ACLS for travel nurses Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support · American Heart Association

Which travel specialties ask for it

• ICU travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• ER travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Labor and delivery travel nurseOften preferred
• Med-surg travel nurseOften preferred
• PCU travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• Telemetry travel nurseRequired on most contracts
• OR travel nurseOften preferred

Getting it

Who can get it

Healthcare providers who respond to cardiovascular emergencies; you need solid BLS skills.

Format

Classroom, or blended: online HeartCode part plus an in-person skills check.

Cost

Set by the training center.

Valid for

2 years, through the end of the month on the card.

Renewal

Take the ACLS update (renewal) course before the card expires.

Tips for travelers

• Renew BLS and ACLS together so they expire the same month. A lapsed card can delay a start date, and some hospitals won't let you work a shift without it.
• Ask your agency whether it reimburses the course fee; many do for credentials a contract requires.
• Add the expiration date to your profile: agencies track it, and an expired card can hold up a start date.

Questions

Do travel nurses need ACLS?

Most ICU, ER, PCU / Stepdown and Telemetry travel contracts require it. Labor & Delivery, Med-Surg and OR contracts often prefer it. Each hospital sets its own list, so check the job post.

How much does ACLS cost?

Set by the training center.

How long is ACLS valid?

2 years, through the end of the month on the card. Take the ACLS update (renewal) course before the card expires.