CPR and ACLS training companies, are they legit?

We have received calls over the years asking about different brands of ACLS and CPR training companies, are they legit? who are they run by? do companies accept their training?

Here is a list of the companies we have seen in this space over the years

• Pacific Medical Training
• American Red Cross (note there are different “Red Cross” separate organizations)
• National CPR foundation (not a non-profit)
• ACLS Training Center
• National Health Care Provider Solutions
• American Heart Association
• CPR Certified

Comparing Pacific Medical Training with American Heart Association

Pacific Medical Training (PMT) and the American Heart Association (AHA) both offer advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) courses, but there are differences in course structure, accreditation, and recognition. Below is a brief comparison:

1. Accreditation and acceptance
   • AHA: The AHA sets widely recognized standards for ACLS, BLS, and PALS. An AHA ACLS certification is accepted in many healthcare settings across the United States and is often required by large hospital systems.
   • PMT: Pacific Medical Training courses are designed to align with AHA and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines. Acceptance can vary among employers, but many report that PMT certificates are recognized nationwide. If you work for an employer that requires training to be done in-house, confirm in advance that a PMT ACLS credential will be accepted.
2. Course format and time commitment
   • AHA: The AHA offers in-person, blended (online + in-person skills check), and fully online courses. For example, Heartsaver Virtual is a fully online AHA course that produces the same eCard as in-person courses.
   • PMT: PMT offers blended learning and fully online courses. We also provide skills-check options for employers who require hands-on verification. Students receive a different completion certificate if they complete skills verification (noting “cognitive and skills evaluation” vs. “cognitive evaluation”).
3. Cost
   • AHA: Pricing can vary by training center.
   • PMT: Often more cost-effective than AHA courses, particularly if you do not need to travel or schedule additional in-person sessions.
4. Renewal process
   • AHA: AHA offers online renewal options. Some training centers also offer in-person renewal courses.
   • PMT: You can renew online with PMT. This approach can be faster and more flexible, but you should verify that your employer accepts this renewal method.
5. Study materials and exam structure
   • AHA: Utilizes official AHA ACLS provider manuals, often purchased separately from the class fee.
   • PMT: Offers comprehensive study materials online, packaged with the course. Exams are taken online with immediate scoring and retesting if needed.
6. Employer requirements
   • AHA: Universally recognized. If your facility, state board, or credentialing body specifically requires an AHA certificate, then you must take an AHA course.
   • PMT: Widely accepted but not always guaranteed in every hospital. See a list of state and accrediting bodies that accept PMT brand courses

In summary, both AHA and PMT offer fully online courses that produce equivalent certifications. AHA certifications have broader name recognition. Pacific Medical Training provides a flexible and often more affordable approach with extensive state and accrediting body acceptance. When in doubt, ask your employer or licensing board to confirm acceptance before choosing a provider.