Class Schedule

The Resuscitation Sciences Training Center at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is an accredited training center offering numerous resuscitation-based courses to assist the public and healthcare professionals with skills and knowledge in resuscitating infants, pediatrics, and adults. We are affiliated with and offer courses via: 

  • American Academy of Pediatrics - NRP 
  • American College of Surgeons - ATLS
  • American Heart Association - ACLS EP, ACLS, BLS, HeartSaver, PALS, PEARS, 
  • Emergency Nurses Association - TNCC, ENPC
  • Resuscitation Quality Improvement 
  • PLEASE NOTE: community members will need to make prior arrangemets to be escorted to your class.  Call 717-531-1834  
ACLS Provider

ACLS Provider

IF YOU ARRIVE WITHOUT YOUR PRECOURSE WORK COMPLETED AND YOUR PRINTED CERTIFCATE YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND CLASS AND IT WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILTY TO FIND ANOTHER CLASS TO ATTEND.

Description

This course is for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.  The Initial Provider course is designed for first-time students, students whose ACLS certification has lapsed and those who desire extra classroom instruction/practice time.

 ACLS training is for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies.  The AHA’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of preventing cardiac arrest, early and continuous high-quality CPR, and high-performing teams. The course reflects science and education from the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

 Prior to the classroom session

  1. Complete the online ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work module on the AHA website
  • Log in or create an account on the AHA’s eLearning website

RSTC recommends Penn State Health personnel use their PSH email

  • Once logged in click or copy/paste in your browser https://elearning.heart.org/course/424  or Search the AHA eLearning site for course code “KJ-1498”
  • From the ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work page select

                  "Launch This Course"

  • Complete the precourse modules, the survey and print your completion certificate
  • Printed certificate is required for admission to the classroom session

 

  1. Review the 2020 Advanced Cardiac Live Support Provider Manual. Manuals are available in the Harrell Library or can be purchased online from a variety of sellers.

 

  1. Need BLS? If you are not in RQI and would like to add BLS certification to your ACLS, please email RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu and request the Heartcode BLS e-learning . Complete the Heartcode BLS course and bring the certificate with you to ACLS.

 Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

 For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

 

ACLS Update/Renewal

ACLE RENEWAL

Total Training Hours 8.5 hours

Description

This course is for renewal of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.  Student must be currently certified in ACLS to attend.

 ACLS training is for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies.  The AHA’s ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS skills, emphasizing the importance of preventing cardiac arrest, early and continuous high-quality CPR, and high-performing teams. The course reflects science and education from the 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

 Course consists of:

  • 4 hours of online learning
  • An online pre-course assessment/pre-test
  • 5-hour classroom session consisting of practice stations followed by psychomotor skills and cognitive testing

Prior to the classroom session

  • Complete the online ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work module on the AHA website
  • Log in or create an account on the AHA’s eLearning website

RSTC recommends Penn State Health personnel use their PSH email

  • Once logged in click or copy/paste in your browserhttps://elearning.heart.org/course/424 or Search the AHA eLearning site for course code “KJ-1498”
  • From the ACLS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work page select

                  "Launch This Course"

  • Complete the precourse modules, the survey and print your completion certificate
  • Printed certificate is required for admission to the classroom session
  • Review the 2020 Advanced Cardiac Live Support Provider Manual. Manuals are available in the Harrell Library or can be purchased online from a variety of sellers.

 Need BLS? If you are not in RQI and would like to add BLS certification to your ACLS, please email RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu and request the Heartcode BLS e-learning (allow 72 hours before event). Complete the Heartcode BLS course and bring the certificate with you to ACLS.

Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

 For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

ATLS Renewal

 This program provides systemic and concise training for the early care of trauma patients. The ATLS program provides participants with a safe, reliable method for immediate management of the injured patient and the basic knowledge necessary to:

  1. Assess the patient’s condition rapidly and accurately
  2. Resuscitate and stabilize the patient according to priority
  3. Determine if the patient’s needs exceed a facility’s capacity
  4. Arrange appropriately for the patient’s inter-hospital transfer (who, what, when, and how)
  5. Assure that optimum care is provided and that the level of care does not deteriorate at any point during the evaluation, resuscitation, or transfer process

For doctors and other qualified health care professionals who infrequently treat trauma, the ATLS course provides an easy-to-remember method for evaluating and treating the victim of a traumatic event. For doctors and other qualified healthcare providers who treat traumatic disease on a frequent basis, the ATLS course provides a scaffold for evaluation, treatment, education, and quality assurance. In short, ATLS is a measurable, reproducible, and comprehensive system of trauma care.

 

 

BLS HeartCode/Skills

The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings. Topics include:

  • High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants 
  • The AHA Chain of Survival, specifically the BLS components
  • Important early use of an AED 
  • Effective ventilations using a barrier device
  • Importance of teams in multirescuer resuscitation and performance as an effective team member during multirescuer CPR 
  • Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults and infants 

What do I need to do before class?  What do I bring with me to class? 

  • Complete the BLS HeartCode online program by emailing RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834 and requesting the online program (employees only). IF YOU ARRIVE WITHOUT YOUR PRINTED CERTIFICATE YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO TEST-Assignments for e-courses will NOT be made earlier than 90 days before you test.

What should I wear to a live class?  

​Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be practicing skills that may require work on your hands and knees, and the course requires bending, standing, and lifting. If you have any physical condition that might prevent you from engaging in these activities, please tell an instructor. The instructor may be able to adjust the equipment if you have back, knee, or hip problems.

How much does the course cost? 

If you are not a PSH employee, you will be charged the full amount for this course.

If you are a PSH or a PSU COM employee/student, you will be charged in the following scenarios:  

  • Withdrawal and cancellation received within 24 hours of the course. 
  • Failure to show.
  • If you received an online course, started the online course, but failed to complete the online course or show for the classroom portion. 

How do I cancel?   

  • If PSH or PSU COM employee/student, withdraw on Compass. 
  • If not PSH or PSU COM employee/student, contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834. 

Where’s my card?  

RSTC attempts to process all courses within 5 days, excluding holidays and weekends.   

If you have any questions about the course, contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.   

Family and Friends CPR

AHA's Family & Friends® CPR Course a video-based, classroom course intended for anyone who wants to learn CPR and prefers to learn in an Instructor-led or facilitated group environment. This course is for people who do not need a course completion card for a job or other requirements. Family & Friends CPR is ideal for community groups, parents, grandparents, caregivers, schools and students, and others interested in learning how to save a life.American Heart Association. 

What do I need to do before attending this course?   

  • Review the course textbook.  Textbooks are available in the Harrel Library.  Textbooks can also be purchased online from a variety of sellers.  For any questions, contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.   
  • Complete any precourse work, if applicable.   

 What do I bring with me?  

  • You must print certificate of completions of the pre-course work, if applicable. FAILURE TO BRING YOUR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION WILL RESULT IN YOUR EXPULSION FROM THE COURSE.    
  • Course textbooks, if applicable.   
  • Copy of your current provider card, if applicable.  Note that some courses require we document proof of current certification status.   

 What should I wear to a live class?  

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be practicing skills that require work on your hands and knees, and the course requires bending, standing, and lifting. If you have any physical condition that might prevent you from engaging in these activities, please tell an instructor. The instructor may be able to adjust the equipment if you have back, knee, or hip problems. 

 How much does the course cost?  

  • If you are a PSH employee or a PSU COM employee/student, you may be charged in the following scenarios:  
    • Withdrawal and cancellation received within 24 hours of the course. 
    • Failure to show. 
    • If you received an online course, started the online course, but failed to complete the online course or show for the classroom portion. 

How do I cancel?   

  • If you cannot attend, you must withdraw from this course as soon as possible. If PSH employee or PSU COM employee/student, withdraw on Compass.  If external, contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.   

Where’s my card?  

  • RSTC attempts to process all courses within 5 days, excluding holidays and weekends.   

Wait, I have a question about...?  

Hands Only CPR

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an “out-of-hospital” setting (such as at home, at work or in a park). It consists of two easy steps:

  1. Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do that).
  2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

When you call 911, you need to stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to hang up. The dispatcher will ask you about the emergency. They will also ask for details like your location. It is important to be specific, especially if you’re calling from a mobile phone as that is not associated with a fixed location or address. Remember that answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help.

What do I need to do before attending this course?   

  • Complete any precourse work, if applicable.   

 What do I bring with me?  

  • You must print certificate of completions of the pre-course work, if applicable. FAILURE TO BRING YOUR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION WILL RESULT IN YOUR EXPULSION FROM THE COURSE.    
  • Course textbooks, if applicable.   
  • Copy of your current provider card, if applicable.  Note that some courses require we document proof of current certification status.   

 What should I wear to a live class?  

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be practicing skills that require work on your hands and knees, and the course requires bending, standing, and lifting. If you have any physical condition that might prevent you from engaging in these activities, please tell an instructor. The instructor may be able to adjust the equipment if you have back, knee, or hip problems. 

 How much does the course cost?  

  • If you are a PSH employee or a PSU COM employee/student, you may be charged in the following scenarios:  
    • Withdrawal and cancellation received within 24 hours of the course. 
    • Failure to show. 
    • If you received an online course, started the online course, but failed to complete the online course or show for the classroom portion. 

How do I cancel?   

  • If you cannot attend, you must withdraw from this course as soon as possible. If PSH employee or PSU COM employee/student, withdraw on Compass.  If external, contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.     

Wait, I have a question about...?  

HeartSaver CPR AED

Title:  AHA HeartSaver CPR AED

Description

The AHA HeartSaver CPR AED Course is designed for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory, or other requirement (not for medical staff or medical students).

Course consists of: 3-hour classroom session consisting of practice stations followed by psychomotor skills and cognitive testing

Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

 For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

 

 

 

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED eLearning - Hands-On Session

Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Online is the eLearning portion of the Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED blended learning course and is designed to teach students the cognitive information needed for First Aid, CPR, and AED training. Upon completion of the online portion, students must complete hands-on skills session with an AHA BLS or Heartsaver Instructor.

Prerequisites/What to Bring to Class

  • After you register for a skills testing session, you must email RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to request access to the eLearning. Should you be approved for this course, you'll receive access to an eLearning via email. You must print the certificate of completion and bring it with you to the skills testing session. Should you open and activate the eLearning, and fail to complete the eLearning, you will be charged for the course. 

Who Should Take This Course Anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Policy: Those required to have HeartSaver are governed by 206NAM, 146-MGM, and PC-06 HAM. 

What Should I Wear? Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be practicing skills that require work on your hands and knees, and the course requires bending, standing, and lifting. If you have any physical condition that might prevent you from engaging in these activities, please tell an instructor. The instructor may be able to adjust the equipment if you have back, knee, or hip problems. 

What about my card? You will receive an e-mail within 72 hours after your course to claim your eCard if you successfully completed the course.  ​

I Need to Cancel If you can not attend, you must withdraw from this course as soon as possible. You may be charged for your cancellation. You can cancel your reservation by withdrawing in Compass. 

I Have Another Question If you have any questions about the course, please call the RSTC at 717-531-1834 or email at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu. 

Instructor Essentials - ACLS

This course is for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor certification.  The ACLS Instructor Essentials Course is designed to prepare instructor candidates to teach AHA Instructor-led and blended learning courses. The course educates instructor candidates on how to adequately use AHA Instructor teaching materials, ensure that students meet learning objectives, offer student coaching skills, provide an objective skills performance evaluation, and follow AHA Instructor and course policies.

 Pre-requisites:

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • Currently certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider for at least 2 years
  • Licensed/credentialed in a healthcare occupation where ACLS skills are within that license/credential scope of practice
  • Prior to registering contact Ryan Shercliffe at rshercliffe@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to complete a screening interview

Course consists of:

  • 1.5 hours online ACLS Instructor Essentials course
  • An online pre-course assessment/pre-test
  • 5-hour classroom session consisting of practice teaching stations followed by psychomotor skills and cognitive testing

 Prior to the course:

  • Pick-up an ACLS Instructor Manual from Resuscitative Science Training Center (RSTC) located at the Simulation Center reception area, above the Harrell Library, 2nd floor College Medicine Building
  • You will receive an email from AHA eLearning website with instructions to access the online ACLS Instructor Essentials courseware
    • Complete the online course, the survey and print your completion certificate
    • Printed certificate is required for admission to the classroom session
  • Once your class is completed and you have been successfully monitored (within 90 days of the class), your instrcutor card will be issued and you will be able to align via AHA with Penn State Milton S.Hershey Medical Center

Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

 For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

Instructor Essentials - PALS

This course is for Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor certification.  The PALS Instructor Essentials Course is designed to prepare instructor candidates to teach AHA Instructor-led and blended learning courses. The course educates instructor candidates on how to adequately use AHA Instructor teaching materials, ensure that students meet learning objectives, offer student coaching skills, provide an objective skills performance evaluation, and follow AHA Instructor and course policies.

 Pre-requisites:

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • Currently certified Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Provider for at least 2 years 
  • Licensed/credentialed in a healthcare occupation where PALS skills are within that license/credential scope of practice
  • Prior to registering contact Ryan Shercliffe rshercliffe@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to complete a screening interview

 Prior to the course:

  • Pick-up the PALS Instructor Manual from Resuscitative Science Training Center (RSTC) located at the Simulation Center reception area, above the Harrell Library, 2nd floor College Medicine Building
  • You will receive an email from AHA eLearning website with instructions to access the online PALS Instructor Essentials courseware
    • Complete the online course, the survey and print your completion certificate
    • Printed certificate is required for admission to the classroom session 

A written exam is administered at the end of class, per AHA rules you must score at least an 84%.  One retest is permitted. Please be sure you are prepared in advance for class.

Once your class is completed and you have been successfully monitored (within 90 days of the class), your instrcutor card will be issued and you will be able to align via AHA with Penn State Milton S.Hershey Medical Center

Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

PALS Provider

PALS Initial Provider

Training Hours 15 hours

Description

This course is for Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.  The Initial Provider course is designed for first-time students, students whose certification has lapsed and those who desire extra classroom instruction/practice time.

 PALS training is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children and for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units.  The goal is to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children, resulting in improved outcomes.

 Course consists of:

  • 5 hours of online learning
  • An online pre-course assessment/pre-test
  • 5-hour classroom session consisting of practice stations followed by psychomotor skills and cognitive testing

 Prior to the course:

  1. Complete the online Pals Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work
  • Log in or create an account on the AHA’s eLearning website

RSTC recommends Penn State Health personnel use their PSH email

  • Once logged in click or copy/paste in your browser https://elearning.heart.org/course/426 or Search the AHA eLearning site for course code “KJ-1487”
  • From the PALS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work page select

                  "Launch This Course"

  • Complete the precourse modules, the survey and print your completion certificate
  • Printed certificate is required for admission to the classroom session

 

  1. Review the 2020 Pediatric Advanced Live Support Provider Manual. Manuals are available in the Harrell Library or can be purchased online from a variety of sellers.

 

  1. Need BLS? If you are not in RQI and would like to add BLS certification to your PALS, please email RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu and request the Heartcode BLS e-learning. Complete the Heartcode BLS course and bring the certificate with you to PALS.

Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

 For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

 

PALS Update/Renewal

PALS Renewal

Training Hours 10 hours

Description:

This course is for renewal of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.  Student must be currently certified in PALS.

PALS training is for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children and for personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care and critical care units.   The goal is to improve the quality of care provided to seriously ill or injured children, resulting in improved outcomes.

 Course consists of:

  • 5 hours of online learning
  • An online pre-course assessment/pre-test
  • 7-hour classroom session consisting of practice stations followed by psychomotor skills and cognitive testing

Prior to the course:

  1. Complete the online Pals Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work
  • Log in or create an account on the AHA’s eLearning website

RSTC recommends Penn State Health personnel use their PSH email

  • Once logged in click or copy/paste in your browser https://elearning.heart.org/course/426 or Search the AHA eLearning site for course code “KJ-1487”
  • From the PALS Precourse Self-Assessment and Precourse Work page select

                  "Launch This Course"

  • Complete the precourse modules, the survey and print your completion certificate
  • Printed certificate is required for admission to the classroom session

 

  1. Review the 2020 Pediatric Advanced Live Support Provider Manual. Manuals are available in the Harrell Library or can be purchased online from a variety of sellers.

 

  1. Need BLS? If you are not in RQI and would like to add BLS certification to your PALS, please email RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu and request the BLS e-learning. Complete the online BLS course and bring the certificate with you to PALS.

 

Cancellation: Penn State Health employees withdraw and re-schedule in Compass.  All others contact the RSTC no later than 24-hours prior to the course start date to receive a refund. 

 

For questions contact RSTC at RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-1834.

 

 

RSTC Equipment Rental, Registration Fees, and Ecards

Please email RSTC@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or aschupper@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for equipment rental requests.

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Contact Us

PSH MSHMC RSTC
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Resuscitation Sciences Training Center
 500 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033

phone 717-531-1834

Penn State Health - Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (including Academic Practice Division)

American Academy of Family Physicians - Lori Double

American Academy of Pediatrics - Laren Libhart

American College of Surgeons - Lori Double

American Heart Association - Lori Double

Emergency Nurses Association - Tammy Ophardt

Resuscitation Quality Improvement - Lori Double

Penn State Health - St. Joseph

American Academy of Pediatrics -

Penn State Health - Holy Spirit

American Academy of Pediatrics - Beth Johnson

American Heart Association - Christy Liddington

Emergency Nurses Association - Esther Polson

Penn State Health - Community Medical Group

American Heart Association - Harrisburg Area - Kristin Kissell /Jessica Mancini

American Heart Association - Lancaster Area - Lucinda Hinsey

American Heart Association - York Area - Lucinda Hinsey

American Heart Association - Reading Area - Lucinda Hinsey