Do you have questions about BLS certification?
You may already be familiar with CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, but BLS classes and certifications are a bit different. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the questions we often hear about BLS certification.
What is BLS certification
BLS stands for Basic Life Support. This is the version of CPR, and first aid used by professionals–in fact, it’s fair to think of BLS classes as an advanced professional-level CPR training course. Those who complete the course, and pass a rigorous test, earn their BLS certification card.
BLS training will cover much of the same material you’d learn in a CPR class, but also includes additional training specific to healthcare professionals, and professional rescuers. For example, you may learn how to identify a cardiac arrest, and standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) chest compressions, but in a BLS class you will also learn 2 rescuer CPR and how to use a bag valve mask
Who needs BLS certification
BLS is a standard credential for healthcare providers and others in the medical field (such as medical assistants, doctors, and nurses). It is also a required credential for
- EMTs and paramedics
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Lifeguards
- Dentists, dental assistants and hygienists,
And more. As we’ve said before in our blog, “In general, you will need to have certification in BLS if your job makes you likely to encounter a medical emergency. But you don’t need to be a healthcare provider to take the Basic Life Support class, anyone can learn these life-saving skills.”
How do I get BLS certification
If you work in one of the industries we mentioned above, you would traditionally have had to find a BLS class in person. These would be taught through colleges, universities, hospitals, or in partnership with community organizations.
For some, especially those with complicated schedules or who live in remote locations, the challenge of finding a class to join meant hours of searching or weeks of waiting for an open spot.
Fortunately, it is now possible to complete your BLS certification online. An online course can make it easier than ever for medical professionals and others to get BLS course materials, learn to perform CPR, and meet the BLS certification requirement from the comfort of their own homes. Successful completion of an online BLS class, and passing scores on the accredited exams, will allow the BLS-certified professional to work and save lives with confidence.
If you are interested in pursuing BLS certification, or in learning more about CPR certification in general, we’d like to help.