Study Tips to Help With Your ACLS Certification
Whether you’re looking to become a doctor, nurse, paramedic, or firefighter, getting your ACLS is important. ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is invaluable for any future health professional. Throughout your career in the medical field, you will come across many different situations and challenges.
An ACLS certification shows that you have the necessary skills and know-how to perform advanced cardiac and life support procedures. If you’re getting ready to pass your ACLS, or you want to learn more about them, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some useful tips to teach you everything you need to know about preparing for and passing your ACLS with flying colours!
Take a course
Sometimes, if you want to get something done right, you need to take a course. Taking a course is a great way to learn and earn your ACLS certification, and it’s a great way to refresh your memory. Working with expert teachers and demonstrators can take you further than going in alone. If you’re not sure where and how you can purchase ACLS courses, it’s always a good idea to do a little research first. Look up both online and in-person courses, and find one that fits your timeframe, speed, and price range.
Go over the case scenarios
Whether you’re studying by yourself or in a group, you need to get your scenarios down if you want to pass your ACLS. Going over the most common case scenarios, and learning how to recognise them is crucial. You’ll need to know the ins and outs of certain scenarios and how to recognise them quickly. Go over the scenarios to know the signs and symptoms and how to treat them. Learning this is crucial for anyone looking to get their ACLS and work in the medical field.
Know your H’s and T’s
Aside from the most common case scenarios, the next most important thing you need to know is your H’s and T’s. Learning ACLS algorithms can be the hardest part of your exam, so it’s important to spend enough time and effort on it.
Your H’s and T’s are crucial to passing your exam, so find a way to memorise them as soon as possible! You need to know how to differentiate between Hypothermia and Hypovolemia for starters. You also need to know your toxins and Thrombosis situations. Using mnemonic devices always helps to memorise these ACLS algorithms and is the key to passing the exam.
Learn the basics of Electrocardiography
Some aspects of the ACLS exam are more practice than theory but are just as important if you want to pass. Learning the basics of Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG) is an important part of your exam. If you want to pass, you’ll need to know how to read and understand the electrocardiogram and how to react to the results. Since this is a more practical aspect of the test, your best bet is to find an ECG simulator online. Check out some YouTube videos, or take an additional prep course too. You have to hit all the bases if you want to pass your ACLS exam!
Start off easy
When preparing for something as difficult as the ACLS exam, it’s easy to get discouraged in the beginning. If you’re having a tough time remembering all the details or navigating some of the scenarios, take a breather! If you’re just starting out, skip the harder questions you don’t know, and move on to something you do. This both boosts your confidence and makes better use of your time while studying. Once you’ve answered some other questions, go back to the harder ones and you may find them easier to answer!
Practice, practice, practice!
Last but not least, when it comes to acing tests or exams, all you need is practice, practice, and more practice! Repetition is the best teacher, so when studying for your ACLS, make sure to do as many test papers as possible. Doing a bunch of past papers both sharpens your answers and speed and preps you for the real thing. It’s a good way to revise once you think you’re ready for the test, and it’s great for dipping your toes in the water in the beginning.
So there you have it! With these tips under your belt, you’re ready to get that ACLS certificate in no time! The quickest way to pass your ACLS exam is to take a course and get acquainted with the material. While you’re studying, make sure to hit all the bases, starting with learning all the case scenarios. Make sure you know your H’s and T’s, as well as your electrocardiography basics to build a good base. While studying, remember to take it easy and to keep practicing and you’re sure to ace your ACLS with flying colours!