Posted on October 30, 2025

How to Get ACLS Certified in Dallas, TX

Healthcare teams in Dallas move fast. ACLS helps nurses, physicians, and paramedics act with confidence during cardiac and stroke emergencies.

This guide explains how to get ACLS certified in Dallas, TX with clear steps, from eligibility and course options, to testing, eCards, renewals, and FAQs.

What Is an ACLS Certification?

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is advanced training for responding to cardiac and stroke emergencies. It teaches providers how to recognize life-threatening rhythms, start the right interventions, and lead a team during high-stress events. Many Dallas hospitals and clinics require ACLS certification for emergency and critical care roles.

ACLS builds on strong CPR and BLS skills. You use high-quality chest compressions and basic airway support as the foundation, then add advanced assessment, medications, and team leadership.

Core skills you learn in ACLS:

  • Airway management and ventilation
  • Pharmacology for cardiac arrest, bradycardia, and tachycardia
  • ECG rhythm recognition and interpretation
  • Team communication and leadership during a megacode
  • Post–cardiac arrest care and stroke recognition

In real emergencies—like cardiac arrest in the ER or a suspected stroke on a hospital floor—ACLS helps you act fast, follow evidence-based algorithms, and coordinate the team so the patient gets the right care at the right time.

Who Needs ACLS Certification?

Roles that commonly need ACLS in Dallas hospitals and clinics:

  • Registered nurses (ICU, ED, cath lab, telemetry)
  • Physicians and residents
  • EMTs and paramedics
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Anesthesiologists and CRNAs
  • Charge nurses and clinical educators

Most Dallas facilities set ACLS as a unit-specific credential. ICU and ED job listings at Parkland and UT Southwestern, for example, require current ACLS (or within 90 days of hire). These are employer credentialing standards rather than a state licensure requirement.

The Texas Board of Nursing doesn’t mandate ACLS or CPR for license renewal; it defers to employers for workplace requirements. That’s why local hospital policies drive whether you need ACLS for a given role or unit.

Students: Nursing and medical students preparing for clinical rotations in critical care or emergency settings are often asked to obtain BLS first and ACLS when the rotation site requires it. Always check your school’s clinical placement guidelines and the hospital’s unit policy.

ACLS Certification Requirements

BLS comes first. BLS covers high-quality CPR, basic airway support, and AED use. ACLS builds on that base with advanced rhythms, drugs, and team leadership.

What you should know before class:

  • ECG basics: identify bradycardia, tachycardia, and lethal rhythms.
  • Pharmacology: know first-line drugs and doses for arrest and peri-arrest.
  • Airway skills: bag-mask ventilation, OPA/NPA use, oxygen delivery.

 

AHA Precourse Self-Assessment:

Complete the online assessment and score 70% or higher before class; you may take the precourse assessment as many times needed to reach 70%. Bring proof of completion. This prework reviews rhythms, drugs, and algorithms so you’re ready for practice.

Healthcare background:

You should be a licensed or credentialed provider (e.g., RN, MD/DO, PA, RT, EMT/Paramedic) or a student entering clinical rotations where ACLS certification is required.

How to Get ACLS Certified in Dallas, TX

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and BLS Status

Make sure you hold a current BLS card. BLS is required before ACLS because high-quality CPR and basic airway skills are the foundation of advanced care. .

Step 2: Choose a Course Format

Pick the format that fits your schedule and learning style:

  • In-person (Instructor-led): One classroom day with hands-on practice and testing.
  • Blended (HeartCode ACLS): Do online modules at home, then complete a short, in-person skills session in Dallas.
  • Hybrid (provider-specific): Some centers offer extra review time or combine renewal with skills.

Step 3: Complete Precourse Work

Finish the AHA Precourse Self-Assessment and score 70% or higher. Review algorithms, rhythm recognition, and drug basics. Bring your completion proof to class. Use the AHA study tools to prep efficiently.

Step 4: Register and Attend ACLS Training

Choose your date and location in Dallas, register with an approved provider, and arrive early with a photo ID, your BLS card, and precourse certificate. Follow your provider’s instructions for any pre-reading.

Step 5: Pass the Exam and Skills Evaluation

You must pass the written exam (typically ≥84%) and show strong performance in skills stations and a team-based megacode scenario. Focus on CPR quality, rhythm recognition, airway management, medication sequences, and clear team communication.

Step 6: Receive Your Certification eCard

After you pass, you’ll get an AHA ACLS eCard by email. Save it, share it with your employer, and verify it online through the AHA’s system. Set a reminder to renew before it expires in two years.

ACLS Certification Course Options in Dallas, TX

Below are reputable ACLS course options in Dallas. Compare Initial vs. Renewal and Instructor-led vs. HeartCode (blended), then use the links to register or inquire.

EMR Safety & Health (Dallas)

What to Expect During ACLS Training

ACLS Course Structure and Duration

  • Initial course: 12–16 hours over 2 days with lectures, practice, and testing.
  • Renewal course: 4–8 hours focused review plus skills and exam.
  • HeartCode (online): Self-paced modules at home, then a short, in-person skills session in Dallas.

Topics Covered in ACLS Training

  • You’ll review BLS and build advanced skills for real emergencies:
    • BLS refresh: high-quality CPR and AED use
    • ECG rhythm recognition: bradycardia, tachycardia, arrest rhythms
    • Advanced airway: BVM, adjuncts, oxygen, supraglottic options
    • Medication protocols: first-line drugs, doses, sequences
    • Team communication: roles, closed-loop communication, leadership

Written Exam and Skills Testing

  • Written exam: ~50 questions with a passing score of 84%.
  • Skills testing: demonstrate high-quality CPR, manage megacode scenarios, perform airway management, and interpret rhythms while leading or supporting the team.

You’ll receive debriefs after each station so you know exactly where to improve before final testing.

After You Get ACLS Certified

When and How to Renew

Your ACLS card is valid for 2 years. Renew 2–3 months before it expires so you don’t lapse. Choose an ACLS Renewal or HeartCode ACLS skills session, complete any precourse work, and update your eCard with your employer.

For step-by-step tips, see our ACLS renewal process guide.

How to Verify Your Certification

  • You’ll receive an AHA eCard by email. To verify:
    • Open the email and claim your card.
    • Scan the QR code or use the AHA eCard verification portal to confirm it’s valid.
    • Download and save a copy for your HR file.

Next Steps in Your Healthcare Training

  • Keep your skills current and expand your credentials:
    • BLS (refresh your CPR foundation).
    • First Aid (workplace and community response).
    • PALS (for pediatric emergencies).
    • Instructor Certification (teach BLS or ACLS).
    • Explore more healthcare certifications in Texas to match your role and goals.

Study Resources for the ACLS Certification Exam

Recommended Materials

  • AHA ACLS Provider Manual (digital or print)
  • Rhythm flashcards to drill common strips (VF/pVT, asystole/PEA, brady/tachy)
  • Mobile apps for algorithms, drug doses, and practice quizzes
  • Skills checklists from your Dallas training provider

Online Practice & Guides

Precourse Checklist

  1. Complete the AHA Precourse Self-Assessment (score ≥70%) and print/save proof.
  2. Review ECG basics: rate, regularity, P waves, PR/QRS intervals, and hallmark rhythms.
  3. Know core pharmacology: epinephrine, amiodarone, atropine, adenosine; indications and doses.
  4. Practice team leadership: assign roles, use closed-loop communication, and follow algorithms out loud.
  5. Refresh BLS/CPR: compressions rate/depth, minimal interruptions, early defibrillation

Helpful (Often Free) Resources & Apps

  • AHA ACLS overview & prep tips: https://shopcpr.heart.org/courses/acls
  • Course finder (filter for Dallas + ACLS; many listings include free prep PDFs): https://cpr.heart.org/en/course-catalog-search
  • Flashcard/apps: Search your app store for “ACLS prep” or “ACLS flashcards” to find free options with rhythm drills and algorithm quizzes.
  • Check your training provider’s student packet—it often includes downloadable algorithms, checklists, and sample questions at no extra cost.

FAQs About ACLS Certification

How long does an ACLS certification last?

2 years from issue date.

How long does it take to get ACLS certified?

1–2 days depending on course format.

Can I get ACLS certified online?

Yes, via AHA-approved blended courses with in-person skills session.

What is the difference between BLS and ACLS?

BLS covers basic CPR; ACLS involves advanced skills like intubation, IV meds.

Does ACLS include BLS?

Not always. Some providers offer bundled courses.

Do I need BLS if I have ACLS?

Yes. BLS is a prerequisite and a separate certification.

How to renew ACLS certification?

Enroll in a renewal course before the 2-year expiration. Shorter and cheaper than initial.