An ACLS instructor course is a class designed to prepare people to teach the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course, which is offered by the American Heart Association. Individuals must have a thorough understanding of ACLS, practical experience with ACLS, current CPR certification, and a current ACLS provider card before enrolling in the instructor course. The ACLS instructor course teaches students how to organize and structure their classes, as well as how to better reach their students through learning strategies.
Some prerequisites must be met before applying for an ACLS instructor course. To teach the ACLS curriculum successfully, the student must first have a thorough understanding of all ACLS concepts and principles. A direct working knowledge of ACLS is also required. Students will be expected to demonstrate a certain level of expertise in emergency cardiac care of patients during the ACLS instructor course. In order for their application to be considered, applicants must also provide proof of CPR certification and an active ACLS provider card.
Different institutions will have different requirements for the entire ACLS instructor program, with some requiring only one course and others requiring multiple courses. The average course lasts two to four hours and is usually a one-time event that takes place over one day. Students will be required to complete a certain number of student teaching hours in addition to the course requirements before being certified to teach on their own. To meet this requirement, most programs require the student to assist a certified instructor in teaching two ACLS courses. The typical program will test the student’s ACLS skills and knowledge, teach instruction and testing methods, teach the basics of the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care program, and teach advanced cardiac life support methods.
The student will receive an American Heart Association ACLS instructor card after successfully completing the ACLS instructor program requirements. He or she will be able to teach ACLS courses at approved educational facilities with this card. While teaching formats vary depending on the needs of a particular student population, all ACLS instructors are required to use only the American Heart Association-approved videos and other educational materials when instructing students. Failure to adhere to this protocol may result in dismissal and/or revocation of the instructor card.