With so many CPR certification courses out there, it can be hard to figure out which one you need. Whether you’re signing yourself up for a course or organizing training for a group of people or team, there are a couple of things to consider: Why are you looking to take a CPR course? What level of skills are you looking to obtain?
Here at HeartCert, we offer various types of instruction that pertain to your needs and certifications. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between BLS and Heartsaver courses, so you can make the right choice for your particular needs.
What’s a BLS Course?
BLS (Basic Life Support) courses are the more technical training programs that last around four hours and teach healthcare providers and other medical professionals to respond in emergencies. Unlike your typical CPR class, the BLS course is designed to offer more advanced skills and is frequently used for these professions:
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Hospital and clinic personnel
- Dental assistants
The four-hour basic life support course trains you in recognizing and responding to various life-threatening emergencies. Throughout the duration of the BLS course, you will learn:
- Rescuer CPR techniques 1 and 2
- CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) utilization
- Advanced choking relief techniques
- And more
For more hands-on medical roles, American Heart Association courses like BLS cover the basics, plus more advanced tools to utilize in case of an emergency. Centered around real-world scenarios, the training is both practical and applicable for health professionals.
What’s a Heartsaver Course?
Heartsaver First Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is ideal for non-medical professionals who need the training for their job or for anyone interested in learning how to respond in emergencies. Whether you’re working at a daycare, school, or simply want to have the information on hand if you need it, the Heartsaver CPR training options are an easy way to learn the essential basics. In this course, you’ll learn to:
- Complete basic first aid
- Utilize CPR
- Offer AED assistance
- Recognize cardiac arrest
- Provide help until EMS arrives
The Heartsaver course is perfect for individuals who have little to no medical training but want the life-saving tools in their arsenal just in case heart situations occur.
What Other Courses Does HeartCert Offer?
HeartCert has an array of CPR courses and First Aid certification classes to ensure you and your group or team get the right educational tools. Some of our other programs include:
Curious about our other CPR classes?
Explore CPR Certification Courses
Is a BLS or Heartsaver Course the Best Option?
The bottom line: Answering the question, “Which CPR course do I need?” and determining whether the BLS or Heartsaver course is right for you depends on your role, requirements, and goals. If you’re in a medical role, chances are that the BLS is the best course to progress with. If you’re in a less healthcare-dominated field, the Heartsaver course is a great option to learn basic care without all the advanced information.
Find a BLS or Heartsaver Course Location Near You
HeartCert makes it easy to find quality, affordable training for BLS and Heartsaver courses with online and in-person classes. Determine which course best fits your needs and certifications, and connect with us to sign up at a location near you. Our certified trainers provide proper instruction and real-life scenarios to ensure the information makes an impact. Whether you need solo instruction at one of our locations or an on-site group training event, reach out today to get started.
This is an updated blog that was originally published in 2016.
HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.
Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.
We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
