BLS vs. CPR/AED vs. ACLS vs. PALS

BLS vs. CPR/AED vs. ACLS vs. PALS: Which Certification Do I Need in Tallahassee?

Not sure which AHA certification to take? This guide explains who needs BLS, CPR/AED, ACLS, or PALS, how long they take, costs, and how to register at CPR Tally.

Quick chooser: pick your course fast

At-a-glance comparison

CourseWho it’s forTimePriceRegister
BLSHealthcare providers & students~4 hrs / blended$70Instructor-LedOnline
CPR/AEDWorkplace & community~3–4 hrs / blended$70Instructor-LedOnline
CPR/AED & First AidSchools, camps, safety teams~3–4 hrs / blended$90Instructor-LedOnline
ACLSED, ICU, EMS, anesthesiaBlended / 1–2 days$175 / $145Instr-LedOnlineSkills
PALSPediatric/ED/ICU/EMS1 day / blended$187 / $167Instr-LedOnlineSkills

What’s the difference?

BLS (Basic Life Support)

For: Healthcare providers & students (nurses, dental teams, EMS, techs, physicians, allied health).
Covers: Adult/child/infant CPR, AED, choking, team dynamics.
Time: ~4 hours (in-person) or online + short skills.
Card: AHA BLS eCard (same day).

CPR/AED

For: Workplace & community responders.
Covers: Adult CPR, AED, choking; options for child/infant.
Time: ~3–4 hours or online + skills.
Card: AHA CPR/AED eCard (same day).

CPR/AED & First Aid

For: Schools, coaches, childcare, camps, office safety, community responders.
Covers: CPR/AED plus first aid (bleeding, burns, allergic reactions, environmental emergencies, etc.).
Time: ~3–4 hours or online + skills.
Card: AHA First Aid/CPR/AED eCard (same day).

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

For: Clinicians who manage arrest/peri-arrest patients (ED, ICU, EMS, anesthesia).
Covers: Airway, rhythm recognition, pharmacology, algorithms, leadership, megacode.
Time: Blended or 1–2 days. Prereqs: BLS strongly recommended.
Card: AHA ACLS eCard (same day).

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

For: Providers responding to infant/child emergencies (Peds, ED, ICU, EMS).
Covers: Pediatric assessment, respiratory & shock, arrhythmias, drug dosing, team scenarios.
Time: Often 1 day or blended.
Card: AHA PALS eCard (same day).

What to expect at CPR Tally

  • Hands-on practice with experienced, 5-star instructors
  • Same-day eCards for most courses
  • Blended options (online + skills) to fit your schedule
  • Convenient location: 2507 Callaway Rd Suite 205, Tallahassee, FL 32303

On-site training for teams (we come to you)

  • Great for medical/dental offices, schools, gyms, and corporate safety teams
  • Flexible scheduling (evenings/weekends)
  • Flat-rate or per-person pricing, all equipment provided

How to prepare (quick checklist)

  • Bring a photo ID and wear comfortable clothes
  • For ACLS/PALS: review rhythms/algorithms; complete any HeartCode pre-work
  • Arrive a few minutes early for check-in
  • Accessibility needs? Let us know—we’re happy to help

FAQs

Do I need BLS or CPR/AED?
If you’re in healthcare or a healthcare program, you almost certainly need BLS. For non-clinical roles (coach, teacher, parent, workplace safety), choose CPR/AED or CPR/AED & First Aid.

How soon do I get my card?
For most courses, your AHA eCard is issued the same day you complete your skills session.

Do you offer blended learning?
Yes—complete the online portion at your pace, then attend a short, hands-on skills check.

Can you train our whole office?
Absolutely. We offer on-site classes across Tallahassee for groups of 6+. Request a quote.

Ready to register?

Questions? Call (850) 559-1678 or email info@cprtally.com