What to Do After Your PALS Certificate Expires?

Are you a healthcare professional working in Pediatric emergencies? Then you must be aware that your Pediatric Advanced Life Support(PALS) certificate must be current. Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification(PALS) is an advanced life support training that prepares medical professionals for emergencies involving infants and children.

PALS Certification is usually valid for two years. After that, you need to renew it. If your PALS Certification has expired, it is crucial to renew your AHA PALS certification as soon as possible. Whether changing your jobs or forgetting to get PALS recertified, you may have many questions about what to do next. Don’t worry; this article will discuss what to do after your PALS Certification expires and the importance of PALS recertifications.  

Understanding the PALS Recertification Process

Before starting the renewal, it is necessary to understand the requirements for PALS certification renewal. Most of the training centers teach PALS courses accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA). The American Heart Association requires the PALS certification to be renewed every two years. This means you can use something other than the new PALS certification. You need to renew the old one. You must take a refresher course and pass the exam on renewing your PALS certifications. It’s important to stay updated about the AHA PALS recertification process so you can renew the Certification on time to avoid any lapses in certifications.

Related post: How to renew ACLS certificate 

When Should I Enroll in a PALS Recertification Course?

As discussed above, AHA needs the PALS certification to be renewed every two years. So you must enroll in PALS recertification courses before the current certificate expires. So planning and scheduling your recertification course in advance is important. You can enroll in a course at any time, but enrolling at least several months before your Certification expires is recommended to allow sufficient time to complete and take the exam. It’s important to note that if your Certification expires, you must retake the initial PALS course instead of a refresher course. So, enrolling in a recertification course on time can help you avoid any lapses in Certification and remain up-to-date on the latest PALS techniques and guidelines.

Enrolling in a PALS Refresher Course and Reviewing the Material

You can look for an AHA-certified training center like Heart Start CPR to take the PALS refresher courses. Heart Start CPR offers a PALS renewal classroom course.

You must review the course material before enrolling in the refresher courses. The PALS Renewal course covers the same course materials as the initial one but in fewer details. You should take notes and understand the pediatric BLS Algorithm, key concepts, and techniques multiple times. 

Additionally, you can take skills tests and quizzes, which can help you to assess your knowledge and help you to identify the area you need to improve. It’s important to stay engaged and attentive during the refresher course to ensure that you’re up-to-date on the latest PALS techniques and guidelines. 

Taking the PALS Recertification Exam

After completing the Pediatric Advanced Life Support(PALS) refresher course, the final step in obtaining the new PALS card is to take the recertification exam. The PALS recertification exam tests your knowledge of PALS techniques and is typically administered online or physically.

To prepare for the PALS recertification exam, you can review the course material thoroughly or take the practice test to assess your knowledge. The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions and may include scenarios that test your ability to apply PALS skills in real-life situations.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive the PALS certification, valid for two years. It’s important to keep your PALS certifications valid by renewing them every two years and staying updated with the latest PALS guidelines and training with continuing education and training.  

Tips for Preparing for the PALS Recertification Exam

Preparing for the Pediatric Advanced Life Support(PALS) exam and staying up to date with the PALS techniques is the key to passing the PALS recertification exam for healthcare providers working in Pediatric units. Here are some of the tips you can follow to prepare for the PALS recertification exam and stay up to date with the latest PALS techniques:

1. Review the course materials: Review the PALS course and algorithms thoroughly, take notes, and further identify the areas you may need further improvement.
2. Take practice tests: Taking practice tests or quizzes is the best way to prepare for the PALS recertification exam. It will boost your confidence and help you to pass the AHA PALS recertification exam.
3. Attend Additional Training: Attending additional PALS Training or workshops can help you stay updated with the latest PALS guidelines and techniques.
4. Participate in continuing education courses: You can participate in continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with PALS guidelines and techniques.
5. Stay Informed: The American Heart Association (AHA) updates the PALS guidelines frequently. So it would be best if you stay informed about the latest changes in the guidelines. You can do so by reading research articles, attending conferences, or joining professional organizations.
6. Use Simulation Techniques: You can practice PALS in real-life scenarios by using Simulation techniques. This can boost your confidence and help you prepare for the PALS renewal exam.
7. Stay confident: You need to stay calm and confident during the exam. Read each question carefully, and take your time to ensure you are answering each question correctly.

Get PALS Recertification at Heart Start CPR

If you seek PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) recertification, you can do so at Heart Start CPR, a training center that offers various CPR, AED, and First Aid courses. To get PALS recertification at Heart Start CPR, complete a course covering the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for pediatric advanced life support.

To enroll in AHA PALS recertification courses at Heart Start CPR, visit our website or call (877) 846-8277. You may need to provide proof of previous Certification, and you may need to complete a pre-course assessment to ensure that you meet the prerequisites for the course.