If you are a new rescuer wanting to get PALS certification, there are some important things you need to know. So, here is a list of six things that will help you through your journey in obtaining your medical training and becoming the best rescuer around.
1. A PALS certification is a requirement for many medical professions
The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is a program that helps medical professionals and responders to learn how to support the lives of children and infants in medical emergencies. It is typically taken by nurses, doctors, EMTs/Paramedics, respiratory therapists, and many others who need this training for their job or due to requirements by law enforcement. In most places, such as the US and Canada, it has become a requirement for anyone providing emergency response or medical assistance to kids. You can learn more here and see if this is something you would like to do. It is a requirement in many places, but not all. So, it is important to check your local laws before you decide if you would like to become PALS certified.
2. PALS certification is offered in many ways
There are a few different ways that you can become PALS certified. You can take a classroom-based course, an online course, or even a blended learning course that combines both classroom and online training. Each way has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is significant to choose the option that is best for you. If you are looking for more flexibility, then an online course might be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer more hands-on training or want to be able to ask questions in person, then a classroom-based course would be better suited for you.
3. The PALS certification is valid for two years
Once you have become PALS certified, the certification is valid for two years. This means that you will need to renew your certification after this time period in order to maintain your skills and knowledge. Many hospitals and other medical facilities require PALS certification to be up-to-date, so it is important to keep track of when your certification expires and plan ahead for renewal. Of course, if you are a healthcare professional and your job requires you to have PALS certification, then you will need to maintain your certification throughout your career.
4. There are many PALS courses available online
If you are looking to become PALS certified, there are many courses available to you. This can be both a good and a bad thing, as it can be difficult to decide which course is the best for you. There are many great courses out there, but it is essential to make sure that the course you choose is accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA). Only courses that are AHA-accredited will be accepted by medical facilities and other employers. This is an important thing to keep in mind when selecting a course.
5. You will need to pass a final exam in order to become PALS certified
In order to become PALS certified, you will need to pass a final exam. This exam will test your knowledge and skills in the areas of pediatric cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological disorders that are covered in the PALS materials. It is a closed-book exam that consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. If you pass this test with an adjusted score of at least 75%, then you will earn your PALS certification. The final exam is one of the most important parts of the course, so it is important to prepare for this exam ahead of time.
6. You don’t have to be CPR certified before taking PALS training
If you are looking for PALS courses or other AHA courses, it is important to know that you don’t have to be CPR certified before taking these classes. Many people think that they need to take a standard CPR course before taking any medical response classes, but this isn’t actually true. In most cases, becoming PALS certified is the first step in becoming a healthcare professional. You can learn more about CPR courses online and do your research from the comfort of your own home.
Is the PALS certification exam hard to pass?
Many people find that passing the PALS certification exam is difficult. This exam tests your knowledge in many areas, so it can be hard to study for this test on your own. However, with enough time and preparation, you should have no problem earning your PALS certification. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course has been updated several times over the years due to changes in pediatric emergencies and new discoveries about how best to treat them when they present themselves in an emergency room or hospital setting. Just study and prepare using the most recent PALS provider manual, don’t stress yourself out, and you will be just fine.
So, these are six things that you should know about getting PALS certification online. Keep these things in mind when you are looking for a course to take and make sure that you choose an AHA-accredited course to ensure that your certification will be accepted by medical facilities. Good luck on your journey to becoming certified!
