If your ACLS card is about to expire, an ACLS renewal course for nurses is the fastest way to stay current without retaking the full class. A good renewal does more than replace a card. It refreshes rhythm recognition, the cardiac arrest algorithms and team communication you need when a patient crashes. This guide explains when to renew, what the AHA ACLS recertification covers, how to prepare and what to expect at DMS Care Training Center in Carrollton (Dallas area).
- Who it is for: healthcare professionals with a current or recently expired ACLS certification
- Format: blended, with a 4-hour online pre-course at home and an in-person session of about 4 hours in Carrollton
- Testing: written exam, hands-on skills testing and a megacode scenario
- Certification: official AHA ACLS Provider certification issued the same day after successful completion
- Cost: $150, with the online pre-course included and no separate registration fee
When should nurses renew ACLS?
AHA provider cards are usually valid for two years. Check the expiration date on your current card, then check your employer's policy. A hospital, staffing agency or travel assignment may want proof of a current card before your first shift or onboarding date.
Plan your renewal 30 to 60 days ahead if you can. That gives you time to book a class, finish the online pre-course and send your new card to your employer without stress.
If your card has already expired, you may still qualify for renewal if it expired recently. If it expired a while ago, or if you have never taken ACLS, the full AHA ACLS course is the right choice. When in doubt, call us before you register.
What an ACLS renewal course for nurses covers
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) builds on BLS. The renewal course moves at a pace designed for clinicians who have taken ACLS before, so it focuses on review, decision-making and testing rather than teaching everything from the beginning.
- High-quality CPR and early defibrillation
- The adult cardiac arrest algorithm: shockable and non-shockable rhythms
- Bradycardia and tachycardia algorithms, including signs of instability
- Cardiac rhythm recognition
- Advanced airway management
- Emergency medications used in resuscitation
- Team roles and closed-loop communication during a code
The course is case-based. You are not only reciting an algorithm. You decide what to do as the patient's condition changes, such as recognizing unstable bradycardia, preparing for pacing and reporting findings clearly to the team leader.
Online pre-course and in-person skills: why both matter
Many working nurses like flexible online learning, and it works well for reviewing algorithms. But an online-only course may not meet your employer's requirement. AHA ACLS certification requires an in-person, hands-on skills evaluation with an instructor.
The DMS renewal is a blended AHA course. You complete the online part at home, then come in once for review, testing and skills.
Renewal or full ACLS: which one do you need?
| ACLS Renewal | Full AHA ACLS | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Current or recently expired ACLS card | First-time ACLS or a card that expired a while ago |
| Online pre-course | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| In-person session | About 4 hours: 9 AM–1 PM or 1 PM–5 PM | About 4 hours: lecture, exam and skills, 9 AM–4 PM |
| Class days | Mon, Tue, Wed and Sat (appointment required) | Mon, Tue, Wed and Sat (appointment required) |
| Cost | $150 | $210 |
How to prepare before class
Renewal classes move quickly because everyone has taken ACLS before. A focused review makes the day easier.
- Cardiac arrest algorithm: know shockable versus non-shockable rhythms, the CPR and rhythm-check cycle, and when epinephrine and antiarrhythmics are given.
- Bradycardia and tachycardia: review signs of instability, such as hypotension, altered mental status, signs of shock, ischemic chest discomfort and acute heart failure.
- Rhythms: be ready to identify VF, pulseless VT, asystole, PEA, symptomatic bradycardia, and stable versus unstable tachycardia. Our guide to heart anatomy and blood flow is a helpful refresher.
- BLS basics: correct rate and depth, full chest recoil, minimal interruptions and early defibrillation are still the foundation of every code.
Skills to bring back to the bedside
The best ACLS renewal improves how you respond before a full code starts. Rising oxygen needs, a falling blood pressure or a change in mental status are early warnings. ACLS gives you an organized response: assess, call for help, bring the right equipment, communicate and prepare for the next step.
Communication matters just as much. When the team leader gives an order, repeat it back, do it and report when it is done. When you see a rhythm change, say it clearly. Hands-on practice with the defibrillator, bag-mask device and other equipment builds the muscle memory that is hard to keep when codes are rare on your unit.
If you want to strengthen your monitor skills, see our EKG technician classes for beginners guide or the EKG Technician (CET) program. Nurses who want to add another skill can read about IV therapy certification for nurses.
What to expect at DMS
- Check your card and choose the right course. Renewal is for a current or recently expired ACLS card. New to ACLS? Choose the full AHA ACLS course.
- Book and pay. Register for the AHA ACLS Renewal ($150) and pick a 9 AM–1 PM or 1 PM–5 PM session on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. An appointment is required.
- Finish the online pre-course. Access instructions arrive after payment. Complete the 4-hour pre-course before you come in.
- Attend review and the written exam. About 3.5 hours of instructor-led review and the AHA written exam at our Carrollton campus.
- Complete skills testing and the megacode. About 30 minutes of hands-on skills testing and a megacode scenario. After you pass, your AHA ACLS Provider certification is issued the same day.
Need BLS too? DMS offers AHA BLS (CPR) for $95 and BLS renewal for $80. Learn more in our guide to BLS certification for healthcare workers, or browse all AHA life support courses.
Why nurses choose DMS for ACLS recertification
- RN-led instruction from a school founded by a registered nurse with 17+ years in U.S. hospitals
- An official American Heart Association Training Site, approved by the Texas Workforce Commission (Career School #E6316)
- Short in-person time, with same-day AHA certification after successful completion
- Support in English, Korean and Spanish
Ready to teach? Nurses with current AHA BLS and ACLS Provider certification can apply for the AHA ACLS Instructor Course. Read how to become an AHA instructor, and see our continuing education courses for more ways to grow.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the ACLS renewal course if my card has expired?
The DMS renewal course is for students with a current or recently expired ACLS certification. If your card expired a while ago, or you are new to ACLS, take the full AHA ACLS course. Call us if you are not sure which one fits.
How long does ACLS renewal take at DMS?
You complete a 4-hour online pre-course at home, then attend an in-person session of about 4 hours for review, the written exam, hands-on skills testing and a megacode. Your AHA ACLS Provider certification is issued the same day after successful completion.
Is the online pre-course an extra cost?
No. The online pre-course is included in the $150 course fee, and there is no separate registration fee. Access instructions are sent after payment.
Do I need ACLS, or is BLS enough?
It depends on your role and employer. Many entry-level roles, such as CNA, medical assistant, phlebotomy and EKG technician, require BLS. ACLS is commonly required for nurses and other providers in acute care settings. Always check your employer's requirement.
Renew your ACLS in Carrollton
Finish the online pre-course at home, then complete review, testing and skills in one short visit. Same-day AHA certification after successful completion.
Book ACLS Renewal New to ACLS? Full courseQuestions? Call 469-237-9852 · 1933 E Frankford Rd, Suite 165, Carrollton, TX 75007 · Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM
Course content and certification: American Heart Association ACLS Provider and renewal programs. Always confirm card requirements with your employer.
