Course Descriptions

BLS Healthcare Provider (BLS)

The BLS Healthcare Provider Course is a 4-hour program designed to teach the skills of CPR for victims of all ages (including ventilation with a barrier device, a bag-mask device, and oxygen); use of an automated external defibrillator (AED); and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (FBAO). Completion of this program is a prerequisite for all ACLS and PALS programs, and for the full BLS Instructor course. Successful course completion is measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: Healthcare providers, such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, physician's assistants, residents or fellows, or medical or nursing students in training, aides, medical or nursing assistants, police officers, and other allied health personnel in a wide variety of settings

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Heartsaver CPR

The Heartsaver CPR Course is a program available in modular format that teaches lay rescuers how to recognize and treat life-threatening emergencies for adults, children, and infants. No AED or First Aid skills are taught in this program (see following programs). Students also learn to recognize the warning signs of heart attack and stroke in adults and breathing difficulties in children. The program can be presented in any combination of the 3 modules.

  • Heartsaver CPR for All Ages: teaches 1-person CPR and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction in adult, infant and child victims, and ventilation with a barrier device.
  • Heartsaver CPR for Adults: teaches 1-person CPR and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction for adult victims, and ventilation with a barrier device.
  • Heartsaver CPR for Infants and Children: teaches 1-person CPR and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction for infants (ages birth to 1 year of age) and children (ages 1 year to puberty), and ventilation with a barrier device.

There is no written exam for this course. Successful course completion is measured through satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: All designated first responders for health related emergencies, such as employees in the workplace, daycare employees, baby-sitters, firefighters, police, airline personnel, security guards, family members of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death, or other interested lay rescuers.

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Heartsaver CPR with AED

The Heartsaver CPR with AED course teaches the basic techniques of adult CPR and use of an AED. Students also learn about using barrier devices for ventilation purposes and relief of foreign-body airway obstructions (choking). The program also provides information about how to recognize the signs of 4 major health emergencies: heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest, and foreign-body airway obstruction.

There is no written exam for this course. Successful course completion is measured through satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: All designated first responders to health emergencies where an AED device is available, such as firefighters, police, airline personnel, security guards, employees in the workplace, and those family members of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death, other lay rescuers, and other interested individuals.

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Heartsaver First Aid with CPR & AED

The Heartsaver First Aid Course combines adult CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) with basic level first aid procedures. The First Aid information in this program is compliant with the various requirements established by regulatory agencies. Students of this course will be taught how to perform adult CPR, relieve a foreign-body airway obstruction, use a barrier device during rescue breathing, use an AED and provide first aid for acute injuries and sudden illnesses.

There is no written exam for this course. Successful course completion is measured through satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: All designated first responders to emergencies who must also know how to use an AED device and how to provide basic first aid, such as firefighters, police, airline personnel, security personnel, employees in the workplace, other lay rescuers.

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CPR for Family and Friends

The CPR for Family and Friends course is a modular course that teaches rescuers skills in CPR and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. It presents information about the AHA adult Chain of Survival and signs of heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke and choking in adults. The course also presents information on the AHA pediatric infant and child Chain of Survival, signs of choking in infants and children, prevention of sudden infant death syndrome, and prevention of the most common fatal injuries in infants and children.

There is no testing of knowledge or skills. Program participation cards are provided for all participants.

Intended Audience: All lay rescuers, such as school children, family members of patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, and other laypersons who want to learn rescue skills for loved ones.

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BLS Instructor

The BLS New Instructor Course is a 1-day program designed to prepare AHA instructor candidates to disseminate the science, skills, and philosophy of resuscitation programs to participants enrolled in the BLS courses. Upon completion of this course, the instructor is qualified to teach BLS-Healthcare Providers, Heartsaver CPR (all levels), and CPR for Families and Friends programs.

Prerequisites include:

  1. Current BLS-HCP card
  2. Certificate verifying completion of the Core Instructor Course (6 hour CD),
  3. Documentation of affiliation with an AHA Training Center prior to enrollment for this program
  4. 2 letters of recommendation

Course Completion Card given when the following conditions have been met: exceptional skills testing, passing written exam, 2 class monitorings done at the ECC within 90 days of class. Must teach 4 AHA classes in a 2 year period to renew instructor card.

Intended Audience: Individuals with exceptional BLS skills and knowledge who have a stated desire to teach BLS programs at all provider levels, including the Healthcare Provider level.

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ACLS Provider

Approved for 13 contact hours, CERP Category A

The ACLS Provider Course is a 2-day program designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and manage the first 10 minutes of an adult ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) arrest. Providers are expected to learn to manage 10 core ACLS cases: a respiratory emergency, 4 types of cardiac arrest (simple VF/VT, complex VF/VT, PEA, and asystole), 4 types of pre-arrest emergencies (bradycardia, stable tachycardia, unstable tachycardia, and acute coronary syndromes), and stroke.

Prerequisites include:

  1. Current BLS-HCP Card
  2. Completed written pre-test
  3. Reading and evaluating ECGs
  4. Understanding of ACLS medications and algorithms

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: Healthcare professionals staffing emergency, intensive care, or critical care departments; emergency medical providers such as physicians, nurses, emergency technicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other professionals who may have a need to respond to a cardiovascular emergency.

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ACLS Provider Renewal

Approved for 6 contact hours, CERP Category A

The ACLS Provider Renewal Course is a one-day program designed to facilitate a review of ACLS skill and knowledge for current ACLS providers to enable the participant to successfully renew their provider credential. This is an appropriate program for those ACLS providers with very little actual code experience.

Prerequisites include:

  1. Current BLS-HCP Card
  2. Completed written pre-test
  3. Reading and evaluating ECGs
  4. Understanding of ACLS medications and algorithms

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: Healthcare professionals staffing emergency, intensive care, or critical care departments; emergency medical providers such as physicians, nurses, emergency technicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other professionals who may have a need to respond to a cardiovascular emergency.

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ACLS (Renewal) for Experienced Providers

Approved for 6 contact hours, CERP Category A

The ACLS Experienced Provider Course is a renewal option designed for seasoned ACLS providers who wish to renew their provider status. This course provides a stimulus for expert clinicians and scientists to identify areas in resuscitation that deal with special circumstances. In addition to completing the activities required for ACLS Provider renewal, students will participate in expanded ACLS content during the four EP Learning Stations: Toxicological Emergencies, Environmental Emergencies, Electrolyte Emergencies, and Cardiovascular Emergencies.

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion. Cards are valid for 2 years from month of issue.

Intended Audience: Licensed healthcare professionals, clinicians and scientists who must frequently respond to emergency cardiovascular and special resuscitation situations in the work environment.

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ACLS Instructor

The ACLS Instructor Course is a one-day program designed to assist ACLS Instructor candidates in developing proficiency in teaching ACLS using currently accepted techniques for teaching adult learners.

Prerequisites include:

  1. 2 letters of recommendation

Student instructors will actively participate in all the ACLS stations, both in the role of student as well as instructor. Demonstration lecture topics are assigned prior to the program.

Successful course completion is measured through (1) score of 90% or greater on the ACLS final exam, (2) satisfactory performance during integrated Mega Code, and (3) 2 class monitorings done at the ECC within 90 days of class.

Course completion card issued upon successful completion of all requirements, card is valid for 2 years from month of issue. The minimum obligation for teaching is valid documentation of teaching 2 ACLS courses each year (a total of 4 programs) before coming to renew the instructor status.

Intended Audience: Licensed healthcare professionals with current ACLS Provider status who wish to teach the ACLS programs following currently accepted techniques for teaching adult learners.

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PALS Provider

Approved for 14 contact hours, CERP Category A

The goal of the two-day Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course is to provide the learner with:

  • Information needed to recognize infants and children at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest
  • Information and strategies needed to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in infants and children
  • Cognitive and psychomotor skills needed to resuscitate and stabilize infants and children in respiratory failure, shock, or cardiopulmonary arrest.

Prerequisites include:

  1. Current BLS-HCP Card
  2. Completed written pre-course self assessment

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion. Cards are valid for 2 years from month of issue.

Intended Audience: Healthcare Providers such as pediatricians, house staff, emergency physicians, family physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for the well-being of infants and children.

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PALS Provider Renewal

Approved for 7 contact hours, CERP Category A

The PALS Provider Renewal Course is a one-day program designed to facilitate a review of PALS skill and knowledge for current PALS providers to enable the participant to successfully renew their provider credential. A valid BLS-HCP card is a prerequisite for this course.

Prerequisites include:

  1. Current BLS-HCP Card
  2. Completed written pre-course self assessment

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: Healthcare Providers such as pediatricians, house staff, emergency physicians, family physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for the well-being of infants and children.

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PALS Instructor

The PALS Instructor Course is a one-day program designed to assist PALS Instructor candidates develop proficiency in teaching PALS using currently accepted techniques for teaching adult learners.

Prerequisites include:

  1. 1. Current PALS Provider and BLS-HCP cards
  2. 2. 2 letters of recommendation

Student instructors will actively participate in all the PALS stations, both in the role of student as well as instructor. Demonstration lecture topics are assigned prior to the program.

Successful course completion is measured through (1) score of 90% or greater on the PALS final exam, (2) satisfactory performance during PALS testing stations, and (3) successful completion of required monitoring.

Course completion card issued upon successful completion of all requirements, card is valid for 2 years from month of issue. The minimum obligation for teaching is valid documentation of teaching 2 PALS courses each year (a total of 4 programs) before coming to renew the instructor status.

Intended Audience: Healthcare professionals with current PALS Provider status who wish to teach the PALS programs following currently accepted techniques for teaching adult learners.

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Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)

Approved for 6 contact hours, CERP Category A

This course has been designed through a joint effort of American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics to teach an evidence-based approach to resuscitation of the newborn. The causes, prevention, and management of mild to severe neonatal asphyxia are carefully explained so that health professionals may develop optimal knowledge and skill in resuscitation. This course is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to discuss and demonstrate neonatal resuscitation skills: initial steps, immediate post-delivery care, equipment use, chest compressions, ET intubation, medications and special considerations.

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: Healthcare Providers such as pediatricians, house staff, emergency physicians, family physicians, nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals who are responsible for the well-being of the newborn infant.

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Conscious Sedation

Approved for 2.5 contact hours, CERP Category A

This class examines several key points to essential to performing conscious sedation on adult and pediatric patients: Pre-procedure, intra-procedure and post-procedure assessment and monitoring, airway assessment, necessary equipment, drug and reversal medication used including doses, precautions and side effects, cardiac dysrhythmias recognition, as well preparation for an unexpected crisis. Teaching methods include power point presentation, group lecture, group discussion, interactive learning and post- test.

Successful course completion measured through written exam. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: This program is intended for physicians and nurses performing or assisting with conscious sedation.

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Gerontological Nursing Review

Approved for 21 contact hours, CERP Category A & O

The Gerontology Nursing Review Course is a three-day program intended to provide current information and guidelines for care for RN’s and LPN’s providing direct care for the elderly patient. Additionally, this program will serve as a pre-exam prep course for those RN’s who are intending to take the ANCC certification exam in Gerontology Nursing. The presentation format for this program is interactive discussion and lecture.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to :

  1. Discuss selected primary care considerations for geriatric patients including demographics of aging, communication and education needs, and death and dying.
  2. Interpret physiological changes associated with aging on the body systems.
  3. Describe common pathological conditions by body systems.
  4. Summarize the major types of healthcare delivery options for the elderly.
  5. Discuss selected ethical and legal issues related to the geriatric population.
  6. Discuss strategies for gaining medication compliance.
  7. Summarize the problems of “Polypharmacy” among the elderly.
  8. Discuss current trends and issues in Gerontological Nursing.

Successful course completion measured through written exam. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: RN’s and LPN’s providing direct care for the elderly patient

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TNCC Provider

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (Provider) is two-day course designed to provide the learner with cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills related to caring for an injured adult. The course presents a systematic assessment model, integrates the associated anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, and identifies appropriate interventions. Triage categorization is included in the course content. TNCC is taught using a variety of formats, including lectures, videotapes and includes skill stations that encourage participants to integrate their psychomotor abilities into a patient situation in a risk-free setting.

Contact Hours or Certification Received: 14.42 CECH hours

Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

Intended Audience: The TNCC may be officially attended by registered nurses (RN's). Other health care providers may attend the course as observers, however cannot participate in the competency exams on the last day and are not eligible for the course completion card. In order to maximize success in the TNCC (Provider), it is recommended that the participant have at least six months of clinical nursing experience in an emergency care setting. It is assumed that the course participant possesses generic nursing knowledge, has an understanding of emergency care terminology, and has familiarity with standard emergency equipment.

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ENPC Provider

The Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course is a two-day program designed to provide core-level pediatric knowledge and psychomotor skills needed to care for pediatric patients in the emergency setting. The course presents a systematic assessment model, integrates the associated anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, and identifies appropriate interventions. Triage categorization and prevention strategies are included in the course content. ENPC is taught using a variety of formats, including lectures, videotapes and includes skill stations that encourage participants to integrate their psychomotor abilities into a patient situation in a risk-free setting.

Contact Hours or Certification Received: 15.33 CECH hours

Intended Audience: The ENPC may be officially attended by registered nurses (RN's). Other health care providers may attend the course as observers, however cannot participate in the competency exams on the last day and are not eligible for the course completion card. In order to maximize success in the ENPC (Provider), it is recommended that the participant have at least six months of clinical nursing experience in an emergency care setting. It is assumed that the course participant possesses generic nursing knowledge, has an understanding of emergency care terminology, and has familiarity with standard emergency equipment. Successful course completion measured through written exam and satisfactory skill performance. Course completion cards awarded for successful completion.

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CATN II

The Course in Advanced Trauma Nursing: A Conceptual Approach is an innovative continuing education program which utilizes a case study approach and critical decision-making skills. This two-day course combines didactic content with interactive discussions, presented in a flexible format. Upon completion of the course the participant should be able to:

  1. Analyze psychophysiologic concepts as they relate to human responses to injury
  2. Integrate the psychophysiologic concepts through case studies
  3. Synthesize the principles of trauma system development, ethical dilemmas, and the application of science to nursing practice with the physiologic concepts to assure a comprehensive approach to the injured patient.
  4. Evaluate the effectiveness of advanced trauma nursing on patient outcomes.

Contact Hours or Certification Received: 13 CECH hours

Intended Audience: CATN may officially be attended only by Registered Nurses (RNs). Course participants are expected to be familiar with core anatomy and physiology. A participant manual is provided prior to course attendance. It is also recommended that course participants attend the Trauma Nursing Core Course Provider (TNCCP) prior to CATN.

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Basic Cardiac Dysrhythmias

Approved for 28 contact hours, CERP Category A

The Basic Cardiac Dysrhythmias program is a four-day workshop designed to introduce the student to the intricacies of cardiac rhythm recognition. Students should be familiar with ECG monitoring equipment and have some fundamental knowledge of ECG measurements. The workshop content includes a brief review of cardiopulmonary A&P and electrophysiology; how to accurately perform the basic measurements on actual rhythm strips; an introduction to the rhythms originating from the sinus node; exploration of abnormal rhythms from the atria, junctional and ventricular tissues; and AV Blocks. An introduction to pacemaker rhythms is included in the course content.

Successful completion of the workshop is achieved through participation in all workshop activities and through successful completion of the post course exam.

Intended Audience: Healthcare workers whose job responsibilities require recognition of cardiac rhythm disorders. This is an appropriate introductory course for healthcare workers who wish to apply for a monitor technician position.

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12-Lead ECG Interpretation

Approved for 6.5 contact hours, CERP Category A

The 12-Lead ECG course is a one-day program designed to introduce participants to the intricacies of 12-Lead Interpretation. This program emphasizes recognition of the ECG patterns of Ischemia, Injury, and Infarction, assists the student to identify the location of the damage from the ECG tracing, helps determine the extent of the involvement, and explores potential complications associated with infarction sites. Extensive practice opportunities with actual 12-Lead recordings is a part of this course. Certifications of participation are awarded at the conclusion of the workshop.

Intended Audience: Healthcare workers such as nurses, monitor technicians, paramedics, and others who must provide appropriate care for individuals with potential myocardial infarctions.

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Hemodynamic Monitoring

Approved for 6 contact hours, CERP Category A

The Hemodynamic Monitoring course is a one-day program designed to introduce the student to the waveforms and readings obtained with hemodynamic monitoring equipment. Specific areas discussed include Systemic Arterial monitoring, and Pulmonary Arterial Catheters revealing Right Atrial, Right Ventricular, Pulmonary Arterial, and Pulmonary Capillary Wedge readings. Cardiac output measurements and the calculated cardiovascular parameters of cardiac index, vascular resistance, and stroke work indices are presented in detail. Through case studies, students have opportunity to apply the information learned in the program to actual patient care decisions. Certificates of participation are presented at the conclusion of the workshop.

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Peripheral Infusion Therapy Course

Approved for 5 contact hours, CERP Category A

The Peripheral Infusion Therapy course is an one-day workshop designed to prepare the learner to perform basic intravenous assessment and peripheral venipuncture. Students will participate in various activities to reinforce learning including equipment preparation practice as well as practicing peripheral venipuncture technique on anatomical models.

  • Course topics include:
  • Selection of Appropriate Equipment
  • Venipuncture Site Identification and Selection
  • Proper Aseptic Technique
  • Maintenance and Observation of Infusion Therapy Solutions
  • Medication Administration
  • Blood & Blood Component Administration
  • Prevention, Recognition and Management of Complications
  • Documentation

Intended Audience: LPN's and RN's responsible for the administration and/or observation of peripheral infusion therapy. This course is appropriate for nurses new to infusion therapy or those who wish to update their knowledge and skills.

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Basic Fetal Monitoring

This course is an introduction to Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring. Topics included will be:

  • Providing optimal family centered care during parturition.
  • Selection and use of various tools for electronic fetal monitoring.
  • Evaluation of data obtained during fetal monitoring
  • Current standards of accountability in the interpretation, documentation and use of electronic fetal monitoring.

This is an excellent preparation course for any nurse who wants to take the AWHONN Fetal Heart Monitoring Principles and Practice Workshop.

Contact Hours or Certification Received: Certificate of Completion

Intended Audience: RN's and LPN's new to the OB area, OB monitor techs, and ancillary personnel who assist with monitor placement and monitor surveillance.

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AWHONN Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring Principles and Practices Workshop (FHMPP)

This two-day workshop is offered in a standardized format that can be used as a competency assessment to validate the knowledge and skills of experienced nurses. Participants analyze case scenarios using key physiologic principles. The sessions offer demonstration, practice, and testing of the following skills: auscultation, performing Leopold's Maneuvers, placement of an intrauterine pressure catheter and spiral electrode, interpretation of tracings, identification of indicated nursing interventions and communication and documentation.

Contact Hours or Certification Received: 18 contact hours awarded by AWOHNN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses), and 15.25 CMEs

Intended Audience: The FHMPP workshop is designed for registered nurses with a minimum of six months clinical nursing experience using fetal heart monitoring technology in an intrapartum setting. It is expected that the participant already have basic knowledge and related skills in these areas:

  • Maternal physiologic changes of pregnancy.
  • Fetal growth and development.
  • Methods of fetal monitoring.
  • Preparation of patient for set-up and initiation of external or internal fetal monitoring.
  • Obtaining and maintaining tracings that document fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.
  • Interpretation of uterine contraction frequency, duration, and baseline resting tone.
  • Identification of the baseline fetal heart rate, variability, and deviations.
  • Indicated clinical interventions.
  • Communication and documentation standards.

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AWHONN Advanced Fetal Heart Monitoring Principles and Practices Workshop (AFHMPP)

Advanced FHMPP is a one-day workshop (9.9 contact hours) focusing on the application of advanced fetal heart monitoring knowledge and skills in intrapartum nursing practice (contact hour credit includes independent study in preparation for the workshop). The content presented in this workshop builds on the essential knowledge and skills gained through the FHMPP two-day workshop. The AFHMPP Workshop uses a case study approach focusing on the analysis of complicated FHM patterns/charateristics and related case information. The workshop emphasizes:

  • underlying maternal-fetal physiology
  • instrumentation
  • interpretation
  • intervention
  • and verbal and written communication skills

Contact Hours or Certification Received: 12 contact hours awarded by AWOHNN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses), and 10 CMEs.

Successful completion of written examinations and performance of skills evaluations are requirements for completing the program and earning continuing education credit. Participants who attend the full workshop and successfully pass the skills and written tests earn 9.9 contact hours of continuing education credit. No partial credit is awarded.

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ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course

This two-day program focuses on the theoretical knowledge base needed to administer chemotherapy and biotherapy, including cellular kinetics, drug classifications, safe handling, administration, management of side effects and patient teaching strategies. Case studies relating to the theoretical principles will also be presented.

Contact Hours or Certification Received: 13.5 CE hours from The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and a Chemotherapy Provider Card after successful completion of the course and post-test.

Intended Audience: Participants should be licensed nurses who have been employed as such for a minimum of six months. The course content is appropriate for nurses who are new to chemotherapy administration, as well as for those who want a comprehensive review. It is also appropriate for nurses who do not administer chemotherapy, but may provide post-treatment care for oncology patients.

Student Materials: Chemotherapy and Biotherapy, Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice.

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