Frequently Asked Questions

HeartCode™ ACLS Part 1 (Product #80-1516)

What is HeartCode ACLS Part 1?

HeartCode ACLS Part 1 was developed by the American Heart Association using technology by Laerdal Medical. This course is an interactive, self-directed, eLearning program that allows students to complete learning at their own pace and convenience and provides an alternative to classroom-based ACLS training for busy healthcare professionals.

Part 1 features eSimulation technology and scenario-based testing through 10 interactive patient cases that test the user’s ability to apply the ACLS algorithms to effect treatment. This course will provide individuals the benefits of standardized ACLS instruction and improved competency, and may also save time and money compared to classroom-based training.

The full course combines Part 1 – the online, cognitive portion of learning – with a hands-on skills practice and testing session (Parts 2 and 3) for psychomotor CPR skills. The skills session can be performed with an authorized AHA ACLS Instructor. After students complete Part 1, a Certificate of Completion will be available for them to print. Students must present this certificate at their skills practice and testing session. Upon successful completion of all three parts students receive their ACLS Provider course completion card.

Is HeartCode ACLS Part 1 and AHA-approved course?

Yes. This is an official American Heart Association course.

Who is the target audience for this course?

This product is intended for healthcare professionals requiring an ACLS Provider course completion card or those seeking continuing education.

What are the unique features and benefits of HeartCode ACLS Part 1?

Below are some of the key features and benefits of this course: Features:

• Engaging, interactive content using eSimulation technology
• Ten interactive patient cases in hospital-based scenarios
• Full text (in PDF format) of the ACLS Provider Manual, 2005 AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and the ACLS Core Drugs reference guide.
• Team dynamics lesson
• Pre-course self-assessment to gauge knowledge of ECG recognition and pharmacology
• Access to patient scenarios and AHA text material for up to 2 years Benefits:
• Available to providers at their convenience – anytime, anywhere
• Improves ACLS skills by providing instant, objective feedback and evaluation through intelligent debriefing that reviews the student’s patient interventions and provides suggestions for improvement
• Helps maintain a high level of professional competency and standardization
• May help reduce costs associated with training
• Up to 12 hours CME/CE/CEH credit available upon successful completion of Part 1
• Self-paced instruction accommodates different learning styles

Is HeartCode ACLS Part 1 only for renewal or can it be used as an initial ACLS course as well?

The course is approved for both renewal and initial ACLS Courses. While the program was developed with the experienced provider in mind, individuals can decide the learning methods best for them.

Is there a score that must be achieved by students in order to successfully pass HeartCode ACLS Part 1?

Yes. Within each of the scenarios presented, students must score at least 70 percent. Students also must score at least 84 percent on the online test, which is consistent with all of AHA’s healthcare courses.

Is a skills session required?

Yes. To earn an AHA ACLS Provider course completion card, the student must successfully complete an ACLS skills practice and testing session (Parts 2 and 3 of the course) with a current AHA ACLS Instructor. Students should bring to the skills session their Part 1 Certificate of Completion.

How should a student schedule a skills session?

Students should contact an AHA ACLS Training Center for a skills session. Training Centers may charge for their time to perform the skills practice and testing session and for issuing the card. To find a Training Center near you, please log on to the ECC Class Connector. Students may also perform skills on a HeartCode ACLS system that has a HeartCode ACLS voice assisted manikin attached (VAM system). This integrated manikin allows the student to take the skill testing portion on a computer, but is only available through Laerdal Medical.

What comprises the skills session?

A skills session performed by an ACLS Instructor will include:

• One Rescuer Adult CPR and AED testing.
• Successful management of a pulseless arrest scenario (megacode).
• Adequate patient ventilation with a bag-mask device.

After completion of the online course, how long do I have to complete the skills practice and testing session?

Students are allowed up to 60 days after the completion of the online part of the course to complete the skills session.

How long does this course take to complete?

The amount of time it will take to complete the entire program will vary with each person, depending on individual experience and preparation. The average student spends approximately six hours.

Can a student log in and out of the course?

Yes. Students can log in and out as many times as they choose. To log out, just click the "Click here to logout" link located at the top of the page after login. When the student is ready to continue training, he/she can return to www.OnlineAHA.org and login with their registered e-mail and password.

Can course material be accessed after the online portion is completed?

Students have 2 years from the day of activation to refer to the course material for review and knowledge updates.

Is there a demo available for this course?

Yes, click here.

Are there continuing education credits available for this course?

Yes, continuing education credits are available!

Continuing Medical Education Accreditation - Physicians
The American Heart Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Heart Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 12.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

All faculty participating in CME/CE activities sponsored by The American Heart Association will disclose to the audience (1) significant financial relationships with the manufacturer(s) of products from the commercial supporter(s) and /or the manufacturer(s) of products or devices discussed in their presentation, and (2) unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices discussed in their presentation. Such disclosures will be made in writing in course presentation materials.

Continuing Medical Education Accreditation – Physician Assistants
AAPA accepts Category I credit from AOACCME, Prescribed credit from AAFP, and AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME.

Continuing Education Accreditation - Nurses
This program (08-NC-176) has been approved by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) for 12.00 Contact Hours, Category A, File number 00014666.

Continuing Education Accreditation – Pharmacists
The American Heart Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACPE Credit: 12.00 Contact Hours or 1.200 CEUs. Universal Program Number: 256-000-08-569-H01-P.

Successful completion of this CME/CE activity includes completion of the following: Team resuscitation lesson, 10 interactive medical cases, posttest and evaluation form. Once successful completion has been achieved, a CME/CE certificate can be claimed immediately by selecting your profile, selecting the “Claim CME/CE Certificate” button and printing your CME/CE certificate.

Continuing Education Accreditation – Emergency Medical Services
This continuing education activity is approved by the American Heart Association, an organization accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS), for 12.00 Advanced CEHs, activity number 08-AMHA-F3-0053.

Does the program require special computer or support software?

Most Web browsers will have no problems.