If you already have Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), you may wonder: Does ACLS include BLS?
The short answer is no. ACLS and Basic Life Support (BLS) are separate American Heart Association courses and certifications.
ACLS builds on BLS skills, but completing an ACLS course does not automatically give you a separate BLS Provider eCard.
Depending on your job, employer, hospital, or clinical program, you may need to maintain both BLS and ACLS certifications.
Here’s how the two certifications differ and how to determine which ones you need.
Does ACLS Include BLS Certification?
No. ACLS does not include BLS certification.
The American Heart Association offers BLS and ACLS as separate courses. Each course has its own learning objectives and course completion requirements.
ACLS assumes that healthcare professionals already understand important BLS concepts. However, successfully completing ACLS does not automatically renew or replace your BLS Provider certification.
If your employer requires both credentials, you need to keep both current.
What’s the Difference Between BLS and ACLS?
BLS focuses on the core skills healthcare professionals use during cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
BLS training covers topics such as:
- High-quality CPR
- AED use
- Adult, child, and infant resuscitation
- Ventilations
- Recognition of cardiac arrest
- Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction
- Team-based CPR
ACLS takes cardiovascular emergency care further.
ACLS training focuses on the assessment and management of adult cardiac emergencies. It builds on the foundation of BLS and includes more advanced concepts.
These may include:
- Recognition and management of cardiac arrest
- Recognition and management of arrhythmias
- Airway management
- ACLS medications
- Electrical therapy
- Post-cardiac arrest care
- Effective resuscitation team dynamics
Think of BLS as the foundation. ACLS adds advanced assessment and treatment for healthcare professionals who manage cardiovascular emergencies.
If I Have ACLS, Do I Still Need BLS?
Possibly. Your employer or credentialing organization determines which certifications you need.
Many healthcare professionals maintain both credentials because their jobs require current BLS and ACLS certifications.
For example, a hospital may require BLS for general patient-care responsibilities and ACLS for employees who respond to advanced cardiovascular emergencies.
Having an ACLS Provider eCard does not automatically mean you have a current BLS Provider eCard.
Always check the specific requirements for your position.
Does ACLS Renew My BLS Certification?
No. Completing ACLS does not automatically renew your BLS certification.
BLS and ACLS have separate course completion cards.
If your BLS expiration date is approaching, you will need to complete the appropriate BLS training to receive a new BLS Provider eCard.
Don’t assume that taking ACLS resets your BLS expiration date.
Check the Renew By date on each of your AHA eCards.
Do Nurses Need Both BLS and ACLS?
Requirements depend on the nurse’s position, employer, and clinical setting.
Many nursing positions require BLS. Some roles may also require ACLS because the nurse may care for patients experiencing cardiovascular emergencies.
Examples may include nurses working in:
- Emergency departments
- Intensive care units
- Critical care settings
- Cardiac units
- Procedural areas
- Other acute-care environments
A healthcare facility may have different requirements for different departments.
Before registering for training, ask your employer which AHA certifications your position requires.
Do EMTs and Paramedics Need BLS and ACLS?
Certification requirements vary by employer, agency, license, and scope of practice.
BLS provides the foundation for high-quality CPR and resuscitation.
ACLS covers advanced cardiovascular emergency care. Because the courses serve different purposes, an employer may require both.
EMS professionals should confirm their specific requirements with their employer or medical director.
Do Healthcare Students Need BLS or ACLS?
Most students should follow the requirements provided by their school or clinical program.
A nursing, medical, EMS, or allied health program may require BLS before students begin clinical rotations.
Some advanced programs may also require ACLS.
Don’t purchase a course based only on what another student needed. Requirements can vary between programs and clinical sites.
Can I Take ACLS Without BLS?
ACLS builds on BLS knowledge and skills.
Before taking ACLS, healthcare professionals should understand high-quality CPR, AED use, and other core resuscitation concepts.
However, course eligibility and employer credential requirements aren’t always the same thing.
If you’re taking ACLS for employment, credentialing, or school, verify whether you must also hold a separate current BLS certification.
How Long Do BLS and ACLS Certifications Last?
American Heart Association BLS and ACLS Provider course completion eCards are generally valid for two years.
Because they are separate credentials, they may also have different renewal dates.
For example, your BLS card could expire several months before your ACLS card.
Check each eCard separately and plan your renewals before they expire.
Can I Complete BLS and ACLS Together?
You can schedule BLS and ACLS training around the same time if you need both credentials.
This can make certification easier to manage. It can also help align your renewal dates.
Some healthcare professionals prefer flexible or blended learning options instead of spending an entire day in a traditional classroom.
Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training offers AHA BLS and ACLS training options designed for busy healthcare professionals.
BLS and ACLS Certification in Florida
Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training provides American Heart Association BLS and ACLS certification and renewal options for healthcare professionals.
Whether you need BLS, ACLS, or both, confirm your employer’s requirements before registering.
Then choose the training option that meets those requirements and fits your schedule.
Need BLS or ACLS certification?
Schedule your American Heart Association training with Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training.
Finish Strong CPR & Medical Training
Confident Teams. Compliant Workplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ACLS include BLS?
No. ACLS and BLS are separate AHA courses. Completing ACLS does not automatically provide a BLS Provider eCard.
Does ACLS count as BLS certification?
No. If an employer requires a current BLS Provider certification, don’t assume your ACLS card satisfies that requirement.
Does ACLS renew BLS?
No. Completing ACLS does not automatically renew your BLS Provider certification.
Do nurses need BLS if they have ACLS?
That depends on the employer and position. Many healthcare organizations require employees to maintain separate BLS and ACLS credentials.
Are BLS and ACLS the same certification?
No. BLS teaches foundational resuscitation skills. ACLS builds on those skills and focuses on advanced cardiovascular emergency care.
How long are BLS and ACLS certifications valid?
AHA BLS and ACLS Provider course completion eCards are generally valid for two years. Check the Renew By date on each card.
