How Long Does the Online PALS Provider Course Take to Complete?

You’ve got a busy week ahead, shifts, patient rounds, charting, and now your PALS certification deadline is closing in. The idea of spending an entire weekend in a classroom just doesn’t fit your schedule.

That’s where the online PALS provider course comes in. Most allow you to complete the course material at your own pace, often in just 4 to 6 hours, followed by a short in-person skills check, if required. Some fully online refresher courses can be completed even faster, often in under 2 hours, depending on your experience and course format.

This guide breaks down how long each type of online PALS course typically takes, so you can plan your certification around your real-life schedule and head into your next shift fully up to date.

Course Formats: What “Online PALS Provider” Really Means

When you see the term “online PALS provider,” it usually refers to two different types of courses. Let’s take a look at them so you know exactly what you’re signing up for:

Blended Learning
In this format, you first complete self-paced lessons online. You can study anytime and move at your own speed. Once you finish the online part, you attend an in-person skills session. During this session, which usually takes 4 to 5 hours, you practice and demonstrate your hands-on skills. This part makes sure you know how to apply what you learned.

Fully Online Courses
With these, you complete the entire online PALS provider course. You go through all the lessons, take the exam, and receive your certification, all from your laptops or phones. There’s no in-person skills check. Many reputed providers offer this option. Knowing the difference helps you pick the online PALS provider course that fits your needs and schedule.

How Long Does the Online Format Take?

Let’s break down how much time you need for each type of online PALS provider course. The exact time depends on your experience and how fast you learn:

Fully Online Format

This option is mostly for providers who already know pediatric advanced life support protocols. If you’re one of them, you can easily finish in 1 to 2 hours. Most of the time goes into recertification assessments, not full lessons.

Typical Time Breakdown at a Glance:

Format	Online Time	In‑Person Time	Total Duration
Blended Beginners	4–6 hours	~4–5 hours	~8–11 hours
Blended Experienced	2–4 hours	~4–5 hours	~6–9 hours
Fully Online	1–2 hours	None	~1–2 hours

Who Should Pick Which PALS Course Format?

You need to pick the online PALS provider course format that fits your current skill level, past certifications, and what your job requires. Let’s explore which option might work best for you:

Blended Learning (Online + In-Person Skills Session)

If you’re new to PALS or want more hands-on practice, this format fits best. You complete online lessons, then attend an in-person session to practice and test your skills with an instructor. It follows AHA guidelines and gives you a PALS Provider eCard valid for 2 years.

Fully Online (No In-Person Skills Check)

This option works for experienced providers renewing their certification. Some employers accept it even without hands-on testing. But studies show psychomotor skills can fade within 3–12 months without practice. Only choose this if you’re sure your skills stay sharp. 

Easy Renewal Options for Busy Schedules

No matter how busy you are, you can still find an online PALS provider course that works for you. If you want more practice, you can pick the blended option. It gives you hands-on training to build your skills. If you’re just looking to renew fast, the fully online PALS provider course makes that simple. Either way, staying updated helps you stay ready for any pediatric emergency. When you’re ready to renew, you can sign up for the Online PALS Provider Course and keep your certification up to date without any hassle.