In many U.S. states, nurses and healthcare providers need to complete 30 continuing education (CE) hours each year, according to guidelines published at the National Library of Medicine, to keep their licenses. But not all CE courses are equally useful, especially if you work in emergency or high-stress medical settings. That’s why ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification is a great option. It goes beyond general training and helps you respond better during cardiac emergencies. It also helps you stay sharp in real-world situations while checking off a CE requirement.
If you choose an ACLS program that counts toward your CE hours, you get two benefits in one. You improve your clinical skills and meet licensing requirements without doing extra work. So, how do you pick an affordable ACLS certification with CME credits that fits CE rules and supports your career? Let’s break it down.
CE Requirements Across Healthcare Professions
If you’re working in healthcare, CE isn’t just helpful—it’s required. It helps you keep your license, stay up to date with new practices, and provide safe, effective care. But the number of hours you need and what topics you must cover can vary depending on your role and your state.
Nurses
Most registered nurses need 20 to 30 hours of CE every two years. The exact number depends on your state and specialty. Some states also require training in specific areas like pain management, human trafficking, or cultural sensitivity. According to the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, CE helps you keep pace with changes in technology and patient care methods.
Physicians
Physicians usually need about 50 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits each year. The rules vary based on your state and your medical specialty. A surgeon, for example, might need courses on new procedures or regulations. These requirements help you stay sharp and continue offering the best care possible.
Paramedics and EMTs
Requirements for EMTs and paramedics differ by state. Still, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) asks for 72 hours of CE every two years. These hours are split across national, local, and personal learning areas. This helps make sure you’re ready for emergencies with updated knowledge and hands-on skills.
Pharmacists
Most states ask pharmacists to complete 30 CE hours every two years. Usually, at least one hour must be focused on pharmacy law and another on patient safety. Some states, like Florida, require training on specific topics like HIV/AIDS or controlled substances. CE helps you stay compliant and gives patients the most accurate medication advice.
Radiologic Technologists
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires 24 CE credits every two years to keep your certification active. These courses must focus on radiologic technology. They’re designed to help you stay current on safety rules, equipment updates, and how you interact with patients. Missing CE deadlines can lead to suspended credentials, which can affect your job.
How ACLS Certification Helps You Meet CE Requirements
When you take an ACLS certification course, you’re not just learning how to respond in emergencies. You’re also earning CE credits. Many ACLS courses, including those from ACLS Medical Training, are approved by groups like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). If you’re a healthcare provider, this means you can sharpen your emergency care skills and meet CE requirements at the same time. ANCC-accredited ACLS courses often offer up to 8 CE hours, which can help you meet a big part of your annual education needs.
You can use these CE credits to meet state or workplace requirements, whether they’re yearly or every two years. If you’re a nurse, EMT, or doctor who needs 20–30 CE hours every two years, an ACLS course gives you a smart way to check two boxes at once. You stay up to date with emergency care, and you stay compliant with CE rules. Choosing an accredited ACLS course means you’re keeping your skills sharp and your license in good standing—all through one streamlined program.
Top ACLS Certification Programs That Offer CE Credits
When you’re choosing an ACLS certification course, you want more than just solid training. It’s also important to know whether the course counts toward your continuing education (CE) credits. Here are some of the top programs that do both—give you quality instruction and CE credit.
American Heart Association (AHA)
The AHA is one of the most well-known names in ACLS training. It offers both in-person and blended learning options. Its courses provide CME/CE credits for doctors, nurses, EMTs, and other healthcare workers. Since the AHA sets the ACLS guidelines that most hospitals follow, many employers either prefer or require this certification.
