About PALS
The AHA PALS Provider course for healthcare workers who treat critically ill or injured infants and children. Two formats: full classroom (one in-person day, no prework) or Heartcode blended (online module + 2-hour in-person skills + Pediatric Megacode).
BLS expired? We bundle it free.
If your BLS Provider card is expired or about to expire, you can complete BLS during your PALS class at no additional cost. Tell us at booking and we’ll add it to your slot. You walk out with both eCards.
Who needs PALS
PALS is required for healthcare workers who care for pediatric patients in acute or critical settings:
- Pediatric ICU and PICU nurses
- Pediatric emergency department staff
- NICU nurses (often required alongside NRP)
- Pediatric anesthesia and CRNA providers
- Pediatric urgent care providers
- Pediatricians, family medicine with pediatric scope
- Pediatric transport teams
- Paramedics with pediatric calls
What’s covered
- AHA’s pediatric algorithms: pediatric assessment, respiratory distress and failure, shock (hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, obstructive), bradycardia, tachycardia, cardiac arrest, post-resuscitation care
- Recognition of pediatric respiratory failure and shock (the most testable area)
- Pediatric BLS sequencing (different from adult)
- Vascular access (IO use in arrest)
- Pediatric pharmacology and dosing by weight
- Defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion in pediatric patients
- Team dynamics in pediatric resuscitation
- Pediatric Megacode: full simulated pediatric arrest scenario as team leader
Class details
- Class size: Capped at 12 students
- Provides: AHA PALS Provider eCard, valid 2 years
- Prereq: Active BLS card (we can verify at sign-up). For Heartcode: also bring your completed online module certificate.
- Where: Held at a partner training facility in Las Vegas — exact address sent when you book.
Two ways to take it
Option 1: Full Classroom PALS ($160, full day in-person)
Everything in one in-person day, all content delivered live, no online prework. Best if you learn best hands-on, your card has been expired a while, or your employer reimburses classroom-only.
Option 2: Heartcode Blended ($100 in-person + AHA online module fee)
- Buy the AHA Heartcode PALS online module from shopcpr.heart.org (currently around $200; confirm at checkout).
- Complete the online module on your own time. Pause, replay, retake as needed.
- Come in for the 2-hour in-person skills session. We run skills stations and a Pediatric Megacode scenario.
- Pass, get the card.
Best for active renewals or when a full classroom day doesn’t fit your schedule.
FAQ
I work with kids occasionally but mostly adults. Do I need PALS? Ask your manager or credentialing office. Many hospitals require PALS only for specific units (PICU, peds ED, NICU, pediatric anesthesia). If you only rarely see pediatric patients, BLS may be enough. Check your specific job description.
My card is currently active. Which renewal path? Heartcode blended is usually faster for active renewals. Classroom is the better choice if you’ve been out of pediatric practice for a while or your card is expired beyond the grace period.
Do you offer NRP in the same class? No. NRP is separate. It’s neonatal-specific (immediate post-birth resuscitation) and uses a different curriculum and equipment. See NRP.
Do you offer on-site PALS for our team? Yes. For pediatric urgent cares, EMS pediatric transport, and other clinical teams within 25 miles of Las Vegas. Minimum 4 students. See On-Site Training.
Cancellation? 24+ hours = full refund. <24 hours = 50% credit. See cancellation policy.