Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
Project Heartbeat offers flexible PALS 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 PALS 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
PALS Training Options – Available Now + Expanding
Option 1: HeartCode Complete PALS (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 PALS course (3-5 hours at your pace)
- Schedule convenient 30-minute skills session with voice-assisted manikin at your nearest location
- Receive AHA PALS Provider eCard same day
Option 2: Traditional Instructor-Led PALS
Full Classroom Experience – Oakland Campus
Ideal for first-time PALS students or those preferring group learning
- Expert instructor guidance throughout
- Interactive group scenarios and practice
- Initial: Comprehensive 1-day format (12 hours total)
- Renewal: Efficient 1-day format (7 hours total)
- Hands-on practice with fellow students
What You’ll Learn in PALS Training
Core Competencies Covered:
- Pediatric Assessment: Systematic approach to evaluate infants and children in emergency situations
- Pediatric CPR & AED: High-quality CPR techniques for children and infants, AED use in pediatric patients
- Respiratory Emergencies: Recognition and management of respiratory distress vs. respiratory failure
- Shock Management: Differentiation between compensated and decompensated shock, early interventions
- Cardiac Rhythms: Recognition of pediatric arrhythmias and appropriate electrical therapy
- Team Dynamics: Effective communication and leadership during pediatric resuscitation
- Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Management strategies following successful resuscitation
Key PALS Skills (2020 Guidelines):
- Pediatric Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Airway Management
- Vascular Access in Pediatric Patients
- Medication Administration and Dosing
- Electrical Therapy (Cardioversion/Defibrillation)
Who Should Take PALS Certification?
Required for Healthcare Professionals:
- Pediatric Emergency Department Staff
- Pediatric ICU/PICU Nurses
- Pediatric Floor Nurses
- Neonatal ICU (NICU) Staff
- Labor & Delivery Nurses
- Emergency Medical Services Personnel
- Pediatricians and Family Practice Physicians
- Anesthesiologists treating pediatric patients
Career Benefits:
- ✅ Meet employment requirements for pediatric units
- ✅ Stand out in competitive pediatric healthcare job market
- ✅ Increase confidence in pediatric emergency situations
- ✅ Qualify for specialized pediatric positions
- ✅ Advance your pediatric healthcare career
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is PALS certification valid? PALS 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 PALS Provider Manual (can purchase during registration) and complete the pre-course assessment achieving 76% or higher. 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 PALS training for groups of 8 or more. This is often more convenient and cost-effective for healthcare facilities.
Is your PALS 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 PALS 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 PALS 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!
Do I need BLS certification before taking PALS? Yes, BLS certification is a prerequisite for PALS certification. The PALS course builds upon the foundation of basic life support skills.
What’s the difference between PALS and regular pediatric CPR? PALS is designed for healthcare providers and includes advanced interventions like medications, electrical therapy, and advanced airway management. Regular pediatric CPR classes cover basic life-saving techniques for the general public.
How is pediatric resuscitation different from adult resuscitation? Pediatric patients have unique physiological differences requiring modified techniques, different medication dosages, specialized equipment sizing, and age-specific approaches to assessment and treatment.
What age groups does PALS cover? PALS covers infants (excluding newborns) and children up to the onset of puberty. This typically includes patients from 1 month to approximately 12-14 years of age.
Learn More About PALS Certification
How to Pass Your PALS Certification the First Time
Whether or not PALS certification is a requirement on your unit, you'll find this class and examination gives you greater knowledge of emergency care for your pediatric patients and greater confidence in your everyday work. However, you probably know how in-depth these classes go and how stressful the scenarios and megacodes can become. These tips will help you pass your PALS assessment the first time so that you can quickly become a certified provider.
PALS Algorithms to Memorize and Practice
Even if you're already familiar with the adult version of advanced life support, you will still want to spend plenty of time memorizing the most important PALS algorithms you'll see on your certification examination. Many pediatric algorithms are slightly different from their adult counterparts because of the smaller size of these patients.
What Is Pediatric Advanced Life Support?
PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support and in some ways mirrors the ACLS certification for adult patients. This certification tells those you work with as well as your employer that you know how to respond to emergency situations with speed and accuracy. It also demonstrates that you are a knowledgeable team leader and that you are committed to the best possible care for your pediatric population.
