Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Certification
The History of ATLS
The Tulane Trauma Education Institute is an accredited provider of ATLS courses, a CME program developed by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. ATLS provides a safe and reliable set of protocols for assessing and initially managing trauma patients. The ACS introduced the ATLS courses in the U.S. in January 1980, in Canada in 1981, and several other countries adopted ATLS in Latin America and South America in 1986.
Through education programs like those provided by Tulane, ATLS has been taught to over 1 million providers around the world. ATLS has become the foundation of care for injured patients by teaching a common language and a common approach. The ATLS curriculum is reviewed and revised every 4 years to keep abreast of changes in the management of trauma patients. The current 10th edition was created using an international, multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach that resulted in an ATLS education program that is contemporary and meaningful in the global community.
What to Expect in an ATLS Course
Tulane offers Provider and Refresher courses 8-10 times per year and annual Instructor courses. The ATLS course is for physicians and physician extenders (NP and PA). Nurses, paramedics, and other allied health professionals may audit the course. All ATLS courses are taught using an educational format that is conducive to training providers in the concepts, skills, and techniques required in initial patient resuscitation. The course encompasses multiple modalities, including core lectures, interactive skills demonstrations, small group discussions, simulation techniques, and practical skills assessments.
The objectives of ATLS training are to:
- Assess the patient's condition rapidly and accurately
- Resuscitate and stabilize the patient according to priority
- Determine if the patient's needs exceed a facility's capabilities
- Arrange appropriately for the patient's definitive care
- Ensure that optimum care is provided
Successful course completion is contingent on the following requirements:
- Attendance at the entire course (all lectures, skills stations, and testing).
- Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency during an individual patient encounter with either a standardized patient or human simulator, in accordance with course requirements.
- Written assessment passing score of 70 or above.
ATLS Course Registration
You can see available Provider course and Refresher course dates and availability and register and pay online to reserve your spot. You can also review our list of Registration FAQs.
Do you have additional questions about ATLS registration? Contact the Program Manager, Sharnell Jones, at 504-988-9160.
Accreditation and Continuing Education
Tulane Trauma Education is accredited to provide ATLS continuing medical education by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The American College of Surgeons designates the 2-day Provider course as meeting the criteria for 17 credit hours in Category 1. The 2-day Provider course is also approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for 17 hours of ACEP Category 1 credits. The Refresher course is approved by the American College of Surgeons for 5 credit hours in Category 1.