An ACLS laboratory rotation for undergraduate medical students

We have modified the formal advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) course to meet the special needs of undergraduate medical students. A laboratory-based rotation totaling 25 hours is devoted entirely to the practice of psychomotor skills. The ACLS didactic information is presented in a self-instructional format that includes audiotape-slides, videotapes, and self-assessment quizzes. The rotation provided a certification rate of 92%. Despite impressive test performance by third-year students, retention of cardiac code management skills deteriorated rapidly over time. A laboratory-based rotation may prove to be an effective and efficient means of providing ACLS training to undergraduate medical students.