ACLS Academy Hosts Large Group Training for MCPHS’s Physician Assistant Students at the Marriott Conference Center
ACLS Academy recently conducted a large-scale training event for 66 Physician Assistant (PA) students from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in a remarkable display of collaboration and expertise. This two-day session at the Quincy Marriott covered Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS), equipping the next generation of healthcare providers with critical life-saving skills.
How It Started: From Small Request to Large-Scale Training
The event originated from a small group discount request by a single MCPHS student. What began as a modest group of 10 students quickly grew to 66, reflecting the trust and reputation ACLS Academy has cultivated. ACLS Academy Founders and Instructors Shelley and Chad Lynch swiftly rose to the occasion, organizing an event that could accommodate this significant increase in participants. The team coordinated a suitable venue, prepared course materials, and arranged multiple skills stations, all while managing the scheduling of instructors and resources.
Structured Learning for Lifesaving Skills
In addition to the entire classroom course material training for BLS and ACLS, the students rotated through eight skill stations, each designed to provide hands-on experience with essential medical techniques over the two-day session. The stations included:
Intubation
Intraosseous access
Bradycardia and tachycardia management
Cardiac Arrest management
Defibrillation
Comprehensive BLS procedures
Participants rotated every 30 minutes to ensure they had ample opportunity to practice and refine their skills under the guidance of expert instructors. The training team consisted of 12 staff members, including nine instructors, all bringing real-world experience from critical care settings.
What ACLS and BLS Training Covers
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) are cornerstone certifications for medical professionals. ACLS training builds on the foundational skills of BLS, focusing on managing cardiac emergencies such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, and strokes. During resuscitation efforts, key components include airway management, pharmacology, and team dynamics. Conversely, BLS emphasizes high-quality chest compressions, rescue breathing, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, ensuring providers can deliver immediate care in life-threatening situations. Together, these certifications prepare healthcare workers to respond effectively to critical scenarios.
Excellence in Training: "For Providers, by Providers"
ACLS Academy's motto, "For Providers, by Providers," is more than just a slogan—it’s a commitment to excellence. In 2024 alone, the Academy trained over 3,200 students; in the past decade, it has trained over 28,000 students. Its success is due to its 30 dedicated instructors, who bring invaluable real-life medical experience to their teaching. This hands-on approach ensures participants learn technical skills and gain practical insights that enhance their confidence and preparedness.
The MCPHS training event is a testament to ACLS Academy’s ability to scale its operations while maintaining the highest standards of instruction. The involvement of instructors actively working in critical care settings guarantees that the training reflects current medical practices and challenges.
A Network of Training Excellence
As an American Heart Association (AHA)-certified Training Center, ACLS Academy’s reach extends beyond its local sessions. By the end of 2024, the Academy supported 15 AHA Training Sites with a combined network of over 183 instructors. This expansive network enables the Academy to deliver life-saving education to more healthcare professionals across Massachusetts and beyond. Each training site and partnership underscores the trust the medical community places in ACLS Academy to provide accessible and high-quality instruction.
Beyond MCPHS: Strengthening Community Partnerships
The collaboration with MCPHS is just one example of ACLS Academy’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships. In 2024, the Academy worked with 42 organizations, ranging from small clinics to large healthcare systems. These collaborations included tailored training sessions with organizations such as the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). By customizing courses to meet specific needs, ACLS Academy ensures that participants receive training relevant to their unique roles and environments. Feedback from these partnerships has been overwhelmingly positive, and the Academy looks forward to expanding its impact in the coming years.
Ready to Train Your Group?
ACLS Academy’s success with the MCPHS training event highlights its capacity to handle large groups while delivering exceptional education. Whether you are part of a hospital, clinic, or educational institution, the Academy’s experienced team can tailor training sessions to your needs. With a proven track record and a dedicated team of providers, ACLS Academy is the trusted choice for life-saving skills training.
If you’re interested in organizing a group training session, contact ACLS Academy today to learn more about their customized offerings and how they can support your team’s certification needs.
ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA)- Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts—Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center—and most of our classes include an online training component. We provide high-quality courses taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, BLS, TNCC, ENPC, NRP, PALS, PALS Plus, PEARS, ACLS- EP, ASLS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.