Can you take ACLS and BLS together?

The field of healthcare needs medical professionals to possess several skill sets. Among the varied certifications available, advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) and basic life support (BLS) are the most crucial. Continuous upskilling is required to stay abreast of modern life saving techniques.

Courses such as ACLS and BLS are examples of a few such courses that help medical professionals learn life-saving skills. It is often a common question whether you can pursue ACLS and BLS together or not. Keep reading to learn more. Do not forget to take an online ACLS recertification course to stay current to the changing protocols.

What is BLS?

Basic life support refers to the type of care that healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone experiencing respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, or an obstructed airway. It is compulsory for healthcare professionals. It prepares professionals for emergencies. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a completion card valid for two years.

What is ACLS?

Advanced cardiovascular life support covers ways in which medical professionals respond. This is an advanced course for medical professionals. This involves ways in which medical experts respond to patients suffering from emergencies such as cardiac arrest. It teaches ways to respond effectively as a team and communicate well.

Can you pursue ACLS and BLS together?

Yes, you can pursue ACLS and BLS together. In fact, it is highly recommended as well. BLS primarily focuses on lifesaving techniques; however, ACLS focuses on advanced intervention.

By completing both courses simultaneously, you can not only respond promptly during emergencies but also enhance your ability to deliver quality care. There are several training programs offering ACLS/BLS courses. This makes learning easier and equips participants with relevant skills. Hence, pursuing ACLS and BLS together is a skill set that prepares healthcare providers to deliver care.

What are the benefits of pursuing ACLS and BLS together?

As stated earlier, you can pursue ACLS and BLS together. Combining these two courses offers several benefits for healthcare professionals. This helps you respond more effectively and save lives more confidently. Here are its notable benefits:

Large skill set: Pursuing BLS and ACLS together equips individuals to acquire several skills. This includes basic life support techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breaths. It also teaches advanced interventions.
Streamlines the learning process: Combined courses make it easier for participants to gain an understanding of both basic and advanced cardiac care. This improves efficiency while reducing the need to hold separate training sessions. This saves time and resources for everyone.
Better team collaboration: As both ACLS and BLS stress teamwork, they promote better teamwork. Healthcare providers gain a collaborative approach to supporting patients and helping them feel better.
Improved health outcomes: When you learn the courses together, chances are that they lead to appropriate interventions during emergencies. According to a study report, effective bystander CPR can not only double but also triple the chances of survival for victims.
Increase confidence: Training in both courses makes a practitioner more confident. It equips you to stay calm and take the right step. When you master both techniques efficiently, providers feel more prepared for handling emergencies.
Better career opportunities: When you complete the courses together, it helps you take your career to new heights. By enhancing the opportunities, it helps you advance in your path. Several employers value both of these certifications. Hence, these can be valuable assets for you.

How can you take ACLS and BLS together?

Here are the steps to follow to take ACLS and BLS together:

You can explore organizations offering nationally recognized courses.
Research well and find out about programs offering combined courses.
These are structured to cover basic and advanced life support techniques within the curriculum.
Once you identify a program, individuals can enroll and attend the classes.
During the training, you will learn subject essentials such as rescue breaths, chest compressions, etc.
Additionally, you will also learn other crucial interventions for managing stroke as taught in an ACLS course.
You can take practice tests to practice well.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive a combined certificate for both ACLS and BLS.

Conclusion

So you can do BLS and ACLS together. You can combine these courses and gain skill sets for both ACLS and BLS courses. You not only learn to offer prompt treatment but also to handle advanced medical emergencies such as strokes. Thus, the combined course empowers healthcare professionals, helping them deliver high-quality care and improve patient outcomes. Along with an ACLS course, do take timely online ACLS recertification courses and stay updated.