American Heart Association
PALS Certification
Complete the American Heart HeartCode® ACLS online course at your own pace, then verify your skills at one of our CPR Verification Stations. Receive your official American Heart ACLS certification instantly after completion.
Select Your Location
Where would you like to get certified?
Three convenient Florida locations. Same AHA-approved instruction, same same-day eCards.
Self-Guided Learning™
How it works.
Complete your AHA PALS certification in three simple steps, on your schedule.
Self-Guided Learning™
Learn on your schedule. Certify on your terms.
Self-Guided Learning™ from the American Heart Association® and Laerdal Medical lets you complete Self-Guided Learning from the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical gives you complete flexibility. Use True Adaptive Learning to work through content at your own pace, then visit a CPR Verification Station to verify your skills and receive your AHA eCard immediately.
Curriculum
What you'll learn.
AHA PALS covers the recognition and management of respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies in pediatric patients.
PALS emphasizes team-based resuscitation. You'll practice clearly defined roles, closed-loop communication, and mutual respect to optimize patient outcomes during pediatric emergencies.
You'll work through the full suite of AHA PALS algorithms — including the systematic approach, bradycardia with pulse, tachycardia with pulse, and cardiac arrest — with real-time case simulations reinforcing decision-making.
Who it's for
Who needs PALS certification?
PALS is required for healthcare professionals who respond to emergencies in pediatric patients — in hospital and pre-hospital settings.
- Pediatric ICU Nurses (PICU)
- Neonatal ICU Nurses (NICU)
- Emergency Department RNs
- Hospitalists & Pediatricians
- Pediatric Intensivists
- Paramedics
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Flight Medics & Critical Care
- Emergency Room Physicians
- ER Technicians
- Pediatric Nurses & NPs
- Pediatric PAs
- Child Life Specialists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Pediatric Anesthesiologists
- Medical & PA Students
- Nursing Students (Clinical)
- Respiratory Therapists
- Pharmacists (Clinical)
- Advanced Practice Students
Compare options
Side by side.
See exactly what each format includes.
| Feature | Self-Guided | Blended | Classroom | Skills Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online coursework | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| CPR Verification Station™ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| In-Person Skills Session | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AHA eCard included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for | Flexibility + Self-paced learners | Flexibility + guidance | Guided instruction | Renewals |
| Flexibility level | Highest | High | Low | High |
FAQ
What is Self-Guided Learning?
Self-Guided Learning uses HeartCode Complete online with True Adaptive Learning, followed by a skills verification session at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center. You receive your AHA PALS Course Completion eCard immediately upon successful completion.
What are the prerequisites for PALS?
There are no prerequisites for PALS. The course is designed for healthcare professionals and students at all levels.
How long is the certification valid?
Your AHA PALS Course Completion eCard is valid for two years. You can renew using any format including Self-Guided Learning before your card expires.
Is this accepted by employers?
Yes. All formats result in an official AHA BLS Course Completion eCard, which is required by most hospitals, EDs, ICUs, and clinical settings nationwide.
Is the eCard accepted by employers?
Yes. All formats result in an official AHA PALS Provider eCard recognized by hospitals, pediatric units, EMS agencies, and clinical employers nationwide.