Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – Initial Course

The AHA PALS Initial Course equips healthcare professionals to recognize and treat critically ill infants and children in emergency situations. Using a scenario-based, team approach, participants learn to manage pediatric patients at risk of—or experiencing—respiratory or cardiac arrest, including stabilization and transport in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings.

📘 Required Course Material

You must purchase or have access to a current AHA PALS Provider Manual before, during, and after class.

• PALS PROVIDER MANUAL

• PALS PROVIDER MANUAL e-Book

Course Overview

Designed for providers who initiate and direct advanced life support during pediatric emergencies. Suitable for first-time PALS certification.

Topics Covered

• Recognition and treatment of infants/children at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest

• Systematic pediatric assessment

• Effective respiratory management

• 1- and 2-provider CPR and AED for infants and children

• Defibrillation & synchronized cardioversion

• Intraosseous (IO) access and fluid bolus administration

• Resuscitation team dynamics

Course Features

• Scenario-based, hands-on learning to reinforce skills

• Team-oriented format to practice critical decision-making & communication

• Classroom-based with instructor feedback

• Certification valid 2 years upon successful completion

Pre-Class Preparation

• Review the PALS Provider Manual

• Complete the AHA PALS Precourse Self-Assessment & Precourse Work (link sent after registration)

• Study cardiac rhythms: VF, VT, PEA, Asystole, Bradycardia, Sinus Tachycardia, SVT

• Review PALS algorithms and pediatric pharmacology

What to Bring (Certification Requirements)

• Current BLS card (or add BLS during registration—see Add-Ons below)

• AHA Precourse Completion Certificate (after you complete the online assessment, videos, and survey)

  • Bring a printed copy OR email it to oliviamccann@creighton.edu with class date & time in the subject line

➕ Add-On Options (Highly Recommended)

• BLS (Add-On): Refresh or obtain your BLS. Covers CPR/AED and choking response for healthcare providers. (Great if your BLS is expiring or you need one before PALS.)

• ECG & Pharmacology – Online Learning (Add-On): Build confidence in rhythm recognition and cardiovascular pharmacology to strengthen your foundation before PALS.

👉 Click “Add On” at registration to include BLS and/or ECG & Pharmacology with your PALS course.

Certification & eCard

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive an AHA PALS eCard (valid 2 years) sent to the email used at registration. Please use a personal email (not school/work).

Policies & Support

• No refunds. Please verify the correct course and date before registering.

• Students/Faculty with a PROMO code: Enter it during enrollment.

• Questions? Email lifesupport@creighton.edu

Important Notice

The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in all AHA courses and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the AHA.