BLS for Healthcare Providers Class Course & Materials FAQ’s

Course Materials

Q: What materials must a student have to take a BLS for Healthcare Providers class?
A: To take the course, each student must have a BLS for Healthcare Providers Student Manual.

Q: Who is the target audience for this course?
A: This course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in- and out- of hospital settings. This audience includes nurses, physicians, EMS professionals, students in a healthcare program at a university/college, allied health professionals (physical therapists, occupational therapist, athletic trainers, etc.) and others who may need training in basic life support skills.

Q: What is the format for this class-based course?
A: BLS for Healthcare Providers teaches skills using the AHA’s Practice-While-Watching technique, which allows Instructors to observe the students, provide feedback and guide the students’ acquisition of skills. The course uses a recommended ratio of 6 students to 2 manikins to 1 instructor.
Skills practice is included throughout the BLS for Healthcare Providers Course. The course also includes skills testing and a written test to ensure students demonstrate competency performing skills and have mastered knowledge of cognitive information.

Q: Which skills are students tested in the BLS for Healthcare Providers class course?
A: During skills testing, students must successfully demonstrate competency performing the following skills:
· 1- and 2-Rescuer Adult BLS (includes CPR w/pocket mask, AED use and use of a bag-mask device)
· 1- and 2-Rescuer Infant BLS (includes CPR w/pocket mask, AED use and use of a bag-mask device).

Q: Approximately how long does the BLS for Healthcare Providers class course take to complete?
A: The initial BLS for Healthcare Providers Course takes approximately 4 ½ hours to complete, while the BLS for Healthcare Providers Renewal Course takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Times are based on the recommended ratio of 6 students to 2 manikins to 1 instructor.

Q: Why is the renewal course an hour longer than the 2005 version of the BLS for Healthcare Providers Renewal Course?
A: Research has indicated that skills deterioration occurs over time. Given the continued focus on the criticality of performing high-quality CPR, the renewal course includes more time for practice of these lifesaving skills.

Q: Does successful completion of the BLS for Healthcare Providers Course result in receipt of an AHA course completion card? If so, what card?
A: Yes, students who successfully complete the requirements of the BLS for Healthcare Providers Course will receive an AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers Course Completion Card. This card is valid for two years.

Q: Does BLS for Healthcare Providers offer continuing education (CE/CME)?
A: No, CE/CME credits are not offered for this class-based course, as BLS training is most often an educational requirement and a basic qualification for employment.