitted to the AHA

• You will receive an official AHA ACLS Provider eCard

• Certification is valid for 2 years

No certification is issued without successful skills validation.

Why Train With Us?

• Authorized American Heart Association Training Site

• Experienced, credentialed ACLS Instructors

• Hands-on, realistic training environment

• Current AHA science-based guidelines

• Supportive, professional skills evaluation

• Convenient scheduling for busy healthcare professionals

Schedule Your ACLS Skills Session

If you have completed HeartCode ACLS or need ACLS skills testing for renewal, our ACLS Skills / ACLS Checkoff sessions provide the fast, compliant, and professional pathway to certification.

Register today to complete your ACLS certification with confidence.

See our live calendar of classes here:

https://www.keepandshare.com/calendar/show.php?i=2091851&vw=month&ign=y

If you have a current AHA ACLS card and need a renewal class, you can also visit

https://savingamericanhearts.com/aha-acls-renewal-class/

If you have an expired AHA ACLS card and need an initial provider class, you can also visit

https://savingamericanhearts.com/aha-acls-initial-certification/

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