The Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required by employers for many healthcare and medical-oriented professions.
This specifically includes:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- EMT
- Dentists & Dental Hygienists
- Physical Therapists
Other professions also benefit from the detailed approach of a BLS certification, like:
- Safety managers
- Police Officers
- Fire Fighters
- Support staff in Healthcare settings
What Is BLS Certification?
The BLS certification goes into more detail than standard CPR courses.
BLS certification covers the following specifics and more:
- 1 & 2 rescuer CPR for Adults, Children and Infants
- Team approach to providing CPR
- Use of BVM, feedback devices and AEDs.
Another bonus is that with so many healthcare professionals in one place, the group format allows for stimulating dialogue as well as reviews of CPR and lifesaving situations participants have experienced during their career.
Many healthcare workers required to get BLS certification pair it with the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and/or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for a more comprehensive certification set. We offer combo courses to receive both certifications on the same day.
Whichever route you go, the resulting BLS certificate is not a one-and-done, lifelong certification. Like all American Heart Association (AHA) CPR, AED and/or first aid courses, BLS certifications must be renewed every two years.
How Often Do BLS Certifications Need To Be Renewed?
Once you’ve passed both the written and active skills tests for BLS certification, you are issued an eCard that is valid for 24-months after the date printed on the card. The date listed is the date you passed the written and hands-on tests.
While many employers send reminders, streamlining the process for their employees, it is ultimately up to the cardholder to renew their certification in a timely manner.
We suggest putting a reminder in your digital calendar for 60-days prior to the date of your BLS certification expiration date. This way you have plenty of time to find a renewal course near you so you can renew the course before your card expires.
Not only does this keep the information fresh in your mind, it also ensures you don’t run into any problems with HR and/or with prospective employers.
View Initial BLS Provider Classes taking place in Raleigh, NC.
How Do I Renew My BLS Certification?
If you are ready to renew your BLS certification, enroll for a BLS for Providers Renewal course.
Review a list of upcoming, AHA-approved, BLS Provider Renewal Certification here in Raleigh, NC.
Instructor-Led Certification vs Heartcode-Blended Certification
Many adults enjoy the blended certification opportunities offered by the American Heart Association and others. Part online, with an in-person skills session.
After completing the online videos, simulation and testing, you still have to complete hands-on skills test with and AHA BLS certified instructor. CPR consultants Heartcode BLS with Skills Evaluation includes the online course and the in-person skills practice and testing. If you have already completed the online portion contact us to schedule the skills practice and testing only portion at 919-850-9295 or info@cprconsultants.com.
We recommend attending instructor-led course if this is your first time taking the BLS certification class.
In contrast, attending BLS certification classes in person provides the opportunity to ask more questions, not to mention hear and share the real-life scenarios healthcare professionals like yourself encounter on a daily basis.
In addition to the ability to complete coursework and tests, as well as participate in hands-on learning and simulations in the same session, the collaborative format of the courses makes for a more rich and interesting experience.
Most instructors agree online courses are better-suited for those who are renewing their certification rather than for those obtaining their initial certification.
Check out, Can You Take a CPR Class Online, for more information on the topic.
Employer-Hosted BLS & Other Healthcare-Oriented Certifications
If your employer requires BLS and/or other CPR/AED/First Aid certifications, talk to your human resources department about offering certifications in-house or bringing them to an accommodating, nearby location.
On-site courses are more convenient and affordable for everyone involved, including your employer.
Get BLS and CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications
CPR Consultants’ instructors are happy to bring the BLS class, and other certification courses, right to your brick-and-mortar business. This makes it easier than ever to ensure employees have the certification(s) they need, in a timely manner, and without having to worry about expiration dates.
Ask your HR department, management or relevant personnel director to contact CPR Consultants.