What are BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications?
A recent study found that 98% of emergency physicians reported a lack of knowledge in rare diseases, yet they expressed a desire for more training. That’s a staggering number and a powerful reminder that even experienced clinicians seek to strengthen their skills. Certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provide that specialized training, preparing healthcare professionals not only for rare disease scenarios but also for everyday life-threatening emergencies.
What is BLS
When a woman collapsed at the airport in Buffalo, New York, bystanders who knew Basic Life Support (BLS) techniques saved her life. One immediately started chest compressions, while another retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED). Within seconds of a shock from the AED, she opened her eyes and was up and talking before emergency responders even arrived.
Data show that fast action from trained bystanders can double or even triple the odds of survival from cardiac arrest, underscoring the power of BLS and explaining why it’s the foundation of emergency care.
Basic Life Support focuses on lifesaving techniques for people of all ages, including first aid, high-quality CPR, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and relief of airway obstructions. BLS certification is required for most healthcare professionals and first responders because it equips them to stabilize patients and keep oxygen-rich blood circulating until advanced care arrives.
What is ACLS
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support training builds on BLS skills to address complex cardiovascular emergencies. It trains healthcare professionals to manage cardiac arrest, stroke, arrhythmias, and other life-threatening conditions using advanced airway management, medications, and team-based resuscitation strategies. ACLS certification is common for clinicians working in critical care, emergency departments, and other acute care settings.
What is PALS
Pediatric Advanced Life Support is designed specifically for emergency care of infants and children. It teaches clinicians how to recognize and manage pediatric respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac arrest, along with pediatric-specific assessment techniques and medication dosages. PALS certification is especially important for those working in pediatrics, emergency care, and intensive care units.
Different Life Support Certifications: What are BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications
Key Factors of BLS Certification
BLS certification is required for most healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and many caregivers who work in hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities, and home health environments. It is also recommended for first responders, teachers, coaches, and anyone responsible for public safety.
The purpose of BLS is to ensure that healthcare providers and other professionals can deliver immediate care in life‑threatening situations. It focuses on:
- Recognizing cardiac arrest
- Initiating high‑quality chest compressions
- Using an AED to restore heart rhythm
- High‑quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
Online BLS training can be completed in under an hour with instant certification and free unlimited exam retakes.
Key Factors of ACLS Certification
ACLS certification is designed for clinicians who deliver advanced care to adults in critical or emergency settings, including ER nurses, ICU staff, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and advanced practice providers (NPs and PAs).
The purpose of ACLS is to prepare healthcare professionals to manage cardiac emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and life‑threatening arrhythmias. Training focuses on both technical interventions and team‑based leadership during resuscitation, including:
- Advanced airway management techniques
- ECG rhythm recognition and interpretation
- Pharmacology for cardiovascular emergencies
- Cardiac arrest algorithms and post‑resuscitation care
- Effective team dynamics and communication
AMC’s ACLS course is fully online, designed to be completed in less than one hour, and comes with 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™ and instant certification proof.
Key Factors of PALS Certification
PALS certification is intended for healthcare providers who care for infants and children, such as pediatric nurses, midwives, pediatricians, paramedics, and emergency medical personnel.
Kids aren’t just small adults. Their bodies respond differently in emergencies, and PALS training prepares you to recognize those subtle differences and act decisively via:
- Pediatric patient assessment and early recognition of respiratory or cardiac compromise
- Pediatric BLS and advanced life support techniques
- Pediatric‑specific medication dosage and fluid management
- Airway management for infants and children
- Team dynamics and effective communication during pediatric emergencies
The online PALS certification we offer is self‑paced, and garners 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, instant certification cards, and free unlimited exam retakes.
Key Differences Between BLS, ACLS, and PALS Certifications
- Scope of Practice and Complexity – BLS focuses on essential life‑saving skills, ACLS expands into advanced cardiovascular life support for adults, and PALS specializes in pediatric emergency care.
- Target Patient Groups – BLS covers patients of all ages, ACLS focuses on adults, and PALS focuses on infants and children.
- Level of Care Administered – BLS covers basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use, ACLS addresses advanced airway management and pharmacology, and PALS adapts life support techniques to pediatric patients.
- Training Depth and Complexity – BLS is foundational training, while ACLS and PALS teach advanced, scenario‑based skills for critical care situations.
- Required Equipment and Simulation Training– Traditional courses often use specialized equipment:
- BLS: CPR manikins, AED trainers, and barrier devices to practice CPR and choking response.
- ACLS: ECG monitors, defibrillators, airway adjuncts (bag‑valve masks, advanced airway devices), and critical care protocols.
- PALS: Pediatric‑specific manikins and equipment for infant and child emergencies, including pediatric airway devices, defibrillators, and medication kits for pediatric dosing.
Because AMC’s courses are 100% online, no physical simulation equipment or manikins are required. Instead, AMC provides multimedia training tools—including videos, algorithms, and megacode simulations—to prepare you for real‑world scenarios while offering free unlimited exam retakes and instant certification proof.
Things to Consider when Choosing: BLS vs. ACLS vs. PALS
PALS is focused on infants and children, while ACLS is designed for adult patients. ACLS builds on BLS skills, so you must hold a current BLS certification before enrolling. All three AMC courses are accredited, accepted nationwide, and available 100% online, giving busy healthcare professionals a flexible way to stay certified without classroom attendance.
How to Get Certified: BLS, ACLS, PALS
- Prepare: AMC provides exclusive multimedia study materials, including videos and audiobooks, plus free practice tests.
- Take the course online: All AMC certifications can be completed in under one hour.
- Pass the exam: Enjoy free unlimited retakes until you succeed.
- Get certified instantly: Download your digital provider card and begin using it the same day.
AMC courses also offer CME/CE credits, including up to 4 AMA Category 1 Credits™ for BLS, and 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™ for ACLS and PALS.
Is BLS included in ACLS?
No. ACLS builds on the skills learned in BLS but does not include BLS certification. You must have a current BLS card before enrolling in ACLS.
Can I take all three certifications online?
Yes. AMC offers accredited online BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses with flexible learning options to fit your schedule. You can even take recertification courses with us to stay up to date on the latest guidelines.
Do I need all three certifications at once?
Not necessarily. Most healthcare professionals start with BLS and then go on to get the other. But ACLS and PALS are role‑specific, so your job duties may determine which advanced certifications you need.
Is PALS only for pediatric doctors?
No. PALS is for any healthcare provider who may respond to pediatric emergencies, including nurses, paramedics, midwives, and respiratory therapists.
Do all hospitals accept online certifications?
Most do when accredited. AMC’s courses are nationally accepted and backed by a money‑back guarantee.
Your Certification Journey Begins Here
BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications each play an important role in preparing healthcare professionals to respond confidently during life‑threatening emergencies. Whether you’re providing foundational life support, managing complex cardiac events, or treating pediatric patients, these certifications ensure you have the right skills for the right situation. Choosing the appropriate certifications depends on your role, patient population, and career goals.
AMC offers accredited online BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses designed to fit your schedule and learning style. We even offer a three-course bundle, allowing you to get certified in all of them at your own pace.