Safety Training Seminars
Safety Training Seminars
You’ve probably heard the buzz about virtual training options for healthcare certifications. And if you’re due for PALS renewal or looking to get certified for the first time, you might be wondering: can I do this online?
Let’s cut straight to it. Virtual PALS courses offer a convenient way to complete part of your certification from home. But here’s what most people don’t realize—not every organization allows fully virtual PALS certification yet. The landscape is shifting, and understanding your options can save you time, money, and frustration.
PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support. It’s an advanced certification designed for healthcare providers who work with children in emergency situations. Think pediatric nurses, emergency room staff, paramedics, and respiratory therapists.
The course covers critical skills like:
Traditional PALS courses required you to attend a full-day in-person class. Virtual PALS changes that model by splitting the training into two parts: online learning and hands-on skills testing.
Virtual PALS follows a blended learning approach. You complete the cognitive portion online at your own pace, then attend a shorter in-person session for skills verification.
Here’s the typical process:
You’ll watch videos, study case scenarios, and take quizzes to test your knowledge. This portion usually takes 2-3 hours and can be done whenever your schedule allows.
You’ll visit a training center for hands-on practice with manikins and medical equipment. An instructor evaluates your ability to perform pediatric CPR, use AEDs, and respond to emergency scenarios. This session typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Once you pass both components, you’ll get your official certification card—often on the same day as your skills test.
This model offers flexibility without compromising the quality of hands-on training.
Here’s where things get tricky. While many certifications have moved fully online, PALS isn’t one of them—at least not yet from all accrediting bodies.
Major certification organizations still require an in-person skills component. Why? Because pediatric emergencies demand precise physical skills that can’t be adequately assessed through a webcam. Proper chest compression depth, correct hand placement, and effective bag-mask ventilation require direct observation by a qualified instructor.
Some online-only platforms claim to offer “virtual PALS,” but these certifications often aren’t accepted by employers who require official credentials. Before enrolling in any program, verify that your employer or state licensing board will accept the certification.
Why are so many healthcare professionals turning to virtual PALS courses? The advantages are compelling.
The most significant benefit is flexibility. Traditional PALS classes require you to commit to a full day or two of in-person training. For busy professionals juggling work, family, and other commitments, finding that block of time can be challenging. With a virtual course, you can complete the bulk of the training on your own schedule, fitting it in during evenings, weekends, or whenever you have a spare moment.
Everyone learns differently. Some people can speed through material, while others need more time to absorb complex information. Virtual PALS courses allow you to set your own pace. You can pause, rewind, and re-watch videos as needed. This personalized learning experience can lead to better retention and a deeper understanding of the material compared to a one-size-fits-all classroom setting.
Attending an in-person class often involves travel, which means time away from work and potential costs for transportation and parking. With a virtual PALS course, you eliminate the need to travel for the theoretical portion. You only need to visit a training center for the brief skills session, saving you both time and money.
Online modules are developed by experts and are standardized to ensure every student receives the same high-quality information. The content is often updated regularly to reflect the latest guidelines and best practices in pediatric care. This guarantees you’re learning the most current and relevant information available.
PALS certification isn’t just for pediatric specialists. Many healthcare professionals benefit from this training:
If your job involves any possibility of treating children in an emergency, PALS certification gives you the confidence and skills to respond effectively.
Not all training centers offer the same quality experience. When choosing a provider, consider these factors:
Official accreditation
Make sure the training center is authorized to issue recognized certifications. Check their credentials and verify they’re a legitimate training site.
Flexible scheduling
Look for providers that offer skills testing sessions daily, including evenings and weekends. This makes it easier to fit certification into your busy schedule.
Convenient locations
Choose a provider with multiple testing locations, so you don’t have to drive hours for a 30-minute skills test.
Same-day card issuance
Some providers take weeks to mail certification cards. Find one that issues cards immediately upon completion.
Competitive pricing
Compare costs between providers. Prices can vary significantly for the same certification.
Customer support
Responsive customer service can make the difference between a smooth experience and a frustrating one. Look for providers available to answer questions seven days a week.
At Safety Training Seminars, we understand that healthcare professionals need efficient, high-quality training that fits into demanding schedules. That’s why we’ve designed our PALS certification process to maximize your time while ensuring you get the skills you need.
We offer the blended learning approach: complete the online course on your schedule, then visit one of our 70+ locations throughout California for quick skills testing. Our instructors are experienced healthcare professionals who provide supportive, thorough evaluation.
Here’s what makes us different:
We’re an official training center (license number 20784) authorized to provide certifications in every U.S. state. Our hybrid approach gives you the flexibility of online learning with the assurance of hands-on skills verification.
While fully virtual PALS isn’t available yet from official accrediting bodies, we’re ready to help you complete your certification efficiently with our blended model. Contact Safety Training Seminars today to schedule your skills testing session and take the next step in your professional development. Your future pediatric patients—and your career—will thank you.