Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between HeartCode BLS and BLS Provider?
A traditional CPR BLS provider class is an in-person 4-hour class designed to provide a wide variety of health care professionals the ability to recognize several life threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner. The HeartCode® blended learning courses are designed and structured to deliver quality resuscitation education regardless of where providers are located and gives them more control to complete the course at their own pace. Providers first complete the online cognitive portion of the HeartCode course & then complete an in-person skills verification check.
How do I claim my ecard?
Ecards can be claimed here - https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards
What is CPR - BLS Provider In Person Course:
The Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) classroom course is designed to provide a wide variety of health care professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner. This course is for health care professionals who need to know how to perform CPR, as well as other life-saving skills, in a wide variety of in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings.
What is HeartCode® On-Line BLS:
HeartCode® BLS is the American Heart Association’s (AHA) web-based, blended learning self-paced instructional program that uses eSimulation technology to allow students to assess and treat patients in virtual health care settings. Providers must first complete the online cognitive portion of the HeartCode® course and then test their skills with an AHA Instructor or on a voice-assisted manikin (VAM) system/simulation station. Upon successful completion of the cognitive and skills tests, students will receive a course completion card.
What is HeartCode® Skills Check for BLS:
The American Heart Association’s Heartcode® BLS Skills Check-Off Session is designed for health care professionals who need to know how to perform BLS and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and pre-hospital settings. The skills verification will take between 15-30 minutes, per discipline.
Who can take the AHA Instructor Training course?
Anyone who is 18 years of age and older with a current AHA BLS Provider or HeartSaver certification can take the Instructor Training course. You must have strong CPR skills and a desire to teach others.
What does the $200 Instructor Training fee include?
The fee covers:
- A 1-on-1 or small group instructor course with personal coaching
- Hands-on practice teaching
- Guidance on aligning with an American Heart Association Training Center
- Help completing all required paperwork and forms
- Instructor Monitoring
We will watch you teach a BLS or HeartSaver Course to ensure that you are doing everything right.
Is this an official AHA certification?
Yes - all courses that we provide are through American Heart Association.
How do I get aligned with a training center after I take the instructor course?
I will guide you through the alignment process with a local or national AHA Training Center so you can begin teaching right away. I’ll walk you through the steps and provide templates, contact info, and sample materials.
Can I teach classes on my own after becoming certified?
Yes, once you're aligned with a Training Center, you can:
- Teach classes independently or through an organization
- Issue official AHA certification cards
- Set your own schedule and pricing
What is the youngest age for courses?
There is no minimum age to take for courses. General rule is the participant must be old enough to complete the course requirements as an exam or skills test. We regularly have participants as young as 10 to 12 years old. This is the prime age they start babysitting.