What Is PALS Certification?
PALS, or Pediatric Advanced Life Support, is an American Heart Association course designed for healthcare professionals who may respond to critically ill or injured infants and children.
PALS training focuses on recognizing and managing pediatric emergencies, including serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems. It is intended for healthcare professionals whose roles and responsibilities make pediatric emergency-response skills relevant.
Citywide CPR is an authorized American Heart Association Training Center offering PALS certification and renewal through flexible training options. Depending on your situation, the process can combine AHA HeartCode online learning with an in-person Self-Guided Skills Session. Review the PALS certification and renewal options before registering.
Who Needs PALS Certification?
PALS is generally intended for healthcare professionals whose roles may involve responding to pediatric emergencies. The exact credential required depends on the employer, healthcare facility, clinical program and professional role.
Pediatric Nurses and Clinical Professionals
Pediatric nurses and other clinicians working directly with pediatric patients may need PALS certification based on their employer, facility or professional requirements.
Emergency Department and Critical-Care Providers
Healthcare professionals working in emergency departments, intensive-care environments or other settings where pediatric emergencies may occur may be required to maintain PALS certification.
Paramedics and Other Emergency Providers
Paramedics and other emergency healthcare professionals may need PALS when their responsibilities include responding to pediatric emergencies.
If your organization has told you that you need PALS, confirm the specific AHA course and certification pathway required before registering.
How Does AHA PALS Self-Guided Training Work?
Citywide CPR’s Self-Guided PALS pathway separates the online learning portion from the required hands-on skills experience. Participants complete the applicable AHA HeartCode PALS coursework, schedule an in-person Self-Guided Skills Session and attend the appointment at a participating Citywide CPR CPR Verification Station™ learning center.
Part 1 — Complete the Online PALS Course
If you need the complete PALS certification pathway, begin with the applicable American Heart Association HeartCode PALS online course. The online portion allows you to complete the cognitive learning before attending your hands-on skills appointment.
If you are registering for Online + Skills, the online course and required skills session are both part of your certification pathway. Review the PALS Online + Skills registration option before choosing your course.
If you have already completed the appropriate HeartCode PALS course, you can select the PALS Skills Only pathway and provide or upload your HeartCode completion certificate during registration.
Part 2 — Complete Your In-Person Self-Guided Skills Session
After completing the applicable online requirements, attend your scheduled Self-Guided Skills Session. At the CPR Verification Station™ learning center, you use the required training equipment to practice and perform the hands-on PALS skills. The equipment provides real-time feedback during the skills experience to help guide your performance.
Self-Guided does not mean unsupported. The session is designed around technology-guided hands-on training rather than a traditional instructor-led classroom format, and Citywide CPR support is available if assistance with the session or equipment is needed. Learn more about Self-Guided CPR Training.
PALS Initial Certification vs. Renewal
Whether you are completing PALS for the first time or renewing an existing credential, choose the registration option that matches your situation and the requirements provided by your employer, healthcare facility, school or clinical program.
For initial certification, complete the full applicable course requirements, including the online learning and hands-on skills component. For renewal, confirm the specific certification and renewal requirements provided by your organization before registering.
Citywide CPR provides PALS certification and renewal options through applicable Online + Skills and Skills Only pathways.
PALS Online + Skills vs. Skills Only
Understanding these two options can help you avoid registering for the wrong pathway.
PALS Online + Skills
Choose PALS Online + Skills when you need both the applicable AHA HeartCode PALS online course and the required hands-on skills session. Complete the online coursework and then attend your scheduled Self-Guided PALS Skills Session at a participating Citywide CPR location.
PALS Skills Only
Choose PALS Skills Only when you have already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode PALS online course and only need the required hands-on skills component. You will need to provide or upload your HeartCode completion certificate during registration as required.
If you are unsure which pathway fits your situation, review the PALS certification and renewal information before registering.
What to Expect at a CPR Verification Station
A Self-Guided PALS Skills Session is different from a traditional classroom course. The applicable cognitive learning is completed separately through the AHA HeartCode course. When you arrive for your skills appointment, the focus is on the required hands-on portion.
You will use the CPR Verification Station™ learning center and applicable training equipment to practice and perform the required skills. Real-time feedback helps guide your performance during the skills experience.
Before scheduling, make sure the location you select offers PALS skills sessions because course availability can vary by location. Use the Citywide CPR locations page to find participating locations and review available options.
What Happens After I Complete My PALS Skills Session?
After you successfully complete the applicable course requirements and skills session, your American Heart Association certification documentation can be processed.
The official AHA eCard is processed the same day after successful completion of course requirements and the skills session.
Your eCard provides electronic documentation of your completed American Heart Association PALS certification. If you are completing PALS for employment, school, clinical training or another requirement, confirm beforehand that the specific AHA credential meets the requirement you were given.
Frequently Asked Questions About PALS Certification
Is PALS certification only for pediatric healthcare professionals?
No. PALS is intended for healthcare professionals whose roles may involve responding to pediatric emergencies. This can include pediatric clinicians, emergency providers, paramedics and other healthcare professionals depending on their responsibilities and employer requirements.
Can I complete PALS online before my skills session?
Yes, when you select an applicable PALS Online + Skills pathway. Complete the AHA HeartCode PALS online learning before attending the required in-person skills session.
What if I already completed HeartCode PALS?
If you have already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode PALS online course, you can select the Skills Only pathway and provide your HeartCode completion certificate during registration.
Is a PALS Self-Guided Skills Session an instructor-led class?
No. A Self-Guided Skills Session uses a CPR Verification Station™ learning center and training technology to guide the participant through the hands-on skills experience. Participants follow the system’s guidance and receive real-time feedback rather than attending a traditional instructor-led classroom session.
Does Self-Guided PALS training include hands-on skills?
Yes. The Self-Guided Skills Session is the hands-on portion of the applicable PALS training pathway. Participants practice and perform the required skills using the training equipment and complete the applicable skills requirements.
How do I know which PALS course I need?
Start with the requirement provided by your employer, healthcare facility, school or clinical program. Determine whether you need initial certification or renewal and whether you have already completed the appropriate AHA HeartCode PALS online course. If the online course is already complete, Skills Only may be appropriate. If you still need the online portion, choose an applicable Online + Skills pathway.
Can I find a PALS skills session near me?
Citywide CPR has participating locations offering PALS training, but availability varies by location. Use the Citywide CPR locations page to find a participating location and review available course options and appointments.
When will I receive my official AHA PALS eCard?
The official AHA eCard is processed the same day after successful completion of course requirements and the skills session.
Find PALS Certification and Renewal at Citywide CPR
If you need American Heart Association PALS certification or renewal, start by confirming the exact credential required by your employer, school, clinical program or healthcare organization.
Then choose the pathway that matches your situation. If you need both the HeartCode PALS online course and hands-on skills session, select the applicable Online + Skills option. If you have already completed the required HeartCode PALS course, select Skills Only and provide your completion certificate.
Citywide CPR allows participants to complete applicable online learning independently and then attend a scheduled Self-Guided Skills Session at a participating CPR Verification Station™ learning center.
Review the PALS certification and renewal options and use the Citywide CPR locations page to find a participating location and schedule the skills session that fits your certification needs.