How Many CEUs is PALS Renewal?
In pediatric healthcare emergencies, standing still isn’t an option, and the numbers make that undeniable. In the U.S., survival after out‑of‑hospital pediatric cardiac arrest remains critically low at less than 10%, even under optimal conditions. These outcomes underscore why strict adherence to Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) – a standardized, evidence‐based program designed to help clinicians recognize and respond to life‐threatening conditions in infants and children – protocols is vital.
Lives depend on your ability to act quickly, think critically, and apply the latest evidence‐based practices, especially in pediatric emergencies. PALS teaches providers how to manage respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac arrest, and is a requirement for many working in emergency care, critical care, and pediatric settings. Renewing your certification is crucial because it keeps you current, confident, and capable in the skills you need for high‐stakes situations.
Central to the renewal process are the Continuing Education Units (CEUs). These standardized credits document your ongoing professional development, and for most healthcare professionals, they’re required for license renewal, employer compliance, and your ability to continue clinical practice. Completing an accredited PALS course ensures you earn a CE that counts toward your credentials while reinforcing the skills you need to save lives.
In this guide, we’ll explain what CEUs are, how many credits you earn through PALS renewal, and why staying current safeguards both your patients and your professional future.
How Many CEUs Are Required for PALS Renewal: What You Should Know
What are CEUs (Continuing Education Units)?
CEUs, or Continuing Education Units, are a standardized method for tracking professional development. For healthcare providers, a CE credit serves as measurable proof that you’re staying current with the skills, protocols, and knowledge required to deliver safe, effective care. For most licensing boards and healthcare employers, earning CEUs through approved training is mandatory for maintaining certification.
CEUs Comparison: PALS vs. ACLS vs. BLS
Here’s how CEU credit values typically compare across the three most common life support certifications:
| Certification Type | CEU/CME Credits Earned | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| PALS Renewal | Up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™ | Pediatric Advanced Life Support for infants and children |
| ACLS Renewal | Up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™ | Advanced cardiac care for adult patients |
| BLS Renewal | Typically 4 CEU/CME credits | Basic life support for all ages, including CPR and AED use |
These CE credits contribute directly to professional license renewal and are recognized nationwide when issued through an accredited provider, such as AMC.
Factors That Affect CEU Calculation
The number of CEUs you earn from a course may vary depending on several factors:
- Course Length – Longer, more in-depth courses may qualify for a higher number of CEUs.
- Training Provider Accreditation – Only CEUs from approved, accredited organizations (like AMC via PIM) are accepted by most boards.
- Level of Certification – Initial certification courses tend to offer the full CEU value, while some renewal courses may offer fewer hours unless they’re comprehensive, like AMC’s.
CEUs vs. CME Credits: What’s the Difference?
CEU and CME are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:
- CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are commonly used in nursing, EMS, and allied health fields. One CEU typically equals 10 contact hours of instruction.
- CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits are primarily used for physicians and are often measured in AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, such as those offered by AMC.
Both types serve to document and validate your continued learning. Whether your profession uses CEUs, CMEs, or contact hours, PALS renewal through AMC ensures you’re covered with verifiable credits.
CEU Requirements for PALS Renewal
PALS renewal helps you meet real‐world requirements that ensure you stay eligible, employable, and prepared. Understanding how CEUs apply to your state, license, and healthcare role helps you stay ahead of deadlines and in compliance with your profession’s standards.
State and License Requirements
Each state sets its own continuing education rules for healthcare professionals. Some require CEUs annually, others operate on a multi‐year renewal cycle. Your state board also determines which training providers are accepted, which is why it’s important to choose accredited courses, such as AMC’s PALS certification, approved by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM).
In addition to state requirements, employers often have their own CEU policies, especially in hospital systems, emergency care, and pediatric departments. Failing to meet these can delay promotions or limit your ability to renew credentials.
CEU Requirements According to Healthcare Profession
CEUs for Nurses
Most registered nurses need to earn CEUs regularly to maintain licensure. A typical PALS renewal course offers 4 to 8 CEUs, which can fulfill part of a nurse’s renewal requirements, depending on state guidelines.
CEUs for Paramedics and EMTs
Paramedics and EMTs are often the first point of contact for pediatric emergencies. National Registry and state licensing boards typically accept PALS CEUs for license renewal. AMC’s course provides up to 8 CEUs.
CEU Needs for Emergency Care Providers
Whether you’re a trauma nurse, ER physician, or pediatric specialist, maintaining advanced life support certification is a job requirement. CEUs earned through PALS renewal ensure you remain qualified to respond to pediatric emergencies and help meet the professional development benchmarks set by your organization.
CEUs for Doctors, Respiratory Therapists, and Other Medical Professionals
- Physicians: PALS renewal through AMC offers up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, accepted by most state medical boards.
- Respiratory Therapists: Many boards accept PALS CEUs, especially since therapists often manage pediatric ventilation, oxygenation, and airway interventions.
- Other Professionals: Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical students may also use PALS renewal for CEU fulfillment, depending on their licensure board.
Specialty Course Offerings and Skill Development
Some healthcare professionals pursue specialty PALS training or combine certification with other CEU‐rich courses (like ACLS certification or BLS) to meet a larger renewal requirement. These bundled offerings can boost your skills across multiple critical care areas while fulfilling CEU quotas more efficiently.
Why PALS Renewal Matters: Implications of letting PALS lapse
Letting your PALS certification expire can have serious consequences, both for your career and your confidence. Here’s why staying current on PALS matters:
- Skill retention and confidence: Regular renewal keeps critical skills fresh so you can act quickly and decisively in emergencies.
- Compliance risk: An expired certification can put your job or licensure at risk, especially in pediatric and emergency care settings.
- More time and effort if expired: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete the full initial course instead of a shorter renewal.
- Updated protocols: Renewal ensures you’re trained on the latest ILCOR guidelines and pediatric emergency care standards.
How to Choose the Right Course Provider to Earn CEUs
To ensure your CEUs count toward license renewal – and that you’re getting the best possible training – here’s what to look for when choosing a course provider:
Accredited PALS Renewal Courses
Make sure the course is accredited by a recognized organization. At AMC, our PALS certification is reviewed and approved for AMA Category 1 Credits™ by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM), which is a trusted name in continuing medical education.
Verify CEU Inclusion
Before you enroll, confirm that the course offers CEUs or CME credits and check how many are included. Look for clear documentation showing the number of credits, the accrediting body, and proof of completion upon passing.
Understand Medical Education Standards
Choose a provider that follows the latest ILCOR guidelines and complies with recognized medical training standards, such as JCAHO. This ensures your training is not only accepted but clinically relevant and up to date.
Steps to Earning Your PALS CEUs
Enroll in an Approved Course
Choose a provider accredited by a recognized organization, like AMC’s PALS course approved by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM).
- Complete Online Modules or Hands-On Training
Whether you choose a 100% online certification or a blended learning format, complete all required course content at your own pace.
- Pass the PALS Final Assessment
Successfully complete the final exam to demonstrate your knowledge of current pediatric life support protocols.
- Receive and Store Your CEU Certificate
Download your official CEU certificate immediately after passing. It will list the number of credits earned and the accrediting body.
- Submit for License Renewal
Follow your state or employer’s process for submitting CEUs online, by mail, or through a professional portal, and keep a copy for your records.
Benefits of Maintaining PALS Certification with CEUs
Renewing your PALS certification and earning CEUs elevates your career and the quality of care you provide. Here’s what you gain:
Enhance basic life support skills
Build on your BLS foundation with advanced techniques tailored to pediatric emergencies.
Build confidence in cardiac care situations
Regular renewal keeps your knowledge fresh, so you’re ready to respond quickly and effectively.
Increase employability
PALS certification is required or preferred for many roles in emergency medicine, pediatrics, and critical care.
Advance your career
Meeting CEU requirements shows initiative and helps position you for promotions or specialty roles.
Ensure high-quality pediatric care
Up-to-date training helps you deliver safer, more effective care to infants and children in critical situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CEUs is PALS renewal worth?
PALS renewal through AMC is worth up to 8 AMA Category 1 Credits™, depending on your profession and licensing board requirements. These CEUs count toward your continuing education and license renewal.
Is PALS renewal the same as recertification?
Yes. PALS renewal and PALS recertification refer to the same process. Both involve completing an approved course to extend your certification for an additional two years, ensuring your skills remain current with the latest guidelines.
Can you complete PALS renewal online and still receive CEUs?
Absolutely. AMC’s 100% online PALS renewal course is fully accredited and eligible for CEUs. You’ll receive a digital certificate and provider card immediately after passing the exam, and your credits will be valid for license renewal in most states.
Ready to Renew? Here’s Your Next Step
Your PALS certification is a reflection of your commitment to delivering expert care in the most important situations. Staying certified means staying confident, compliant, and capable in high‐stakes pediatric emergencies.
By renewing on time, you protect your license, reinforce your skills, and earn CEUs that keep your career moving forward. With AMC, the process is fast, fully accredited, and 100% online. We’ve built our program for professionals who are always ready to keep learning.