FAQs

If you are working in a healthcare environment, whether a healthcare professional or not, you most likely need the Basic Life Support (BLS) provider class. This can be completed as a classroom-based or blended class (for the blended option look for BLS skills on our class listings.)

If you are taking CPR for general knowledge purposes, you most likely need the Heartsaver CPR/AED course. This course provides the basics of performing CPR and using an AED, but does not cover some of the healthcare environment specifics of the BLS class.

In order to meet the United States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements, you will need to attend and complete the Heartsaver First Aid and CPR/AED course. To ensure you meet all the requirements, we recommend the full in-person version and not the blended learning version of the Heartsaver First Aid and CPR/AED class.

The classroom-based versions of our courses are completed fully (or almost fully) in a classroom setting.  This format requires a bit more time in class, but covers the majority of the information with the instructor present should you have questions.

The blended-learning versions (skills sessions) require a significant portion of the course material to be completed prior to attending a shorter hands-on session with an instructor.  The blended-learning versions do require more self-direction to complete as you do not readily have an instructor available should you have questions on the course material.  We do not recommend the blended-learning option for ACLS or PALS if you have not taken these courses before due to the knowledge required for successful completion of the courses.  BLS and Heartsaver courses are appropriate for new providers, as long as you are comfortable with self-directed learning.

All AHA course completion cards are in an eCard format. These can be claimed and accessed at any time by going to https://heart.org/cpr/mycards. Once on the eCards screen, simply enter your name and email address you used when signing in at class and follow the prompts. If your name or email address is incorrect or changes (such as due to marital status changes), you can click “Edit Card” on the eCards screen and submit a request for edit.

While being a CPR instructor can be a rewarding experience, it does require a serious commitment.  In addition to attending an instructor course, new instructors must also complete a monitoring session (evaluation of teaching under supervision.)  After successful monitoring and prior to offering your first class, an instructor will need all required equipment (manikins, masks, course videos, etc.) which can be a sizeable financial investment.  Our Training Center does not allow instructors to conduct classes from their home due to liability issues, so an approved plan will be needed detailing where you will offer your classes.  We have additional basic information on our Instructor Courses page of our website, and if you are interested in more information on becoming an instructor aligned with our Training Center please complete our Instructor Interest Questionnaire.

We do offer classes at your location, we require a minimum of 6 students for private group classes.  You can find our available dates and times, as well as submit a request for an on-site class at your location on our Onsite Class Request page.  Total fees vary depending on which class you are needing and the total number of attendees you plan to have.

Our aligned instructors can access resourses designed for them on our Aligned Instructor Resources page.