Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification
Project Heartbeat offers flexible ACLS certification options at 15+ current locations with expansion to 20+ locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon. As a premier AHA Training Center with 29 years of experience, we provide the most advanced training technologies available, including HeartCode Complete – the AHA’s newest self-paced learning system.
Why Choose Project Heartbeat for ACLS Training?
- 15+ Current Locations + Expanding: Bay Area, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and more, with Phoenix, Seattle, Portland coming soon
- AHA Technology Partnership: Selected by the American Heart Association as an early adopter of advanced training technologies
- HeartCode Complete Available: True adaptive learning – complete certification entirely on your schedule
- Expert Instructors: Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Paramedics with real-world experience
- Same-Day Certification: Receive your AHA eCard immediately upon completion
- Flexible Scheduling: Traditional classroom at Oakland campus, plus self-directed options at current locations
- Regional Leader: 29 years serving healthcare professionals with expanding West Coast coverage
ACLS Training Options – Available Now + Expanding
Option 1: HeartCode Complete ACLS (MOST POPULAR)
Self-Paced with Voice-Assisted Manikin – 15+ Current Locations
Perfect for busy healthcare professionals across the West Coast
- Currently available at 15+ locations throughout Northern California and Nevada
- Coming Soon: Phoenix Metro, Seattle Metro, Portland Metro
- Complete 100% on your schedule – no fixed class times
- Adaptive learning algorithm personalizes your training path
- 3-5 hours online + 30-minute hands-on skills check with voice-assisted manikin
- Same AHA certification as traditional classes
Current Locations:
- California: Bay Area, Sacramento, Central Valley
- Nevada: Las Vegas
Coming Soon (2025):
- Arizona: Phoenix Metro Area
- California: Los Angeles Metro Area
- Oregon: Portland Metro Area
- Washington: Seattle Metro Area
How it works:
- Complete online HeartCode ACLS course (3-5 hours at your pace)
- Schedule convenient 30-minute skills session with voice-assisted manikin at your nearest location
- Receive AHA ACLS Provider eCard same day
Option 2: Traditional Instructor-Led ACLS
Full Classroom Experience – Oakland Campus
Ideal for first-time ACLS students or those preferring group learning
- Expert instructor guidance throughout
- Interactive group scenarios and practice
- Comprehensive 1-day format (12 hours total for initial, 7 hours total for renewal)
- Hands-on practice with fellow students
What You’ll Learn in ACLS Training
Core Competencies Covered:
- Cardiovascular Emergency Management: Recognition and treatment of cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndromes, stroke
- Advanced Airway Management: Intubation techniques, airway assessment
- Pharmacology: Emergency cardiac medications and dosing
- ECG Interpretation: Reading and interpreting cardiac rhythms
- Team Dynamics: Leading and participating in resuscitation teams
- Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Immediate post-resuscitation management
Key ACLS Algorithms (2020 Guidelines):
- Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
- Bradycardia Algorithm
- Tachycardia Algorithm
- Acute Coronary Syndromes
- Stroke Algorithm
Who Should Take ACLS Certification?
Required for Healthcare Professionals:
- Emergency Department Staff
- ICU/CCU Nurses
- Paramedics
- Respiratory Therapists
- Physicians and Nurse Practitioners
- Flight Nurses
- Telemetry Nurses
Career Benefits:
- ✅ Meet employment requirements
- ✅ Stand out in competitive job market
- ✅ Increase confidence in emergency situations
- ✅ Qualify for specialized units (ED, ICU, CCU)
- ✅ Advance your healthcare career
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is ACLS certification valid?
ACLS certification is valid for 2 years from completion date. You can renew with a shorter recertification course.
What’s the difference between HeartCode Complete and traditional classes?
HeartCode Complete uses adaptive learning technology that personalizes your training path. You complete everything at your own pace with a brief hands-on skills check using voice-assisted manikin technology. Traditional classes follow a fixed schedule with instructor-led lectures and group practice.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
For traditional classes, bring your ACLS Provider Manual (can purchase during registration) and complete the pre-course assessment. For HeartCode Complete, just bring your completion certificate from the online portion.
What if I don’t pass the first time?
Heartcode complete students will have unlimited attempts at skills sessions. In person students will get a 2nd attempt by retaking the full class at no additional charge. Our instructors provide additional coaching to ensure your success.
Can you come to my workplace for group training?
Yes! We provide on-site ACLS training for groups of 8 or more. This is often more convenient and cost-effective for healthcare facilities.
Is your ACLS certification accepted nationally?
Yes, Project Heartbeat is an official American Heart Association Training Center. Our certifications are accepted nationwide and internationally.
Where can I take HeartCode Complete ACLS skills testing?
We currently have 15+ convenient locations throughout Northern California and Nevada. We’re expanding to Phoenix, Seattle, and Portland metro areas in 2025. Use our location finder tool to find your nearest current testing site or sign up for updates about new locations.
Are you opening locations in my area?
We’re actively expanding! Phoenix Metro, Seattle Metro, and Portland Metro locations are coming in 2025. Sign up for our location updates to be notified when we open near you.
Do you offer ACLS training in Arizona, Washington, or Oregon?
Coming soon! We’re expanding to Phoenix Metro (Arizona), Seattle Metro (Washington), and Portland Metro (Oregon) in 2025. Currently, we serve California and Nevada with 15+ HeartCode Complete locations.
Can I take HeartCode Complete anywhere and do skills testing locally?
Yes! Complete the online portion from anywhere, then schedule your 30-minute skills session with our voice-assisted manikin at any of our current locations for maximum convenience. New locations opening soon!
Learn More About ACLS Certification
What to Expect During ACLS Training
Knowing what to expect when you are facing anything new can mean the difference between feeling deep anxiety or confidence. This is no different when it comes to ACLS training and testing.
The Most Forgotten ACLS Algorithms
Because ventricular fibrillation, or V-fib, is so commonly seen and is so dangerous, it's typically a primary focus in any ACLS class. However, you should also focus sufficient time on the following two algorithms, frequently forgotten by well-meaning students.
What’s the Difference Between ACLS and BLS Certification?
Are ACLS and BLS the same thing? The short answer is no; they differ quite a bit – specifically in the level of advancement. So, what is the difference between BLS and ACLS, and which do you need? Read on to find out.
