Online or Classroom: Comparing PALS Certification Options

PALS certification is a must for many healthcare professionals who care for pediatric patients. In fact, it is an essential certification for doctors, paramedics, nurses, and EMTs. This specialized certification can enhance your skills and boost your confidence in dealing with pediatric emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, trauma and shock. Besides helping you provide optimal care, PALS certification  also helps you abide by highest standards of care and quality in the healthcare setting. 

So, wait no more to get certified. Take a PALS course online or classroom and enhance your skills and knowledge in pediatric care. 

How can you get PALS Certified?

You can get PALS certified either by taking an in-person course or an online course. The in-person course is more like classroom training. It is ideal for people who prefer learning in a traditional classroom setting. In this setting, you attend lectures and skill sessions with class participants and get to interact with them. 

Another way to get certified in PALS is to take an online course. It is a more convenient and flexible way to gain the skill set. You can learn the course content as per your preferred schedule and pace. In an online setting, you get complete access to the course materials, which you can learn remotely. A basic internet connection serves the purpose in this case. Once you finish the course, you can appear for an online exam. 

In both cases, after passing the exam, you will get your PALS certification.

Wondering PALS course online or classroom – which one is better for you? Continue reading the article to understand the difference between the two and figure out the most suitable option for yourself. We will list out the pros and cons of both online and classroom PALS courses for you to make an informed choice. 

Pros and Cons of Online PALS Certification

An online PALS certification has several advantages, such as:

• An online course is significantly cheaper in comparison to a classroom course. You save some extra bucks on course fees and study material. In addition, you also avoid spending extra money on travel.
• It offers a lot of flexibility and convenience. You can complete the course while sitting at your home or while on duty. 
• You get exposure to the latest regulatory guidelines. Moreover, you get an online PALS certificate that has nationwide acceptance and recognition.

 

However, the online PALS certification also has some drawbacks, such as:

• An online course often lacks hands-on practice and feedback. You might find it challenging to hone your skills without practicing in a practical environment or receiving immediate feedback from an instructor.
• If you prefer a more interactive and engaging way of learning that involves visual, auditory, or kinesthetic elements, then an online course may not serve the purpose.
• Since you do not attend a regular in-person class, you need a lot of self-motivation and discipline. You need to ensure at your end that you remain focused by setting your own study goals.

 

Pros and Cons of Classroom PALS Certification

Classroom PALS certification has several benefits, such as:

• An in-person course enables you to have hands-on practice by applying your skills on realistic manikins or simulators. Moreover, it is easy to get immediate feedback from an instructor and improvise in a traditional classroom session. 
• A classroom learning experience is more comprehensive. It involves learning from various methods, such as lectures, discussions, demonstrations, videos, and case studies.
• A classroom session enhances qualities of working in a high-performance team such as team dynamics and communication. You learn how to work effectively in a collaborative environment with other healthcare providers.

 

However, classroom PALS certification also has some challenges, such as:

• It is more expensive in comparison to an online course. You need to spend extra money on traveling, and study materials. Moreover, many course providers charge more for a classroom PALS course. 
• It provides less convenience and flexibility. You need to take out time from your busy schedule to travel to a training center and attend a scheduled session that may be difficult to manage.
• An offline course may not be regularly updated or well-recognized in the healthcare industry. You need to ensure that the training center follows the latest ECC guidelines and standards, and that the certification is accepted nationwide.

Also read: PALS vs ACLS: Understanding the Key Distinctions

Choosing the Right PALS Certification Method for You

While both PALS course online or classroom provide you PALS certification, it is important to choose the correct course for yourself. If you are someone who works in the healthcare field, pursuing a classroom course can be highly challenging for you. In that case, you may find an online course more beneficial. You can complete the certification from the comfort of your own home or workplace, at your pace. 

Most of the online courses by reputed PALS course providers are designed to be user-friendly. They follow simple language and have easy-to-understand instructions for ease of learning. 

Conclusion

 

PALS is a valuable skill set for healthcare providers like you who work with infants, toddlers and young children. It enables you to improve your knowledge in the field and gain confidence in dealing with pediatric emergencies. PALS course online or classroom help you meet the best standards of care and quality for your profession. So, get your online PALS certification and start your journey today!