Acls Certification on Resume

What Is ACLS Certification

The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is a credential issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). IT validates core skills and knowledge essential for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), basic life support, and advanced resuscitation techniques for critical emergencies related to adult, child, and infant victims. The ACLS certification is significant in the healthcare industry, particularly among medical professionals, as IT demonstrates their ability to manage complex cardiovascular emergencies, improve patient outcomes, and adhere to evidence-based practices. To obtain an ACLS certificate, candidates must complete a classroom or online course, followed by a skills evaluation. Prerequisites may include basic life support (BLS) certification, a healthcare background, or relevant experience. The certification is valid for two years, after which IT requires renewal through recertification courses. Preparing for the ACLS exam typically takes approximately 10-20 hours, depending on one's familiarity with the material, and is considered moderately difficult.

Should I Include ACLS Certification on Resume?

Including the ACLS certification on your resume can be beneficial, particularly if you are a medical professional or seeking a position in emergency medicine, critical care, or healthcare leadership. The recency of obtaining the certification matters; including IT on your resume is most impactful when IT's current or recently renewed. In situations where candidates possess strong clinical skills and a focus on emergency care, ACLS certification can be particularly valuable. However, if you have multiple certifications that are equally relevant to the position, prioritize listing those that are more directly related to the job requirements. When applying for roles outside of healthcare or in regions where ACLS is less common, including this certification might not significantly influence your chances.

Hiring Managers And ACLS Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view ACLS certification as a strong indicator that candidates possess critical life-saving skills and are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.
• They associate the credential with qualities such as technical proficiency, adaptability, and teamwork, as IT requires collaboration during skills evaluations.
• In industry-specific contexts, ACLS certification sets candidates apart from competitors, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing professional development and competence in advanced resuscitation techniques.
• Potential negative perceptions may arise if a candidate lacks other essential certifications or relevant experience in emergency medicine.

How to List ACLS Certification on Resume

• Exact formatting: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, [Issuing Organization Name], e.g., Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association
• Certification number/ID: Include only if requested by the employer or relevant to the application process.
• Expiration/renewal dates: Mention renewal status and expiration date if current, e.g., Current through [Expiration Date].
• Certifying organization: Always include the name of the organization that issued the certification.
• In-progress certifications: List ACLS as in progress only if you have started the recertification process but have not yet completed IT, e.g., Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification (In Progress). Example formatted listings:
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association - Current through December 2023
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association - Renewed August 2021; Expires August 2024

Where to List ACLS Certification on Resume

• Dedicated certifications section: Place the ACLS certification in a dedicated section titled "Certifications" or "Professional Certifications."
• Education section: If you hold a relevant degree (e.g., nursing, emergency medical services) and ACLS was a course requirement, list IT under your education instead of certifications.
• Summary: ACLS certification can be mentioned briefly in the summary or professional profile if IT is directly related to the position you are applying for.
• Multiple placements: List all relevant certifications in the same dedicated section, prioritizing those most closely aligned with the job requirements.
• Order/hierarchy: Place ACLS certification after any required licenses or industry-specific certifications but before optional certifications or continuing education credits.

Examples of How to List ACLS Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume (Healthcare IT Professional)

Certifications: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association & American College of Emergency Physicians, Issued Month Year, Expiration Month Year + 2 or 3 years

This format is ideal for a technical resume as IT keeps the focus on certifications and maintains a clean, organized layout. Since healthcare IT professionals often have numerous certifications, IT's essential to list them in a concise manner that emphasizes their validity periods.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate (Nursing Student)

Education and Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University Name, Graduation Month Year Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association & American College of Emergency Physicians, Expected Issuance Month Following Graduation, Expiration Month Two or Three Years Later

This format combines education and certifications into a single section, which is common in recent graduate resumes. IT's beneficial to list the ACLS certification alongside your degree to demonstrate readiness for immediate employment post-graduation.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section (Experienced EMT)

Certifications: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association & American College of Emergency Physicians, Issued Month Year, Expiration Month Year + 2 or 3 years Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, Issued Month Year, Expiration Month Year + 2 or 3 years

For experienced professionals who have numerous certifications relevant to their field, IT's beneficial to create a dedicated section for them. This format allows the candidate to showcase multiple certifications that demonstrate their expertise and qualifications.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format (Paramedic)

Skills: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association & American College of Emergency Physicians, Issued Month Year, Expiration Month Year + 2 or 3 years Proficient in managing cardiovascular emergencies and airway management.

This format focuses on showcasing skills related to the ACLS certification, making IT ideal for a paramedic or other healthcare professionals who need to demonstrate their practical abilities. By emphasizing specific skills gained through the ACLS certification, candidates can quickly illustrate their readiness and value to potential employers.