You’ll need to take a course to get Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. In addition to learning the skills and interventions necessary to become a basic life support provider, you’ll also take home a certification.
There are online BLS training and certification options, some of which can open doors for you professionally.
BLS certification is often a requirement for employment in some healthcare settings or for working in a pre-hospital environment, so it’s a great idea to apply for it.
For example, EMTs must often possess a BLS certification before working with the public and providing patient care. Additionally, BLS providers must earn continuing education credits or periodically take a recertification course.
Keep reading to explore how to get BLS certified and how to maintain your credential once you earn it.
What is BLS Certification?
BLS certification is an entry-level curriculum for healthcare providers and other professionals who must possess a working knowledge of basic life support techniques and skills.
Most BLS courses will teach:
- The administration of high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for infants, children, and adults.
- Opening and maintaining an airway for a patient.
- Rescue breathing.
- Ventilation techniques.
- CPR algorithms like compressions, airway, and breathing (CAB).
- The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Assisting a choking victim of any age.
- The use of airway adjuncts, barrier masks, and oxygen therapy.
- The administration of BLS medications.
- First aid for bleeding, fractures, and more.
Since standards vary by location, setting, and employer, you have to check to make sure the BLS course you’re thinking about taking meets all the requirements.
For example, some BLS courses mandate that you earn a CPR credential before taking the course, while others include CPR as part of their core curriculum.
How Do You Take a BLS Class?
Taking a BLS class can sometimes be an online experience. However, not every class is the same. For example, in some states, you must take a class with in-person classroom time and skills testing at the end.
There is also often a state test that you have to pass to earn your official certification before employment. It’s always best to check with local resources or a coworker to make sure you understand all the requirements.
At the American Medical Resource Institute (AMRI), you can select an online course. It’s up to you to make sure it complies with the requirements you need. But, with AMRI, you can take a number of online courses, including:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Whichever AMRI course you complete successfully, you’ll receive an instant online course completion card.
You’ll also get a continuing education certificate that may apply to your continuing education criteria if you’ve previously taken a certification class or for any other education requirements you may have.
As an AMRI student, you’ll also have access to their case study library and an online review with practice sessions. You can review and even retake your exam. After completing the online education program and the provider examination, you’ll receive a form for documenting verification of your clinical skills.
You just need to get a local administrator, educator, or clinical supervisor to sign off on your skills.
The pricing for an original certification course is a little bit more expensive than that of a refresher or recertification course.
BLS Certification Online: Benefits
For healthcare workers, BLS certification is often something you must obtain for employment. Even though that’s important, you’ll also take your first step toward becoming a better provider.
For anyone likely to encounter a patient, building your credentials starts with the BLS certification. But it’s also part of your journey toward being the best provider you can be.
Some examples of people who need or can benefit from BLS training include:
- EMTs
- Paramedics
- Nurses
- Nursing assistants
- Hospital workers
- Babysitters
- Medical service technicians
- Camp counselors
- Firefighters and other rescue personnel
Getting a solid BLS education provides you with a better understanding of how to help with a variety of medical situations and emergencies. You’ll also learn the fundamental skills you’ll need to work in a healthcare setting.
BLS Certification: Taking Your Class
Once you’ve registered, you’ll gain access to the teaching tools and educational resources available for your class. You can access BLS practice questions to brush up on your skills.
You’ll also have access to:
- Clinical scenarios
- ECG rhythm training
- Diagnostic skills challenges
- Reading materials
Why Use AMRI?
Using AMRI for your BLS certification is to your advantage. There are six big benefits to their BLS course.
1. AMRI Guarantee
AMRI guarantees your card will be accepted for one year. If your employer doesn’t accept it, you are eligible for a 100% money-back guarantee. With more than one million certified medical professionals in their 35 years and their willingness to stand by your certification, you can be confident with AMRI.
2. National Accreditation
You’ll earn two CE credits just by completing the exam successfully. You can download a copy of the certificate and your provider card easily and submit it to your employer. AMRI is certified by the National Board of Emergency Care Certifications (NBECC).
3. Learn At Your Own Pace
Unlike some other courses, AMRI’s online BLS certification course allows you to complete your training entirely at your own pace. Spend more time learning the things you find difficult and breeze through the stuff you master quickly. You can even review your exam results and take the test again if you want or need to.
4. Go Remote
With AMRI courses, you can do your studying online from a tablet, smartphone, or desktop computer. You can use whatever is comfortable for you since you don’t need to download special software.
5. Real-Life Learning
You’ll learn BLS through the demonstration of case-based studies that examine real scenarios, which will better prepare you to handle emergencies on your own.
6. Strong Support
AMRI has staffing to provide you with live help. You can contact them via a phone call or live chat anytime during business hours, Monday through Friday.
And, if you have an after-hours issue, they have email support every day, and the hours are even more expensive than those of their phone and chat support.
BLS Certification: What’s Next?
After successfully earning your BLS certification, you may want to continue your education. With the convenience of an online course, you can likely continue to work while you attempt to earn additional credentials.
For example, if you want to move from working as an EMT to working as a paramedic, you may benefit from taking an ACLS or PALS course. The courses will give you a greater understanding of advanced cardiac problems and pediatric emergencies, respectively.
In addition, most healthcare providers need to renew their credentials periodically. So, AMRI courses can help you earn continuing education (CE) credits. If you need to take a recertification course, AMRI can help with that too.
Once you successfully complete all aspects of the AMRI ACLS, PALS, or BLS course, your course completion card is valid for two years.
BLS Certification FAQs
Some questions about BLS classes and certifications come up all the time. Here are some of the answers you’ll need to get going.
What happens if I fail the class?
If you fail the BLS certification class, you’ll be able to review your results and see where you went wrong. The review will help prepare you to retake the exam.
How long does BLS certification last?
BLS certification lasts two years from the date on your completion card. Before the expiration date, you’ll need to recertify.
What about clinical skills documentation?
After you pass the online class, you’ll receive a form for documenting your clinical skills. You can take this to your employer, a local hospital, or another educator who helps students test their clinical skills.
Then, once you’ve obtained their signature, submit the form to AMRI for your final course completion card.
Will I need to buy study materials?
Most of your study materials are provided as part of the tuition you pay for the course. They also offer supplemental study materials you can receive by mail.
BLS Certification: Conclusion
Getting a BLS certification doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to travel to a classroom either. Take advantage of online resources to make credentialing easier. Not only can you learn at your own pace, but you can do so remotely without being stuck in one place.
Access your training materials from a variety of devices on different platforms and learn efficiently and effectively. Once you’ve completed your BLS online course, you can document the proficiency of your clinical skills.
By submitting a copy of your successful skills assessment test, you will complete the course and obtain a copy of your course completion card.
Once you’re officially certified as a BLS healthcare provider, you might even want to take more courses. It’s up to you how far you want to take your medical education. Don’t waste time, though. Get started today!
