1. The Core Principle Behind Every Class

At Ella Med we design every training session around the minimum instructional time that the American Heart Association (AHA) permits for a given certification. The AHA publishes precise “minimum required minutes” for each course component—lecture, skill practice, scenario simulation, and testing. Those minutes are non negotiable; they guarantee that every participant receives the knowledge and hands on experience needed to perform life saving interventions safely and effectively.

Our job is to pack those required minutes into the most efficient schedule possible. By eliminating any extraneous downtime, redundant explanations, or unnecessary administrative steps, we can deliver a course that:

• Meets 100 % of AHA curriculum requirements

• Uses every minute of classroom time for learning or practice

• Leaves participants confident, competent, and ready to act

Yes we focus on essential training, updates and skills, reducing class time to about 8 hours while fully meeting AHA standards and including hands-on practice. The Course does require The AHA Precouse work to be completed by the day before the training. 

Ella Med follows the exact minimum instructional minutes required by the American Heart Association (AHA). We never cut content — we only remove downtime. That’s why our classes are the shortest possible while staying fully compliant.

BLS (Basic Life Support)

AHA Required: ~240 minutes (4 hours)

Ella Med Duration: 4–6 hours

Why It’s Efficient:

• Streamlined micro-lectures

• Immediate transition to hands-on practice

• Scenario drills that count toward both practice and testing

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

AHA Required: 480–720 minutes (8–12 hours)

Ella Med Duration: 8–12 hours (initial) | ≈ 8 hours (recert)

Why It’s Efficient:

• Parallel skill tracks for rhythm recognition & medications

• Rapid-cycle debriefs instead of long review blocks

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

AHA Required: 480–720 minutes (8–12 hours)

Ella Med Duration: 8–12 hours (initial) | ≈ 8 hours (recert)

Why It’s Efficient:

• Age-specific scenario bundles

• Combined pediatric theory + hands-on practice in one continuous flow

Combined BLS + ACLS + PALS (All in One Day)

AHA Required: ~1,200 minutes (20 hours if taught separately)

Ella Med Duration: ≈ 7.5 hours total

Why It’s Efficient:

• Overlapping topics (airway, CPR, fundamentals) taught once

• Integrated curriculum applied to adult, cardiac, and pediatric cases

• Consolidated skill stations using both adult & pediatric mannequins without repeating identical steps

The AHA requires specific minutes in each category—lecture, skills practice, simulation, and testing.

Ella Med meets all required minutes and simply removes:

• Idle waiting

• Repetitive explanations

• Gaps between activities

This results in the fastest possible schedule with zero loss of content or quality.

The AHA requires specific minutes in each category—lecture, skills practice, simulation, and testing.

Ella Med meets all required minutes and simply removes:

• Idle waiting

• Repetitive explanations

• Gaps between activities

This results in the fastest possible schedule with zero loss of content or quality.

Q1) Yes. All students must complete the required pre-course work before attending the in-person ACLS or PALS course. This includes the online knowledge review, practice questions, and required instructional videos provided in your course confirmation email.

Q2: What is included in the pre-course work?

A: The pre-course section includes:

A knowledge assessment covering essential skills

Video modules that review core concepts

Rhythm interpretation basics

Video Review of algorithm foundations for both ACLS and PALS. 

This ensures every student arrives with the same baseline understanding.

Q3: Why is completing the pre-course work important?

A: Completing the pre-course material allows us to skip basic reviews during the in-person class. This means we can immediately focus on what matters most:

Reading and interpreting EKGs

Understanding and applying every protocol correctly

Hands-on skills practice

MegaCode scenarios and team-based simulations

Students who complete the pre-course work consistently perform better and feel more confident during skills testing.

Q4: How do I access the videos and materials?

A: After registration, you will receive a link to your pre-course portal. Inside, you will find all required videos, practice questions, and study modules. Simply log in, complete each section, and bring your completion certificate to class (digital or printed).

Q5: How long does the pre-course work take to complete?

A: Most students complete the pre-course work in 2–4 hours for each course, depending on their familiarity with EKGs, pharmacology, and resuscitation guidelines. We recommend beginning at least a few days before class so you’re fully prepared. The Precouse work is required to be completed by 8 pm the day before class. You may turn it in early if you would like.

Q6: What happens if I do not complete the pre-course work?

Q6: What happens if I do not complete the pre-course work?

A: Students who do not complete the required materials and email us a copy of their completion certificate by the day before class by 8pm will be unable to participate in the in-person course. The foundational content is essential before moving directly into protocols, team dynamics, and MegaCode sessions.

If you are not able to complete the pre-course work by the deadline, you may reschedule your course for another available date once the work is completed and the certificate has been submitted to Ella Med. Please make sure to inform us 24 hours before the class so no reschedule fee will be applied. If its a true emergency including death or sickness of a loved one or if you are sick no fee will be applied. Proper documentation will be required. 

Q7: How does the pre-course work improve the in-person training?

A: Because you arrive with the fundamental knowledge completed, we can focus the entire classroom time on:

Advanced EKG interpretation

Airway management skills

High-performance CPR practice

Algorithm application and hands-on practice

MegaCode and Pediatric Code scenarios

Real-world decision-making and team leadership

This results in a more efficient, engaging, and high-value course experience.

Q8: Will the instructor review any basics in class?

A: We will briefly clarify essential points, but our focus is on advanced application—not basic review. Pre-course work ensures that review time is no longer needed, allowing the course to stay fast-paced, practical, and scenario-focused.

Q9: Do I need to bring proof of completion?

A: Yes. Please bring your pre-course completion certificate or show proof on your phone upon arrival.

Q10: Will I still learn everything I need to pass ACLS or PALS?

A: Absolutely. The pre-course work covers foundational knowledge, while the in-person class delivers all hands-on skills, protocol mastery, EKG interpretation, and scenario training required to successfully complete your certification.