Yes. American Heart Association PALS can be completed for renewal through Self-Guided Learning, combining self-paced online learning with a hands-on Self-Guided Skills Session at a CPR Verification Station.
The American Heart Association calls this Self-Guided PALS pathway HeartCode Complete PALS. It combines comprehensive online learning with hands-on skills practice and testing at a CPR Verification Station, allowing healthcare professionals to complete their training at an individualized pace.
At Citywide CPR, healthcare professionals who need PALS certification or renewal can choose the appropriate course pathway, complete the required online learning, and attend a scheduled hands-on skills session. Citywide CPR offers both Online + Skills and Skills Only options for PALS.
After successful completion of all required course components, you receive your official American Heart Association PALS Provider eCard.
How Does Self-Guided PALS Renewal Work?
Self-Guided Learning separates the cognitive learning portion from the hands-on skills experience.
For a participant who needs the complete PALS pathway, the process generally looks like this:
Complete HeartCode PALS online → Attend your Self-Guided Skills Session → Complete the required hands-on skills → Successfully complete the course → Receive your AHA PALS Provider eCard
The online portion allows you to work through the cognitive course content independently.
You then complete the applicable hands-on portion at a CPR Verification Station, where approved equipment provides feedback as you work through your skills.
The American Heart Association describes Self-Guided Learning as combining independently completed cognitive learning with hands-on skills performed on approved equipment that provides real-time feedback.
Do I Have to Take PALS Again to Renew?
You still need to complete the applicable requirements for the PALS training pathway you are using.
However, that does not necessarily mean sitting through a traditional instructor-led PALS classroom again.
Self-Guided Learning provides another delivery format for completing the required training.
For experienced pediatric healthcare professionals, the online portion is particularly relevant because HeartCode PALS uses an adaptive learning experience. The AHA explains that the learning path responds to the participant’s performance and self-reported confidence as they progress through the course.
You then complete the required hands-on component.
What Is the Difference Between PALS Online + Skills and Skills Only?
This distinction is important when registering with Citywide CPR.
PALS Online + Skills
Choose Online + Skills when you need both parts of the applicable PALS pathway.
You’ll receive access to the HeartCode PALS online course, complete the required online learning, and then attend your scheduled hands-on skills session.
PALS Skills Only
Choose Skills Only when you’ve already completed the appropriate American Heart Association HeartCode PALS online course and need the corresponding hands-on skills portion.
Citywide CPR specifically offers PALS Skills Only for participants who have already completed HeartCode PALS.
This prevents someone who already has the required online completion from unnecessarily purchasing the online course again.
What If I Already Completed HeartCode PALS?
If you’ve already successfully completed the appropriate HeartCode PALS online course, your next step may be the corresponding hands-on skills session.
Keep your course completion documentation and select the appropriate Skills Only option if it matches the pathway you need.
You will then complete the hands-on portion at your scheduled Citywide CPR location.
The important distinction is that finishing HeartCode PALS online is not automatically the same as completing the full PALS certification pathway when the corresponding hands-on skills portion is still required.
Is Self-Guided PALS Renewal Completely Online?
No.
This is one of the most important misconceptions to avoid.
Self-Guided Learning includes independent online education, but it also includes hands-on skills practice and testing.
The American Heart Association specifically describes PALS Self-Guided Learning as an online cognitive portion followed by hands-on training at an approved CPR Verification Station.
So while part of the PALS training can be completed from home, the entire process is not online-only.
You still have to demonstrate the applicable hands-on skills.
What Happens During a PALS Self-Guided Skills Session?
After completing the required online component, you attend your scheduled hands-on appointment.
At the Verification Station, the technology guides you through the applicable skills experience and provides feedback while you perform the required tasks.
You are actively participating in the skills portion—not simply watching another course on a computer.
For healthcare professionals accustomed to traditional PALS classes, this is one of the biggest differences in the Self-Guided format.
Rather than completing the hands-on portion as part of a group moving through an instructor-led classroom, you work through the applicable experience at the Verification Station.
If you’re unfamiliar with this training environment, our guide What Is a CPR Verification Station? explains the technology and Self-Guided Skills Session experience in greater detail.
Does the CPR Verification Station Give Real-Time Feedback?
Yes.
The American Heart Association describes approved Self-Guided Learning equipment as providing real-time feedback during the hands-on portion. CPR Verification Station learning centers provide objective coached feedback that allows participants to verify skills competency.
That feedback is an important part of the experience.
Instead of removing the hands-on component, Self-Guided Learning uses technology to support and evaluate it.
Is Self-Guided PALS an Official American Heart Association Certification?
Yes.
Self-Guided Learning is an American Heart Association training format for BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
For PALS, the AHA identifies HeartCode Complete PALS as its Self-Guided Learning course option. Successful completion results in a HeartCode Complete PALS Provider eCard valid for two years.
The term “Self-Guided” describes the training delivery method. It does not mean you receive an unofficial or separate type of PALS credential.
Can I Use Self-Guided PALS Renewal for My Healthcare Job?
If your employer requires the applicable American Heart Association PALS Provider credential, Self-Guided Learning provides an AHA pathway for completing PALS training.
However, your employer ultimately determines which credential it requires.
If your hospital, healthcare organization, credentialing department, school, or employer gives you specific course instructions, follow those requirements before registering.
This is especially important for healthcare professionals working in pediatric or emergency settings where maintaining current PALS may be a condition of a particular role.
Who Commonly Needs PALS Renewal?
PALS is intended for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies involving infants and children.
Depending on the employer and clinical role, that may include professionals such as:
- Pediatric nurses
- Emergency department nurses
- Physicians
- Paramedics
- Respiratory therapists
- Pediatric emergency providers
- Critical care professionals
- Other clinicians involved in pediatric resuscitation
Not every healthcare professional needs PALS.
If you’re uncertain, confirm your certification requirements with your employer or credentialing department before registering.
Can I Renew PALS Before My Current Certification Expires?
Yes.
If your employer requires continuous PALS certification, completing your training before your current credential expires can help avoid a lapse.
Start by checking the expiration date on your current eCard.
Then allow enough time to complete the required online learning and schedule your hands-on skills session.
Waiting until the final day can create unnecessary pressure, particularly when your ability to work in a particular clinical role depends on maintaining a current credential.
What If My PALS Certification Already Expired?
If your PALS credential has already expired, begin the appropriate training process promptly.
Do not assume there is an automatic grace period.
Whether an expired PALS credential affects your work responsibilities or credentialing status is determined by your employer or other organization requiring the certification.
Self-Guided Learning can make completing the applicable training more flexible, but it does not override employer policies concerning expired credentials.
How Long Does a Self-Guided PALS Skills Session Take?
The American Heart Association notes that completion time for HeartCode Complete PALS varies based on the participant’s level of experience.
Citywide CPR advises participants that its PALS hands-on skills sessions are generally completed in about 30 minutes, although individual completion times can vary.
If your course includes HeartCode PALS online learning, remember that the online portion is completed separately from your scheduled hands-on appointment.
When Will I Receive My AHA PALS Provider eCard?
Citywide CPR provides an official AHA PALS Provider eCard after successful completion of the required course components. Citywide CPR’s PALS course information lists same-day issuance for successful participants.
This can be particularly useful when you’re renewing because of an approaching:
- Hospital credentialing deadline
- Certification expiration
- New position
- Clinical requirement
- Employer deadline
The eCard is issued after the applicable requirements have been successfully completed.
Is Self-Guided PALS Useful for Busy Healthcare Professionals?
For many providers, flexibility is one of the biggest advantages.
The American Heart Association describes Self-Guided Learning as designed for learners who want flexibility, convenience, and a self-paced experience.
Instead of arranging your schedule around a traditional group classroom, you can complete applicable online learning independently and then schedule the required hands-on portion.
That can make PALS renewal easier to coordinate around hospital shifts, patient care, on-call schedules, and other professional responsibilities.
The requirements are still there—the delivery format is simply different.
Where Can I Renew PALS With Self-Guided Learning Near Me?
Citywide CPR offers PALS certification and renewal at locations nationwide, with both Online + Skills and Skills Only options available.
If you’re searching for:
PALS renewal near me
Self-Guided PALS near me
AHA PALS renewal near me
or
CPR Verification Station near me
start by determining whether you still need HeartCode PALS or have already completed the appropriate online course.
Then find a convenient Citywide CPR location for your hands-on skills session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew PALS with Self-Guided Learning?
Yes. The American Heart Association offers PALS through Self-Guided Learning using HeartCode Complete PALS, which combines online learning with hands-on skills practice and testing at a CPR Verification Station.
Is Self-Guided PALS completely online?
No. The cognitive portion is completed online, followed by a hands-on skills portion at an approved CPR Verification Station.
What is HeartCode Complete PALS?
HeartCode Complete PALS is the American Heart Association’s Self-Guided Learning option for PALS, combining online learning with hands-on skills practice and testing using a CPR Verification Station.
What if I already completed HeartCode PALS?
If you have completed the appropriate HeartCode PALS online course, you may be ready for the corresponding hands-on skills portion. Citywide CPR offers a PALS Skills Only option for this situation.
What is the difference between PALS Online + Skills and Skills Only?
Online + Skills includes HeartCode PALS online learning plus the required hands-on session. Skills Only is for participants who have already completed the appropriate HeartCode PALS online course and still need the corresponding skills session.
Is a Self-Guided PALS Skills Session actually hands-on?
Yes. Self-Guided Learning includes hands-on skills practice and testing. The technology guides and provides feedback during the experience rather than eliminating the practical portion.
Does the CPR Verification Station provide feedback?
Yes. AHA describes CPR Verification Station learning centers as providing objective coached feedback to help learners verify skills competency.
Is Self-Guided PALS an official AHA certification?
Yes. PALS is one of the healthcare-provider courses the AHA offers through Self-Guided Learning. HeartCode Complete PALS results in a PALS Provider eCard valid for two years after successful completion.
How long does the Self-Guided PALS skills portion take?
AHA notes that HeartCode Complete PALS timing varies with the learner’s experience. Citywide CPR advises that its PALS hands-on skills sessions are generally completed in about 30 minutes, although individual times can vary.
When do I receive my PALS eCard?
Citywide CPR provides the official AHA PALS Provider eCard after successful completion, with its PALS course information listing same-day issuance.
Can I use Self-Guided PALS renewal for my healthcare job?
Self-Guided PALS is an AHA training pathway resulting in the corresponding PALS Provider credential after successful completion. Your employer determines the specific certification required for your position.
Where can I renew PALS with Self-Guided Learning near me?
Citywide CPR offers PALS certification and renewal at locations nationwide. Participants can choose the appropriate PALS pathway and locate a convenient skills session.
Ready to Renew Your American Heart Association PALS Certification?
Citywide CPR offers flexible PALS certification and renewal options for healthcare professionals who want to complete their training without relying on a traditional group classroom schedule.
Start with:
PALS Certification
https://www.citywidecpr.com/pals-certification/
Learn more about the broader AHA Self-Guided Learning format:
Self-Guided CPR Training
https://www.citywidecpr.com/self-guided-cpr-training/
Already know which PALS option you need?
Find a Citywide CPR Verification Station Near You
https://www.citywidecpr.com/locate-us/
After successful completion of all required course components, Citywide CPR provides your official AHA PALS Provider eCard.