Texas ACLS certification online

This page explains the ACLS certification process in Texas, including accreditation with its different government agencies and how to complete your certification online or in-person.

Pacific Medical Training brand ACLS/PALS/BLS courses

The official place to buy Pacific Medical Training brand ACLS, PALS, and BLS courses is this acls.net website.

Pacific Medical Training brand ACLS/PALS/BLS courses are accepted in Texas through the following accreditation bodies and agencies:

Texas Board of Nursing for nurses accepts our ANCC COURSES because our course satisfies their rules.
Texas Medical Board for physicians accepts our AMA COURSES because our course satisfies their rules.
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners for dental professionals accepts our ACLS, PALS because our course satisfies their rules.
Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing for child care providers accepts our CPR, First Aid because our course satisfies their rules.
Texas State Board of Pharmacy for pharmacists accepts our ACPE COURSES because our course satisfies their rules.
for body artists accepts our BBP, CPR because there are no specific requirements or restrictions.

Steps to obtaining a Texas ACLS certification

Getting your Texas ACLS certification is easier than you might think. ACLS training is available in two flexible formats: online learning, which allows you to complete coursework at your own pace, and traditional classroom training. Both methods teach the same life-saving skills based on American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, so you can choose the option that best fits your schedule and learning style.

Watch the video below and read the guide to learn more about the steps to get certified and take the next step in advancing your career.

Step 1: Meet the basic requirements

Before starting your ACLS certification, you’ll need a current BLS certification and a foundational education in healthcare, such as being a licensed medical professional or a healthcare provider with knowledge of cardiac rhythms, airway management and pharmacology. If you haven’t obtained your BLS certification yet, you can do that when you enroll in your ACLS certification course. Here are the basic requirements before starting an ACLS certification in the state of Texas:

Current basic life support (BLS) certification
Solid understanding of CPR and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC)
Basic knowledge of ECG rhythms and ability to identify cardiac arrhythmias
Familiarity with pharmacology as related to cardiac care

A healthcare background is required, typically including degrees such as registered nurse (RN), doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP), paramedic, respiratory therapist, or other healthcare provider. This ensures that participants have the foundational knowledge of medical terminology and emergency response before beginning ACLS training.

What are the requirements in Texas for obtaining your ACLS certification or recertification?

No skills check is necessary in order to receive your ACLS, BLS or PALS certification or recertification in Texas. After completing the course, you must pass a written exam and skills assessment to receive your certification, which is valid for two years until renewal is required.

Once you pass the text, you will be able to download a BLS, PALS or ACLS Texas instant provider eCard. You will also receive your physical certificate in the mail within 2 business days upon request. This means that you can use our PALS, BLS and ACLS certification online service and become certified 24/7 without the hassle of scheduling your skills test or waiting for other people.

Find ACLS certification in these cities

Houston San Antonio Dallas El Paso Austin Dallas / Fort Worth Arlington Corpus Christi

Step 2: Master essential ECG rhythms and cardiac pharmacology before your ACLS course

A solid understanding of basic ECG rhythms, cardiac pharmacology and familiarity with the ACLS algorithms is essential before starting. Many providers offer materials such as ACLS pretest quizzes, FAQs, crash cart supply & equipment checklists and various types of ACLS algorithms to help you study for these key areas and ensure you are well-prepared for the course.

ACLS algorithms

These algorithms detail the steps to take in various emergency situations. They are essential to know for your ACLS certification.

Learn

ACLS pretest quizzes

These quizzes are a great way to prepare and focus on which areas you need to study more before completing the ACLS certification course.

Learn

Crash cart supply checklist

This checklist will help you ensure that your crash cart is properly stocked and ready for any emergency situation.

Learn

Step 3: Enroll in an accredited ACLS training provider

When you enroll in an ACLS certification course, it’s crucial to choose an accredited provider to ensure you receive the most up-to-date and high-quality training based on American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Accreditation ensures that the course follows stringent standards, offering comprehensive training in life-saving techniques including advanced airway management and emergency interventions.

Choosing an accredited provider also ensures your certification will be widely accepted by healthcare employers and institutions, giving you confidence in its validity. Additionally, select a provider accredited by respected organizations like the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education (AMA/ACCME) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Providers like Pacific Medical Training also offer courses eligible for Canadian CME credits, making them a reliable choice for professionals seeking continued education credits across North America.

Accredited ACLS providers typically offer flexible learning options, such as online courses or a hybrid of online and hands-on training, making it easier for busy professionals to meet certification requirements. These providers are recognized by the respected accrediting bodies and deliver AHA-based training that adheres to the highest industry standards. Be sure to verify the provider’s credentials and available course formats to ensure they meet your professional needs and learning preferences.

Estimated time: 2–5 hours

Estimated cost: $150–$400

Ready to start? Choose a program

Step 4: Complete the online or in-person training

Depending on the provider, you can choose between online or in-person training to complete your ACLS certification. Online courses offer the flexibility to study at your own pace, making it easier to balance your professional and personal commitments. In-person training provides hands-on practice and immediate feedback from instructors, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more interactive learning experience.

What is included in an ACLS course:

Resuscitation ethics: Explore the ethical considerations and decision-making processes involved in resuscitation efforts.
Basic cardiac life support (BCLS): Learn the fundamental techniques for providing effective basic life support in cardiac emergencies.
Identifying cardiac arrhythmias: Understand how to recognize and differentiate various types of cardiac arrhythmias.
Pharmacology: Gain knowledge of the medications used in resuscitation and their appropriate administration.
Resuscitation dynamics: Study the principles and team dynamics that contribute to successful resuscitation efforts.
Airway, ventilation, and oxygenation management: Master the techniques for managing the airway, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining adequate oxygenation.

Defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing: Learn the methods and timing for applying defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing in cardiac emergencies.
Acute coronary syndromes: Understand the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of acute coronary syndromes.
Treatment guidelines for specific rhythms: Review the recommended treatment protocols for various cardiac rhythms encountered during resuscitation.
Post-resuscitation care: Learn the critical steps involved in caring for a patient after successful resuscitation.
Acute stroke management: Explore the strategies for recognizing and managing acute strokes to optimize patient outcomes.

Step 5: Pass the written exam and skills assessment

Depending on the provider, you can choose between online or blended learning that combines online modules with an in-person skills assessment. In-person courses are also available for those who prefer face-to-face instruction.

Step 6: Receive your certification

After passing both components, you will receive your ACLS certification, which is valid for two years before renewal is required.

Sample ACLS provider certificate

Texas medical statistics

The following sections are devoted to Texas medical statistics. Every statistic on this page is relevant to Texas ACLS, PALS and BLS certified professionals.

Texas Medical Statistics

How is Texas unique?

Texas is a relatively average state when it comes to cardiovascular related statistics. It does, however, stand out in a few different categories. One of those categories is adult obesity. Texas has the highest rate of adult obesity at thirty one point seven percent (31.7%). They are only slightly higher than Oklahoma which has a rate of thirty one point three percent (31.3%).

Texas also leads the Southwest region in the percentage of the population without healthcare. In fact, a staggering twenty-five percent (25%) of the population of Texas goes without health insurance. This is not only the highest rate in the region but is also the highest rate of any state in the country. On a positive note, Texas has the lowest rate of heart attacks in the Southwest Region at four point three percent (4.3%) and has the highest median household income at $47,464.

RN license transfer, renewal & continuing ed

Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of its citizens. However, the requirements for some health care professions are not the same in each state. That is why it is important to find out what is required of you as a future or current registered nurse before moving across state lines. Contact information is located at the bottom of this page.

Endorsements

Texas is a compact state. If you are moving to Texas or claiming it as your primary state of residence, you will need to apply for application by endorsement in order to use your license in Texas. General instructions are listed below.

Graduation from an approved RN program
Passing NCLEX or SBTPE scores
Complete online or paper application with fee of $186
Criminal background checks
Verification of original licensure
You may verify via if your original state of licensure participates in the site

You may renew your license online or by using the paper application for $60. Renewals take place every two years.

You must complete 20 hours of continuing education to renew your license. Click this page on continuing education requirements for more information.

Contact information

Texas Board of Nursing

1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200
Austin, TX 78701

Phone: 512-305-7400
Fax: 512-305-7401

FAQ

Visit the Texas Board of Nursing Endorsement FAQs for more information.

Visit the continuing competency FAQs page for more information.

In-person training

	Blended class	Classroom
Format	This is a personalized and adaptive class completed online with a computer. After the class you will schedule with an instructor to complete the hands-on portion of the class.	This is a traditional classroom class with an instructor.
Course completion	Complete the online portion + hands-on skills session with an AHA Instructor.	Contact a Training Center in your area to sign up for an instructor-led class, see above
Time	The online portion of HeartCode BLS can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours. Time to complete the hands-on skills session varies around approximately 60 minutes, depending on your experience level.	A full BLS provider course can take 4.5 hours to complete, including skills practice and skills testing.
Completion card	BLS provider course completion card, valid for two years	BLS provider course completion card, valid for two years

Nearby training sites

View our list of training centers and skill testers in TX.

RC Health Services Irving
800 W. Airport Freeway Suite 740/ Irving, TX BLS ACLS PALS

RC Health Services Pearland
1801 Country Place Pkwy. # 109/ Pearland, TX BLS ACLS PALS

AMR Austin/ San Antonio
3601 Bluestein Dr/ Austin, TX BLS ACLS PALS

EMERG
1140 Empire Central Dr. Ste. 440/ Dallas, TX BLS ACLS PALS

CCEMS Charles R. Hooks Education Center
7111 Five Forks Dr/ Spring, TX BLS ACLS PALS

EMS Online Training Plus
500 West Overland; 2nd Floor, The Station. Suite 2/ El Paso, TX BLS ACLS PALS

…

Total 131 training sites in TX. Show all.

Pacific Medical Training course acceptance chart.

This list of AHA training centers is original research produced by Pacific Medical Training and is not authorized by any third party. By completing this form you are asking Pacific Medical Training to arrange a course and/or skills testing for you, preferably with this training center.

The American Heart Association name is owned by American Heart Association, Inc. Pacific Medical Training has no affiliation with American Heart Association.

Texas ACLS certification online

Pacific Medical Training brand ACLS/PALS/BLS courses

Steps to obtaining a Texas ACLS certification

Step 1: Meet the basic requirements

What are the requirements in Texas for obtaining your ACLS certification or recertification?

Find ACLS certification in these cities

Step 2: Master essential ECG rhythms and cardiac pharmacology before your ACLS course

ACLS algorithms

ACLS pretest quizzes

Crash cart supply checklist

Step 3: Enroll in an accredited ACLS training provider

Step 4: Complete the online or in-person training

Step 5: Pass the written exam and skills assessment

Step 6: Receive your certification

Texas medical statistics

How is Texas unique?

RN license transfer, renewal & continuing ed

Endorsements

Contact information

FAQ

In-person training

Nearby training sites

Texas life support news