The Shelden Clinical Simulation Center offers the American Heart Association's Heartcode PALS for PALS certification.

HeartCode PALS is a blended-learning course that uses a variety of eLearning assets such as dramatizations, eSimulations, animations, self-directed learning, and interactive activities to teach students PALS knowledge and skills. After completing the online portion, students attend a structured PALS Hands-On Session with an AHA Instructor. This session focuses on meaningful skills practice, debriefing, team scenarios, discussions of local protocols, and skills testing. HeartCode PALS is for healthcare professionals or those in related fields seeking an alternative method for completing an initial or renewal PALS Course.

This program is completed in three steps: the online cognitive program, in-person skills practice, and in-person skills testing.

Step 1: Online Cognitive Program

You will be assigned a Heartcode PALS course by the University of Missouri and receive an email from American Heart Association (elearning.heart.org). Within the email there will be a link that will automatically enroll in your course. If you do not already have an account set up on elearning.heart.org, you will be asked to register prior to beginning your course.

  • Complete the program you have purchased. You do not have to do it all at one time. You may log out and log back in.
  • Print your completion certificate located at the end of your online program.
  • Once you have completed the Online Cognitive Program, you have 60 days to complete your skills test or the online portion becomes null and void. Please plan ahead so that you may complete this AHA requirement.
  • Bring the completion certificate with you to your skills check date. You must turn this in or your skills will not be checked at your appointment.

Steps 2 & 3: Skills Practice & Testing

Upon completing your online course, you will complete parts 2 & 3 at the Shelden Simulation Center located on the 4th floor of the Patient-Centered Care Learning Center (PCCLC) on the Mizzou campus. Following a skills review and practice session an instructor will observe your performance. They will assess for proper skills and technique during the testing scenario.

Registering for the Heartcode PALS Course

To schedule an in-person skill practice/testing appointment and purchase the online section of the course (if needed), please go to Class Schedule (enrollware.com).  

Skills practice/testing appointments are offered monthly.

  • Course length: 2-3 hours of online training and 1-1.5 hours of hands-on training.
  • Certification: 2 years
  • Fees:
    • $385 (full course)
    • $225 (In-person skill practice/testing only)

For any further questions or if you are interested in scheduling a Heartcode PALS class for a group, please email us at lifesupporttraining@umsystem.edu.