Texas ACLS certification online

Your guide to certification or recertification in advanced cardiac life support for Texas medical professionals, with accredited training that's flexible, time-efficient and can be completed on your own schedule.

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Steps to obtaining a Texas ACLS certification

Getting your Texas ACLS certification is easier than you might think. ACLS training is available in two flexible formats: online learning, which allows you to complete coursework at your own pace, and traditional classroom training. Both methods teach the same life-saving skills based on American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and learning style. Watch the video below and read the guide to learn more about the steps to get certified and take the next step in advancing your career.

Step 1: Meet the basic requirements

Before starting your ACLS certification, you’ll need a current BLS certification and a foundational education in healthcare, such as being a licensed medical professional or a healthcare provider with knowledge of cardiac rhythms, airway management and pharmacology. If you haven’t obtained your BLS certification yet, you can do that when you enroll in your ACLS certification course. Here are the basic requirements before starting an ACLS certification in the state of Texas:

  1. Current basic life support (BLS) certification
  2. Solid understanding of CPR and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC)
  3. Basic knowledge of ECG rhythms and ability to identify cardiac arrhythmias
  4. Familiarity with pharmacology as related to cardiac care

A healthcare background is required, typically including degrees such as registered nurse (RN), doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP), paramedic, respiratory therapist, or other healthcare provider. This ensures that participants have the foundational knowledge of medical terminology and emergency response before beginning ACLS training.

What are the requirements in Texas for obtaining your ACLS certification or recertification?

No skills check is necessary in order to receive your ACLS, BLS or PALS certification or recertification in Texas. After completing the course, you must pass a written exam and skills assessment to receive your certification, which is valid for two years until renewal is required.

Once you pass the text, you will be able to download a BLS, PALS or ACLS Texas instant provider eCard. You will also receive your physical certificate in the mail within 2 business days upon request. This means that you can use our PALS, BLS and ACLS certification online service and become certified 24/7 without the hassle of scheduling your skills test or waiting for other people.

Find ACLS certification in these Texas cities

Houston

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Dallas

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Dallas / Fort Worth

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Step 2: Master essential ECG rhythms and cardiac pharmacology before your ACLS course

A solid understanding of basic ECG rhythms, cardiac pharmacology and familiarity with the ACLS algorithms is essential before starting. Many providers offer materials such as ACLS pretest quizzes, FAQs, crash cart supply & equipment checklists and various types of ACLS algorithms to help you study for these key areas and ensure you are well-prepared for the course.

Tachycardia ACLS algorithms

ACLS algorithms

These algorithms detail the steps to take in various emergency situations. They are essential to know for your ACLS certification.

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ACLS quiz scenario

ACLS pretest quizzes

These quizzes are a great way to prepare and focus on which areas you need to study more before completing the ACLS certification course.

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Emergency crash cart checklist

Crash cart supply checklist

This checklist will help you ensure that your crash cart is properly stocked and ready for any emergency situation.

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Step 3: Enroll in an accredited ACLS training provider

When you enroll in an ACLS certification course, it’s crucial to choose an accredited provider to ensure you receive the most up-to-date and high-quality training based on American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Accreditation ensures that the course follows stringent standards, offering comprehensive training in life-saving techniques including advanced airway management and emergency interventions.

Choosing an accredited provider also ensures your certification will be widely accepted by healthcare employers and institutions, giving you confidence in its validity. Additionally, select a provider accredited by respected organizations like the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (AMA/ACCME) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Providers like ACLS Training Center also offer courses eligible for Canadian CME credits, making them a reliable choice for professionals seeking continued education credits across North America.

Accredited ACLS providers typically offer flexible learning options, such as online courses or a hybrid of online and hands-on training, making it easier for busy professionals to meet certification requirements. These providers are recognized by the respected accrediting bodies and deliver AHA-based training that adheres to the highest industry standards. Be sure to verify the provider’s credentials and available course formats to ensure they meet your professional needs and learning preferences.

Estimated time: 2–5 hours
Estimated cost: $150–$400

Step 4: Complete the online or in-person training

Depending on the provider, you can choose between online or in-person training to complete your ACLS certification. Online courses offer the flexibility to study at your own pace, making it easier to balance your professional and personal commitments. In-person training provides hands-on practice and immediate feedback from instructors, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more interactive learning experience.

What is included in an ACLS course:

  • Resuscitation ethics: Explore the ethical considerations and decision-making processes involved in resuscitation efforts.
  • Basic cardiac life support (BCLS): Learn the fundamental techniques for providing effective basic life support in cardiac emergencies.
  • Identifying cardiac arrhythmias: Understand how to recognize and differentiate various types of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Pharmacology: Gain knowledge of the medications used in resuscitation and their appropriate administration.
  • Resuscitation dynamics: Study the principles and team dynamics that contribute to successful resuscitation efforts.
  • Airway, ventilation, and oxygenation management: Master the techniques for managing the airway, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining adequate oxygenation.
  • Defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing: Learn the methods and timing for applying defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing in cardiac emergencies.
  • Acute coronary syndromes: Understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of acute coronary syndromes.
  • Treatment guidelines for specific rhythms: Review the recommended treatment protocols for various cardiac rhythms encountered during resuscitation.
  • Post-resuscitation care: Learn the critical steps involved in caring for a patient after successful resuscitation.
  • Acute stroke management: Explore the strategies for recognizing and managing acute strokes to optimize patient outcomes.

Step 5: Pass the written exam and skills assessment

Depending on the provider, you can choose between online or blended learning that combines online modules with an in-person skills assessment. In-person courses are also available for those who prefer face-to-face instruction.

Step 6: Receive your certification

After passing both components, you will receive your ACLS certification, which is valid for two years before renewal is required.

Sample ACLS provider certificate

Texas medical statistics

The following sections are devoted to Texas medical statistics. Every statistic on this page is relevant to Texas ACLS, PALS and BLS certified professionals.

Texas Medical Statistics

How is Texas unique?

Texas is a relatively average state when it comes to cardiovascular related statistics. It does, however, stand out in a few different categories. One of those categories is adult obesity. Texas has the highest rate of adult obesity at thirty one point seven percent (31.7%). They are only slightly higher than Oklahoma which has a rate of thirty one point three percent (31.3%).

Texas also leads the Southwest region in the percentage of the population without healthcare. In fact, a staggering twenty-five percent (25%) of the population of Texas goes without health insurance. This is not only the highest rate in the region but is also the highest rate of any state in the country. On a positive note, Texas has the lowest rate of heart attacks in the Southwest Region at four point three percent (4.3%) and has the highest median household income at $47,464.

Our certifications

Our ACLS, BLS & PALS courses follow the new 2020 AHA® guidelines for CPR & ECC. These courses offer up to 8 CME/CE credits (including AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™) per course. Learn about ventricular fibrillation and more rhythms (advanced class) and responses.

ACLS

$175

AMA PRA Category 1 credits


  • Up to 8 CME/CE credit hours
  • Available 24/7, 100% online
  • Certified by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine
  • Guaranteed acceptance
  • 100% money-back guarantee
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PALS

$175

AMA PRA Category 1 credits


  • Up to 8 CME/CE credit hours
  • Available 24/7, 100% online
  • Certified by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine
  • Guaranteed acceptance
  • 100% money-back guarantee
Let's get started

BLS

$65

AMA PRA Category 1 credits


  • Up to 8 CME/CE credit hours
  • Available 24/7, 100% online
  • Certified by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine
  • Guaranteed acceptance
  • 100% money-back guarantee
Let's get started

Get all three!

ACLS, PALS and BLS

$353

AMA PRA Category 1 credits


  • Up to 24 CME/CE credit hours
  • Available 24/7, 100% online
  • Certified by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine
  • Guaranteed acceptance
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Texas medical stories

  • CPR saved woman's life

    Mar 31, 2022 -- The deputies responded to a 911 call, just after they arrived the woman who overdosed on fentanyl stopped breathing. They administered two doses of Narcan but observed no change. Then they started providing CPR. After two minutes of chest compressions the woman regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital.

  • A 17-year-old cheer leader saved a kids life

    Oct 3, 2019 -- A 17-year-old Tyra Winters was riding on a float in a parade when she saw a mother calling for help. She jumped off the float and ran to the mother who was holding her child. The kid was turning purple. She gave him three strong thrusts on his back and the baby spat the candy on which he was choking.

  • Bi-State jail inmate found unresponsive

    Mar 12, 2019 -- Inmate Franklin Greathouse was found unresponsive by his cellmate that everning of Monday. Jail medics immediately performed CPR until first responders arrived and took over the life-saving efforts. However, they failed to save Greathouse's life. Autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death.

  • CPR saved 5-year-old boy's life

    Feb 25, 2019 -- Last December, 5-year-old Owen Coulton was rushed to the hospital because his parents thought he had the flu. As soon as they got to the hospital, Owen's heart stopped and the boy was no longer responding. Doctors performed CPR on Owen for one and a half hour where he would go in and our of consciousness. The doctors decided to put him on life support to help his heart and lungs. After 90 minutes doing chest compressions, Owen regained consciousness and was declared out of danger. It was found that a viral infection caused his heart to stop and nearly killed him.

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