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Where Can I Take a CPR Class?
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Where Can I Take a CPR Class?
It's something we've all thought about doing; being able to perform CPR to help save someone's life.
It's great knowledge to have, and something that can make a real difference to someone someday, but you might be asking yourself the question: Where can I find a CPR class?
There are many different places nowadays that offer CPR training, and in this technological world, this now includes many online CPR classes as well.
But how do you know which class is right for you?
Keep reading, and we'll tell you all you need to know about how to find a class, the different CPR classes you can join, and how getting a CPR certification is one of the best things you can do.
How do I find a CPR course near me or online?
There are so many different classes you can try, but it's hard to narrow them down. One thing you can do is use the American Aquatics and Safety Training class finder to look for a course near you, or online.
Online Classes
Everything seems to be going online, and CPR training is no exception. Online CPR classes provide the same amount of training as in-person classes; You'll still receive a CPR certification, but you still need to know whether an online learning environment is right for you. But before you do that, you need to find one first:
- Make sure you find one that follows American Heart Association (AHA) ECC guidelines and issues a certification your employer will accept. There's no point in spending money on CPR training classes if they give you a certificate that isn't right for either you or your workplace.
- Make sure that the course you choose has in-depth instructions and videos to help you learn as much as you need to. You'll be doing all the work online, so it helps if there are thorough instructions to help you.
- Make sure you shop around for online courses. Look for ones that are well-reviewed, so you know you're getting the best one for you.
Now you've found your course, here's what to expect:
- Online CPR courses usually offer the same CPR training as in-person courses.
- You will receive online instruction on how to respond to cardiac or breathing emergencies.
- You have to complete an assessment with a pass rate of 80% or more.
Benefits of taking online CPR courses:
- It's self-paced, so you can study for as long as you need to, to complete the course.
- It's convenient, so if you can't travel far, or don't have adequate transportation, you'll have the same opportunities as during in-person skills sessions.
- If the course follows American Heart Association (AHA) ECC guidelines and includes an in-person skills evaluation, you can use that CPR certification on your resume or to apply for roles that require it.
In-Person Classes
For those who aren't as tech-savvy as others, in-person training is the traditional way to get your CPR certification. Just like online classes, you need to make sure your CPR certification comes from a provider whose course follows American Heart Association (AHA) ECC guidelines and includes an in-person skills evaluation. Here's what to expect:
- This class type combines lectures and hands-on training to teach you all about First Aid, CPR, AED, and Basic Life Saving (BLS) techniques.
- You'll be taught by certified and knowledgeable instructors in a traditional classroom setting.
Benefits of in-person CPR training classes:
- If you need help during the training you can ask your in-person instructor.
- You will have ample time to study CPR and BLS techniques.
- It's great for people who enjoy and excel in a traditional classroom setting, and for those that might not have ample access to a laptop or computer.
- There's adequate supplies to practice on, giving you a more in-depth training experience.
The Benefits of CPR Classes
- Taking a class gives you the ability to be able to save a life.
- A lot of CPR training courses offer First Aid, CPR, AED together, giving you the much-needed skills to become a healthcare provider.
- It's another great qualification to add to your resume.
- It's great knowing that in an emergency situation, you have the skills to be in control, and offer aid as efficiently as any other healthcare provider.
Follow the above and you'll be able to find a class that gives you efficient training. It can be some time before you find the class that is right for you; but it's best to do your research so you can learn First Aid, CPR, AED, and basic life saving (BLS) to make sure that if an emergency ever arises, you can help save a life.
Judging a CPR course before you book it
The single most useful question is whether the course includes a hands-on skills assessment with an instructor present. Anything certified entirely online, with no one watching you compress a manikin, has not verified that you can do it, and employers who look closely will treat it accordingly. Blended courses, where the theory is online and the skills are assessed in person, are both convenient and legitimate, and are what most providers now offer.
Ask what the certification covers and how long it lasts. CPR alone, CPR with AED, and CPR with AED and First Aid are different products at different prices, and candidates regularly buy the narrowest one and then discover their employer wanted the broadest. Two-year validity is standard; a course advertising a substantially longer validity is worth questioning.
Finally, ask about manikin ratios and whether adult, child and infant technique are all assessed. A class where a dozen people share two manikins gives each candidate very little actual practice, and practice is the entire point. Providers who are confident about their sessions answer these questions readily.
Reviewed by Jackie Stern, Lifeguard Instructor, Firefighter and EMT. Jackie Stern has taught lifeguarding for more than 20 years and works as a firefighter, EMT and swim instructor. She reviews course content, prerequisites and rescue standards against current certification requirements.
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