What You Need To Know Regarding CPR Certification, Classes & Training

“No American Heart Association® (AHA) course completion card is issued without hands-on manikin skills testing by either an AHA Instructor for that discipline or an AHA-approved computerized manikin in an AHA eLearning course.”

— American Heart Association®, Program Administration Manual, 2013 pg. 49

I teach a lot of different stuff and have for years. Recently, I’ve heard from people I’ve trained and worked alongside about online or quickie classes. 3 of them went through a required re-certification class (2 are instructors) that was short, not so sweet and did not cover all the required modules. When they objected it did not go well. The instructor prevailed. I hear other stories by those who use additional trainers for CPR certifications and re-certifications and I’m concerned about the quality of what they receive.

For example, I know of no healthcare facility that will accept an online only class “CPR certification.” I put quotes because it really isn’t a CPR certification if you can’t demonstrate vital skills to save a life. I have seen businesses that don’t really care what you have as long as they can put down that you are in compliance. I think the business manager or owner would feel differently if that online certification training was being used to save their life. Much like driving a vehicle, what would you say if you saw an online driver’s test that issued a license? Licenses are issued by government agencies but you get my point.

Also, in recent years hospitals have decided to only accept AHA certification. A few weeks ago, I had 2 EMT’s who after going through ARC certification (which is accepted by County EMS) were told by the hospital they were planning to work for that they would need to complete an AHA certification to be hired.

The blended learning or eLearning that AHA promotes has been around for years. It allows a student to do the entire cognitive portion online. It is self-paced and includes videos, text and online interaction (simulations). You will take your online test without having the pressure of time constraint and other distractions. Most classes can be finished in about 2 hours. Then there is the second part where those skills are demonstrated in person before an instructor. I get calls mainly from nursing and medical students stating that they can’t take an online course. When I explain the difference, and tell them it’s the exact same video they would see in the 4-hour class and the exact same card issued, then they understand.

We all know that it only takes a short time to learn CPR but to get a CPR certification there are a certain number of classroom hours required (whether online or in person). If you see a class where you can get an AHA certification in only 1 hour or less something is wrong. That person is just looking to get your money, issuing a card and not upholding the standards.

The goal of any class is to give you the confidence and competence needed to be the best in whatever discipline you are there to learn.

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