ACLS Certification CME Credit: How to Get it Online

Key Takeaways

• Many healthcare workers are required to maintain ACLS certification, and carving out time from work for in-person training events can be challenging.  

• Physicians need both ACLS certification and CME credits—and both can be obtained online.

• Online coursework is not only the most efficient way to get and maintain ACLS certification, but the top courses are nationally accredited and offer CME credit.

For healthcare professionals, keeping Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification current is more than a requirement; it’s an essential part of providing high-quality, life-saving care aligned with the latest standards.  

If you’re due for renewal, you may be wondering whether an online ACLS course can count toward continuing medical education (CME) credits. The good news: many ACLS certification and recertification courses do offer CME credit, and getting those credits is easier than ever.  

The best online providers not only offer fully accredited ACLS certification and recertification, but they can also be bundled with Unlimited Physician CME Memberships along with BLS and PALS training.  

Whether you have time to get in-person classes or are looking for convenient online training, we’re going to break down exactly how to get ACLS certification CME credit and how to claim it.

Why ACLS CME Credit Matters

ACLS is required for a wide range of healthcare roles. Depending on the clinical setting, physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and many other hospital staff members are expected to maintain their ACLS credentials.  

Many of these professionals have to accrue mandatory CME credits each year as well. Completing ACLS training already takes time and effort, and when you can earn CME credit for the course, you’re essentially doubling the value.

Getting ACLS certification CME credit also helps with:

• Meeting licensing or board requirements

• Maintaining hospital or employer credentials

• Staying up to date with AHA guidelines and evidence-based practice

• Saving time by fulfilling two requirements with one course

Rather than completing ACLS and then finding additional CME activities, earning CME credit as part of your ACLS certification helps streamline your responsibilities.

Should I Get My ACLS CME Credits In Person or Online?

ACLS certification has traditionally been in-person only, but carving out full days to maintain these core skills has become much more challenging in today’s healthcare industry. On top of that, attending conferences to pick up mandated CME hours adds both time and stress for critical healthcare workers.

Reports suggest that the United States will face a shortage of 86,000 physicians by 2036, and many of these jobs will be in rural and isolated areas that can’t afford gaps in care. To meet demand, physicians are averaging 57.8 hours per week, and over 40% report at least one symptom of burnout.  

Thankfully, digital training has risen to meet the challenge. Today’s best online providers offer ACLS certifications and recertifications that are fully accredited, align with AHA guidelines, and offer CME credits to maximize efficiency for busy healthcare professionals.  

Online options are also a huge advantage for physicians working in rural areas. In-person courses and certifications often require them to travel long distances and take multiple days off work. With few or no other professionals available, that can put patients at risk and further strain systems that are already overextended.  

Online ACLS Certification Providers With CME Accreditation

There are many options for ACLS certification out there, but not all of them will make the most of your investment. Unlimited memberships to an award-winning provider’s CME library bundled with ACLS certification are by far the best value for busy physicians, and the best offer fully accredited courses and frequent additions.  

When considering online ACLS certification CME credit, look for a few markers of a high-quality ACLS CME provider:

• ACCME accreditation (the gold standard for CME)

• Joint Commission or IACET accreditation

• Updated AHA and ILCOR guideline compliance

• Instant or downloadable CME certificate

With the right options, you can potentially earn 4-12 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ depending on the length and type of course.

How to Earn and Claim ACLS Certification CME Credit

To get your ACLS certification CME credit, you need to follow a few steps. Here’s how the process usually works:

1. Ensure the Course is CME-Accredited

Before enrolling, you’ll want to confirm that the coursework will offer CME credit upon completion. Here are some key things to check:

• The education provider should list CME credit details clearly

• The course description should include the number and type of CME hours

• Make sure the accrediting body listed is nationally recognized (e.g., ACCME, AMA, ANCC, AHA)

If you’re unsure, reach out to the provider’s support team to avoid any headaches later.

2. Complete the ACLS Course Requirements

It may sound obvious, but to get your CME credits, you need to complete all course requirements, no matter how many times you’ve renewed your ACLS credential. Depending on the provider, this may include:

• Online learning modules

• Written exam or quizzes

• Megacode or simulation testing

• Hands-on skills assessments  

Just remember: there’s no credit for partial completion!

3. Complete the Post-Course Evaluation

Most CME-accredited ACLS courses will not consider the course complete or give you your CME certificate until you fill out the post-course evaluation.  

This usually comes in the form of a feedback survey, a brief assessment of learning outcomes, and or an attestation that you completed the course. Again, this step is required for awarding CME credit.

4. Download or Request Your CME Certificate

Once the evaluation is complete, you’ll usually receive a certificate of ACLS completion and a CME certificate listing approved hours and the accrediting body. These are not the same document, and you’ll usually need both for credentialing or licensing.

The best providers will keep your certificate of completion on your profile so it’s easily accessible any time you need it, and may automatically log CME credit hours with your broker or institution.  

Getting ACLS Certification CME Credit the Easy Way

Earning CME credit while completing your ACLS certification is a smart, efficient way to maintain both your professional knowledge and your license compliance. Of course, not every pathway to certification or recertification is created equal. Without careful consideration, you may find yourself losing hours at work or missing out on valuable CME credit.  

Premiere is making it easier than ever for busy healthcare professionals to get nationally accredited ACLS certification CME credit that delivers the latest cardiovascular care skills in a convenient online format. And with a Pro Physician Membership to our entire course library, you’ll get:

• Unlimited access to all of our CME credits and coursework

• ACLS, BLS, and PALS certification and recertification bundles

• Instant access to your ACLS and CME certificates

• Frequent updates to account for new legislative or industry requirements

All of Premiere’s award-winning courses are developed by industry experts, and ensure you’ve always got the resources you need—and the flexibility you deserve.  

FAQs

How many CME credits is ACLS certification?

Depending on your course selection, you may get 4-12 ACLS certification CME credit hours. While online providers often give you these credits automatically, in-person learners may need to fill out additional paperwork to claim their CME credits.  

How long does it take to get ACLS certified online?

Because online coursework is geared toward efficient learning rather than attendance-based study, online learners can often complete their initial certification in 8 hours and recertification in 4. Conversely, in-person certification can take up to 16 hours plus travel, depending on the program.  

Can I do ACLS recertification online?

Yes. Online ACLS recertification is one of the fastest, most effective ways for busy healthcare professionals to maintain their certification, update their skills, and get valuable CME credits.  

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