OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Develop structured knowledge of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), including cardiac arrest management, resuscitation pharmacology, arrhythmia recognition, post-cardiac arrest care, stroke recognition, and resuscitation team dynamics.
This 30-hour OSHAA diploma is designed for relevant healthcare and emergency-care audiences. It provides course-based learning and multiple-choice assessment. It is not the American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS Provider Course and does not independently grant clinical authorization or professional licensure.
About the Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Course
The OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) introduces key concepts used in the recognition and management of life-threatening cardiac emergencies. Its eight units address BLS and CPR principles, cardiac arrest response, resuscitation pharmacology, post-arrest care, stroke recognition, arrhythmias, team dynamics, and special emergency considerations.
The course is intended as structured educational development. Its MCQ assessment measures knowledge; it should not be presented as a practical skills evaluation or a substitute for role-specific clinical training.
Who Should Take This Course?
Entry Requirements
- Age
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old, as stated on the current course page.
- Education
- A foundational understanding of Basic Life Support (BLS) is strongly recommended. Relevant healthcare education or prior BLS learning may be beneficial.
- Experience
- Prior experience in healthcare, emergency response, or a clinical setting is highly beneficial but is not stated as mandatory.
- Language
- English reading and comprehension skills sufficient to understand course materials and complete assessments.
- Preparation
- Reviewing basic life support principles and relevant cardiac emergency terminology may help Learners prepare.
Course Study Units
The 30-hour OSHAA diploma is organized into eight study units covering core concepts in cardiac life support, emergency response, and resuscitation team coordination.
| # | Study Unit | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR Review | 3 hours |
| 2 | Advanced Cardiac Arrest Management | 4 hours |
| 3 | Pharmacology in Cardiac Arrest | 5 hours |
| 4 | Post-Cardiac Arrest Care | 3 hours |
| 5 | Stroke Recognition and Management | 4 hours |
| 6 | Managing Arrhythmias | 5 hours |
| 7 | Team Dynamics in Resuscitation | 3 hours |
| 8 | Special Considerations in Cardiac Emergencies | 3 hours |
| Total course duration | 30 hours | |
Learning Outcomes
After completing the study units, Learners should be able to explain key cardiac life support concepts, recognize important emergency-care principles, and describe the roles of coordinated resuscitation teams. Outcomes are knowledge-based and aligned with the published MCQ assessment.
1Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR Review
Duration: 3 hours
- Explain the purpose and key principles of Basic Life Support (BLS) in the response to cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
- Describe the major steps involved in adult, child, and infant CPR, in line with current resuscitation guidance.
- Identify the importance of early recognition, activation of emergency response systems, and prompt CPR.
- Explain the role and basic operating principles of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
2Advanced Cardiac Arrest Management
Duration: 4 hours
- Describe the systematic approach to assessment and management of cardiac arrest.
- Explain the roles of high-quality CPR, rhythm assessment, defibrillation, and coordinated resuscitation.
- Identify the principles of airway and ventilation management during cardiac arrest.
- Explain the importance of timely intervention, role allocation, and reassessment during resuscitation.
3Pharmacology in Cardiac Arrest
Duration: 5 hours
- Identify medications commonly discussed in cardiac arrest and advanced resuscitation education.
- Describe the general indications, precautions, and safety considerations associated with resuscitation medications.
- Explain how medication decisions fit within current clinical algorithms and authorized professional practice.
- Recognize the importance of medication checks, communication, and documentation during emergency care.
4Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Duration: 3 hours
- Explain the aims of structured care following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
- Identify key areas of post-cardiac arrest assessment, monitoring, and supportive care.
- Describe the importance of neurological assessment and temperature-control strategies where clinically indicated.
- Explain why coordinated handover and ongoing reassessment are important after resuscitation.
5Stroke Recognition and Management
Duration: 4 hours
- Recognize common signs and symptoms that may indicate an acute stroke.
- Explain the purpose and limitations of stroke recognition tools, including FAST.
- Describe the importance of rapid activation of emergency services and time-sensitive stroke pathways.
- Explain the role of communication and coordinated assessment in suspected stroke cases.
6Managing Arrhythmias
Duration: 5 hours
- Describe common bradyarrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias, and life-threatening ventricular rhythms.
- Explain the basic principles of ECG rhythm recognition in an emergency-care context.
- Identify the clinical concepts associated with defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, and pacing.
- Describe how treatment decisions are guided by patient assessment, current protocols, and professional scope of practice.
7Team Dynamics in Resuscitation
Duration: 3 hours
- Explain the roles and responsibilities commonly assigned within a resuscitation team.
- Describe effective communication, closed-loop communication, and clear task allocation.
- Identify leadership and situational-awareness principles used during high-pressure emergencies.
- Explain the value of structured debriefing and continuous improvement after resuscitation events.
8Special Considerations in Cardiac Emergencies
Duration: 3 hours
- Identify considerations that may affect cardiac emergency response in pregnancy, trauma, and patients with complex health needs.
- Explain why resuscitation approaches may require adaptation to the patient’s circumstances and clinical setting.
- Describe the importance of escalation, specialist support, and following applicable clinical protocols.
- Recognize the role of coordinated care in hospital, prehospital, and resource-limited environments.
Assessment and Certification
How You Are Assessed
The published course assessment consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), administered through the relevant OSHAA Approved Training Partner. Learners must achieve a minimum score of 70% to pass.
Your Certificate
Learners who complete the course requirements and achieve the required assessment result receive the OSHAA course certificate for the 30-hour Advance Diploma in Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
This OSHAA course certificate is not an American Heart Association ACLS Provider eCard, a state healthcare license, or an authorization to perform clinical procedures. Clinical duties remain subject to applicable state law, professional credentials, employer requirements, and clinical protocols.
Benefits of the Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Course
Build ACLS Knowledge
Develop structured knowledge of cardiac arrest response, resuscitation principles, and advanced cardiac life support topics.
Understand Cardiac Emergencies
Study cardiac arrest, common arrhythmias, stroke recognition, and post-cardiac arrest care.
Explore Resuscitation Pharmacology
Learn about medication roles, precautions, and safety considerations as educational topics.
Strengthen Team Communication
Understand leadership, role allocation, closed-loop communication, and coordinated response.
Support Continuing Professional Development
Add focused cardiac emergency learning to an existing healthcare education and development pathway.
Understand Current Clinical Concepts
Build awareness of evidence-based resuscitation concepts and the importance of reviewing current clinical guidance.
Recognize Scope-of-Practice Boundaries
Understand why clinical interventions must be performed only by appropriately trained and authorized personnel.
Improve Emergency-Care Awareness
Develop a clearer understanding of emergency response processes across relevant healthcare settings.
Related Career and Professional Development Opportunities
The course may support continuing professional development for people already working or studying in relevant healthcare fields. It does not independently qualify a person for a regulated healthcare occupation, guarantee employment, or replace state licensing, employer training, or role-specific competency requirements.
Registered Nurse
May find the subject matter relevant to ongoing professional development, subject to state licensure and employer requirements.
Emergency Department Technician
May use the course as supplementary theoretical learning; role-specific training and employer requirements still apply.
Paramedic
May find the content relevant to continuing education, subject to applicable state EMS requirements and employer protocols.
Critical Care Team Member
May use the course to broaden knowledge of cardiac emergency concepts within their authorized role.
Healthcare Educator
May use the subject matter to support broader knowledge of resuscitation education and team processes.
Clinical Support Personnel
May benefit from understanding emergency response systems, escalation, and communication in healthcare settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ACLS Diploma
What does the OSHAA 30-Hours Advance Diploma in Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) cover?
The course covers BLS and CPR review, cardiac arrest management, resuscitation pharmacology, post-cardiac arrest care, stroke recognition, arrhythmias, resuscitation team dynamics, and special considerations in cardiac emergencies.
Who should take this ACLS diploma?
It is intended for healthcare professionals, emergency care personnel, relevant healthcare students and trainees, and others whose background or role makes the subject matter relevant.
What are the entry requirements?
The published entry criteria specify a minimum age of 18, English proficiency sufficient for study and assessment, and a recommended foundational understanding of BLS. Relevant healthcare or emergency-care experience is beneficial.
How long does the course take?
The stated course duration is 30 hours across eight study units.
How is the course assessed?
The published assessment consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Learners must achieve at least 70% to pass. Assessment arrangements are administered through the relevant Approved Training Partner.
Is this the same as the American Heart Association ACLS Provider Course?
No. This is an OSHAA diploma. It should not be represented as the American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS Provider Course. The AHA Provider Course has its own course requirements, skills practice, assessment, and completion card.
Does this diploma provide an AHA ACLS Provider eCard?
The OSHAA diploma should not be described as providing an AHA ACLS Provider eCard. Learners who need an AHA course completion card should enrol in an appropriate AHA ACLS Provider Course through an authorized AHA Training Center.
Does completing this course authorize me to administer medication or perform advanced cardiac procedures?
No. Course completion does not grant a healthcare license, expand a person’s scope of practice, or independently authorize medication administration, defibrillation, airway procedures, pacing, or other clinical interventions. These activities are governed by applicable state law, professional credentials, employer policy, and clinical protocols.
Does OSHA certify ACLS providers?
No. OSHA workplace safety standards do not provide ACLS provider certification. OSHA requirements such as the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard may apply to employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, but they do not authorize clinical practice.
Can I study online or in person?
The page states that delivery options may include online, in-person, or blended formats. The actual format, schedule, and arrangements should be confirmed with the selected OSHAA Approved Training Partner.
How can I find an OSHAA Approved Training Partner?
Visit the OSHAA Approved Training Partner page to find a training partner and ask about enrollment, delivery options, schedules, and course arrangements.
How to Study the OSHAA Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Course
Learners enroll and study through an OSHAA Approved Training Partner, which provides course delivery and learner support. Available study formats, schedules and fees are confirmed by the selected partner.
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1
Find a Training Partner
Choose an OSHAA Approved Training Partner or contact OSHAA for assistance.
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2
Confirm Enrollment
Check the entry requirements, course fees, study format and schedule with the partner.
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3
Complete the Eight Units
Study the 30-hour course covering cardiac life support, cardiac arrest management, arrhythmias and related emergency-care topics.
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4
Complete the Assessment
Attempt the 100-question MCQ assessment and achieve at least 70% to pass.
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5
Receive Your OSHAA Certificate
Successful Learners receive an OSHAA course certificate that can be checked through the verification service.
