IU School of Nursing in Fort Wayne students are gaining critical, life-saving skills through Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, a key component of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Integrated into the curriculum through simulation training, coursework, and hands-on application, the certification prepares students to recognize and respond to life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies with confidence.
The training aligns closely with course concepts and learning outcomes, helping students bridge classroom knowledge with real clinical practice. Students reinforce these skills through simulations and clinical experiences, including rotations in intensive care settings.
“ACLS certification helps everything click for students,” said Melanie Gall, clinical assistant professor at the IU School of Nursing in Fort Wayne. “They learn about cardiac arrest and emergency response in the classroom, but when they practice those skills in simulation, they begin to understand how critical every second and every decision truly is.”
Through ACLS training, students learn to recognize and manage cardiac arrest, stroke, respiratory arrest, and acute coronary syndromes. The certification also emphasizes leadership and communication, preparing students to work effectively in high-pressure environments while following standardized, evidence-based protocols that improve patient outcomes.
“This experience showed me that clear, effective communication is essential for teamwork in an emergency,” said Ashleigh Steffel, an IU School of Nursing in Fort Wayne student. “We must be able to work together calmly, trust one another, and respond as a coordinated team.”
Faculty say completing ACLS certification before graduation gives students a significant advantage. It allows them to practice life-saving skills in a supportive learning environment, reducing the fear and uncertainty many new nurses experience in their first emergency situations while strengthening career readiness and job opportunities.
“Many hospitals—especially those with emergency departments, intensive care units, and operating rooms—prefer or require ACLS certification,” Mary Bailey IU School of Nursing in Fort Wayne Lecturer said. “Students who graduate with this credential are able to contribute sooner and focus more fully on patient care during orientation.”
The course is offered on campus twice a year, in both the fall and spring semesters, ensuring students have the opportunity to complete the certification before graduating.
For many students, the experience represents more than an additional credential. It marks a defining step in their transition from student to nurse.
“Completing ACLS before graduating is extremely valuable,” Steffel said. “Because of this training, I was able to confidently step in during a code scenario while I was still a student. ACLS prepares us for real clinical situations and helps us transition more seamlessly into our roles as new nurses.”
