7 Awesome Study Tips for your ACLS Course
Studying diligently for your ACLS, BLS, CPR or PALS certification is critical to achieving your goal of a positive outcome.
For those seeking their certification via online coursework, finding the time, energy and motivation to actually crack down and study can be challenging – especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities, like your current job or family needs.
To make things a bit easier, we’ve put together some expert study tips that will keep you on track and help you maximize your studying efforts.
Memorize the Algorithms
Like many things we learn in life, the material you are studying for your online medical certification contains a lot of formulas and algorithms that you will need to know fairly well in order to successfully test and certify.
Not only will committing these important protocols to memory help you as you take your test, but knowing them inside and out can also help you perform better in the workplace.
Eliminate Distractions
Easier said than done?
Maybe.
But it’s worth the effort in the long run.
Set aside specific times and places for your study activities where you won’t be interrupted.
Whether it’s the quiet room at the library, your home office or the local park, find what works for you and stick to it.
Get a Study Partner
If you’re already in the health care field, chances are one or more of your coworkers are pursuing the same certifications as you.
Why not combine forces and double your efforts by organizing a study group?
Many find group study sessions to be much more effective at keeping everyone focused and on target.
Plus, engaging in discussions and quizzing one another can really drive home the material you need to know.
Teach Your Friends (or Family or Pets)
The people in your life who support you and want to see you succeed would be more than happy to help you practice the material you need to study and memorize, so take advantage of the opportunity.
Teach your partner or your children about what you’ve learned while eating dinner. Bounce some things off your friends over coffee.
You can even recite your lesson plans to your pets.
Whatever works!
Use Mnemonic Devices
There’s a ton of complex material that you have to memorize when taking your online medical certification.
Sometimes it can be helpful to assign a mnemonic device to whatever steps you’re trying to commit to memory.
This involves taking the first letter of each step and creating a phrase that is easier to recall.
One nurse provided the following example in a forum:
“If a patient experiences cardioversion (an unusually rapid heart rate) remember “Oh Say It Isn’t So:” O2 saturation monitor, suctioning equipment, IV line, intubation equipment, sedation and possibly analgesics.”
Again, not only does this tip help with studying, but it could also be incredibly useful in an emergency situation on the job.
Apply the Pomodoro Technique
This highly effective concentration method involves focusing on the task at hand (in this case studying) uninterrupted for a timed period of 25 minutes, followed by a 5 to 10 minute break.
After the break, resume studying for another block of 25 minutes. By giving your brain a rest in between study sessions, you can retain more information without burning out.
Try it!
Take Care of Yourself
Last but certainly not least, taking care of your mind and your body is essential to retaining the information you need to pass your online medical certification exam.
Eat food that is rich in brain nutrients, like broccoli, nuts, avocado or salmon.
Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
Studying for your online medical certification or recertification doesn’t have to be a chore or a nightmare.
By applying the above tips and strategies, you’ll be much better able to retain the info you need to pass your test with flying colors the very first time.
