Take a CPR class

Taking a CPR Class

 If I have ACLS or PALS, do I need to take BLS?
ACLS, PALS, and BLS are all separate courses. Any medical license that requires ACLS or PALS also requires BLS. ACLS or PALS do not replace or supersede BLS training but instead expands upon it. Read more here: If I Have ACLS Certification, Do I Need BLS Certification? - Prime Medical Training

How old do I need to be to take a class?
The AHA/HSI & ARC do not have age requirements for any of their provider level classes. As long as the person is able to sit through a 2-4 hour class, and perform the skills, they should be able to receive certification. Typically we recommend students be 12 or older for CPR and First Aid Training. The limiting factor is strength and cognitive maturity to perform sills appropriately, accurately and mentally. For younger students, the Friends and Family courses are more concise and provide foundational knowledge.

​Should non healthcare workers in a healthcare field take Heartsaver or BLS?

  1. BLS is training for healthcare workers and HeartSaver is training for lay responders. However, oftentimes when people work in a healthcare setting they opt to have all employees trained in BLS so the facility can take a team approach to CPR. However, this generally is not a licensure or state requirement but up to the facility. ​

  2. CNA’s are required to have CPR training however most states don’t delineate that it be Heartsaver or BLS. However, if a CNA were to be in a hospital setting, BLS training would be more appropriate. Conversely, if a CNA were working in a home setting, Heartsaver training is likely more applicable.  


    • Related Articles

    • Does an ACLS/PALS class take the place of a BLS class?

      No, an ACLS or PALS class does not replace a BLS class; they are separate certifications with different focuses, though ACLS/PALS build upon BLS skills.

    • How long is the AHA ACLS class?

      Generally speaking, you should plan for a half-day of training. Classes usually last 4-6 hours, depending on break times, exams, and the number of students. If you’re looking for a flexible way to get or renew your ACLS certification, you can opt for ...

    • Does ACLS replace or include BLS?

      No. ACLS does not cover all the topics taught in a BLS class. BLS teaches CPR for adults, children and infants, as well as choking relief, naloxone administration, and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator). ACLS focuses solely on ...

    • What is PALS?

      PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support, a specialized training program for healthcare providers focused on advanced assessment, resuscitation, and life-saving interventions for critically ill or injured infants and children.

    • ACLS/PALS: Is a pre-test required to take an instructor-led course?

      Yes, a pre-course self-assessment is required for both ACLS and PALS instructor-led courses, and students must achieve a minimum score of 70% to be admitted to the course.