Can You Do a PALS Course Online?

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) cannot be completed entirely online in Canada.

The PALS course requires hands-on skills practice and a live skills evaluation with a certified instructor. However, the knowledge-based portion can be completed online through a blended learning format before your in-person session.

This blended model is the standard approach used by Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada, the certifying body for PALS in Canada. You complete self-paced learning at home, then attend an in-person skills day to practice and demonstrate your competency.

What Is Blended PALS Learning?

Blended PALS combines two components:

1. Online pre-study:  You complete readings, videos, and knowledge checks through Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada's online platform before your course date.

2. In-person skills session: You attend a hands-on class covering pediatric resuscitation scenarios, airway management, rhythm recognition, and team-based simulations under instructor supervision.

   
   

The in-person component is not optional. Skills cannot be evaluated remotely, and certification is only issued after both parts are successfully completed.

"The blended format works really well for busy healthcare professionals. You come in on skills day already having done the groundwork, so the hands-on time is focused and productive,” says Ahmed Kermalli, Certified Instructor, Lifesaver YEG.

Who Needs PALS Certification?

PALS is designed for healthcare providers who work with pediatric patients in high-acuity settings. It is typically required for:

• Registered nurses in pediatrics, emergency, or ICU settings

• Physicians and residents in pediatric or emergency medicine

• Respiratory therapists involved in pediatric care

• Paramedics and advanced care providers

Some employers require PALS certification before a start date or as a condition of continued employment. If you are unsure whether your role requires it, check with your employer or clinical educator.

How Long Is a PALS Course and How Long Does Certification Last?

A typical in-person PALS skills session runs approximately 8 hours, depending on the provider and course format. Because learners arrive with foundational knowledge already completed, the blended model reduces in-person time compared to a traditional full-day classroom course.

PALS certification issued through Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada is typically valid for 2 years. Most healthcare employers track certification expiry and require renewal before it lapses.

How Does PALS Compare to BLS and ACLS?

Course	Focus	Who It's For
BLS (Basic Life Support)	CPR and AED for adults, children, and infants	All healthcare providers
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)	Advanced cardiac emergencies in adults	Nurses, Respiratory therapists, physicians, paramedics and other designations as per job requirements.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)	Pediatric emergencies and resuscitation	Providers working with children

PALS builds on BLS skills. Most providers need a current BLS certification before enrolling. According to the American Heart Association, pediatric cardiac arrest survival rates improve significantly when providers are trained in structured resuscitation protocols, reinforcing why current certification matters. If your BLS has lapsed, renew it before your PALS training.

"A lot of people don't realize PALS is really a team-based course. You're not just learning individual skills -- you're learning how to communicate and lead in a pediatric emergency," notes Ahmed Kermalli.

Where Can You Take a PALS Course in Edmonton?

Lifesaver YEG offers PALS training in Edmonton following Heart & Stroke Foundation Canada curriculum. Courses are delivered by an experienced Registered Nurse and Certified Instructor with hands-on clinical experience in resuscitation and pediatric emergency care.

Training is available at two Edmonton locations:

• Unit 106-A, 8944 182 Street NW, Edmonton

• 8804 51 Avenue NW, Edmonton

On-site training is also available for hospitals, health organizations, and clinical teams who need group PALS certification at their own facility. Small class sizes mean you get real practice time and direct instructor feedback at every skills station.

Lifesaver YEG's PALS training is recognized by Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health, as well as universities, colleges, and many healthcare employers across Edmonton and Alberta. If you have a specific employer requirement, confirm the accepted certification type with your manager or HR department before registering.

Certification is issued immediately upon successful course completion.

Tips to Prepare for Your PALS Skills Day

• Complete all online pre-study before arriving -- it makes your in-person time more effective.

• Review infant and child CPR techniques from your BLS training.

• Wear comfortable clothing; you will be moving, kneeling, and working through simulation scenarios.

• Bring your BLS card if your provider requires proof of prerequisite certification.

• Keep your schedule clear for the full day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete PALS entirely online without attending in person? 

No. PALS requires a hands-on skills evaluation that must be completed in person. The online portion covers knowledge only.

Do I need BLS before taking PALS? 

Yes. A current BLS certification is typically required as a prerequisite. Confirm this with your training provider when you register.

How often do I need to renew my PALS certification? 

PALS certification is generally valid for 2 years. Renew before it expires to maintain continuous certification status with your employer.

Is PALS the same as Pediatric First Aid? 

No. Pediatric First Aid courses like Child Care First Aid or Standard First Aid are designed for the general public and childcare workers. PALS is an advanced clinical course for healthcare providers managing pediatric emergencies in medical settings.

Can my workplace arrange a group PALS session? 

Yes. Lifesaver YEG offers on-site PALS training for healthcare organizations and clinical teams in Edmonton. Contact them directly to discuss scheduling and group options.

Ready to register? Visit lifesaveryeg.com to check upcoming PALS course dates or ask about on-site group training for your team.