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Basic Life Support (BLS) Course Options

Basic Life Support (BLS) is available in two different training methods – blended learning and classroom training. All BLS course options teach the same AHA science-based skills and result in the same AHA BLS Course Completion Card.

Is AHA BLS the right course for me?

BLS is geared towards prehospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, fire fighters, and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.

For information about BLS Renewals, contact your Training Center.


Compare BLS Course Options
Blended Learning Online

Blended Learning HeartCode® BLS

Classroom Learning

Classroom BLS

Format

HeartCode BLS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to BLS mastery. Students follow a continuously adapting learning path that is personalized by their own inputs: their performance and their self- reported confidence level related to each probe. The course content is presented in the form of self-directed learning content, probes, and Cognitive Assessment Activities.

The student has a choice of completing a pre-hospital or in-hospital contextualized track. After completing the online portion, students will attend a structured, Instructor-led hands-on session that focuses on meaningful skills practice, team scenarios, and skills testing. Where available, students may also complete the hands-on session with a HeartCode compatible manikin.

HeartCode BLS is the AHA’s BLS blended learning delivery method. Blended learning is a combination of eLearning, in which a student completes part of the course in a self-directed manner, followed by a hands-on skills session.

Instructor-led, hands-on class format reinforces skills proficiency

The BLS Instructor-led course teaches both single-rescuer and team basic life support skills for application in both prehospital and in-facility environments, with a focus on High-Quality CPR and team dynamics.

Course Completion

Complete the online portion + hands-on skills session with an AHA Instructor, or with a voice-assisted manikin (VAM) or Simulation Station

Contact an AHA Training Center in your area to sign up for an Instructor-led class

Time

The online portion of HeartCode BLS can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Time to complete the hands-on skills session varies from 60 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the experience of the student.

Full BLS Provider Course takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete, including skills practice and skills testing

BLS Renewal Course takes approximately 3 hours to complete, including skills practice and testing

*Course time based on 1 instructor: 6 students: 2 manikins

Completion Card

BLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years

BLS Provider Course Completion Card, valid for two years

Accessibility

HeartCode BLS Online is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.

Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility’s accommodations.

CE/CME

Available

Available

FAQ

HeartCode BLS FAQ (PDF)

2020 BLS Instructor-Led Training FAQs (PDF)

Features

  • Includes in-facility and prehospital tracks; student chooses his/her track before starting the HeartCode BLS Online Portion
  • Enhanced learning experience through eSimulations, life-like animations, video scenarios, and knowledge checks

  • Emphasis on high-quality CPR including a team dynamics classroom activity
  • Video-based course with real world scenarios

Student Materials

20-3553 HeartCode BLS(link opens in new window)

20-1132 BLS Reference Card(link opens in new window)

20-3123 BLS Digital Reference Card(link opens in new window)

20-1102 BLS Provider Manual (includes BLS Reference Card, product 20-1132)(link opens in new window)

OR

20-3102 BLS Provider Manual eBook (includes Digital BLS Reference Card, product 20-3123)(link opens in new window)

20-1132 BLS Reference Card(link opens in new window)

20-3123 BLS Digital Reference Card(link opens in new window)

Instructor Materials

20-1137 BLS Instructor Package with Digital Video(link opens in new window)

20-1104 BLS Instructor Package with DVD Set(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window)

OR

20-3103 BLS Instructor Manual eBook(link opens in new window)

20-1105 BLS Course DVD Set(link opens in new window)

20-1414 BLS Course Digital Video(link opens in new window)

Additional course materials available for Instructors at AHA Instructor Network

20-1137 BLS Instructor Package with Digital Video(link opens in new window)

20-1104 BLS Instructor Package with DVD Set(link opens in new window)

20-1103 BLS Instructor Manual(link opens in new window)

OR

20-3103 BLS Instructor Manual eBook(link opens in new window)

20-1105 BLS Course DVD Set(link opens in new window)

20-1414 BLS Course Digital Video(link opens in new window)

Additional course materials available for Instructors at AHA Instructor Network

Ready to take a Basic Life Support (BLS) class?

The AHA offers options for how you can purchase BLS. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (HeartCode BLS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials. Choose from the options below.

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