Basic life support (BLS)
Training & Certification
CPR that is designed by the American Heart Association specifically for those who work in a healthcare setting.
The AHA BLS Course is your essential gateway to life-saving skills that could make all the difference in critical situations. Designed by the American Heart Association, this comprehensive course equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies in both prehospital and in-facility settings. Upon completion of this course, student will receive a BLS certification from the AHA that is valid for 2 years.
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BLS Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Length
3.5 hrs
Certification
2 years
Audience
Healthcare
Format
In-person • Online
Choose a course format:
Choose Your In-Person Class Date
Choose Your BLS Skills Session Date
Trusted & Recognized, AHA Provider courses
Certification recognized and required by leading healthcare employers
Evidence-based training backed by the AHA's latest 2025 science updates
Get your card the same day you complete training
Easy & Flexible Scheduling
We offer weekday, evening, and weekend classes so you can train on your terms—with options that fit into even the busiest schedule.
Expert Instructors
Our instructors are certified professionals with real-world experience and a focus on practical, effective training.
Locally-Owned,
Community Focused
We're not a franchise. We live here, train here, and care that you’re ready.
Small Business.
Big Commitment
Trusted across the region for CPR and First Aid training that’s clear, hands-on, and always student-focused.
The best CPR training gives you calm in the chaos.
Learn it clearly. Remember it easily. Use it confidently.
BLS FAQ
BLS stands for Basic Life Support. It is the CPR certification required for healthcare workers specifically. Students learn life-saving techniques that focus on maintaining circulation and oxygenation during a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergencies.
BLS training is recommended for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
BLS certifications typically last for two years. After this period, individuals are required to take a recertification course to renew their certification
BLS classes cover a range of topics, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use, rescue breathing, and techniques for assisting choking victims.
No prior medical knowledge is required to take a BLS class. The course is designed to be accessible to both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals.
BLS courses from the American Heart Association does include a written exam to assess understanding of the theoretical concepts. However, the focus is usually on practical skills assessments, such as CPR and AED use.
Online BLS with in-person skills sessions do not have a written exam.
While some components of BLS training can be completed online, to be valid by the American Heart Association, the course also requires an in-person skills practice and assessment.
See above to learn more about our online with skills session course options.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a component of BLS. BLS includes a broader set of skills, incorporating not only CPR but also use of bag-valve masks, assessing pulses, and team dynamics.