Online CPR Courses

Nurses General Nursing

Published

So I was recently offered a job and begin on Aug. 31st. Problem is my CPR cert. lapsed. My employer requires American Red Cross/American Heart Association course. Just wondering if there is any legit online courses?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

American Red Cross

Go under training and enter your zip code. The ARC may or may not offer online course in your area. The local chapter probably has a course you can take if there isn't an online course for your area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are courses such as this http://cpraedcourse.com/ acceptable?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Are you sure your employer is ok with Am. Red Cross? We only allow AHA. Be aware that the online courses may say they follow AHA guidelines but if they are not an approved provider of AHA courses the card is useless. If they do not require demonstration of skills then all you are doing is paying for a test and a card you may not be able to use. Contact AHA for providers in your area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most hospitals will require AHA cards, as classicdame said. The online classes are, therefore, not acceptable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
American Red Cross

Go under training and enter your zip code. The ARC may or may not offer online course in your area. The local chapter probably has a course you can take if there isn't an online course for your area.

I second this! The online portion takes about 1-2 hours, depending how well you retain info. However, you must have already had the same CPR course before to do the online class. Then you have to go do a skills check. I just got back from my skills check from a local company just this morning. Most likely, if there isn't some kind of in-person skills check, your employer won't accept it. How would they know you can perform CPR without it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok so I'm confused. I looked on AHA website and the courses offered for healthcare professionals are the BLS cert. Is this what I need? Sorry if this is a dumb question, in nursing school they just had us take CPR at the school to make sure we all had the correct one and now I'm not sure what I need. So if you have a BLS cert. is that the same as CPR or something else?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

AHA does have an online course that is acceptable. It is the didactic only, you print off your test score and then you have a limited time to get the skills check off. Some facilities will do that portion free for employees. Otherwise you have to pay an instructor. No savings since you already paid for the online portion.

Also, per AHA, Healthcare Provider is for licensend personnel and Heartsaver for unlicensed. Just FYI

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

CPR is only a acronym for a skill set. BLS is the actual course that INCLUDES CPR skills. BLS is differentiated from the advanced life support courses: ACLS and PALS. Yes, it is very confusing. That is why you need to hook up with an Educator in your area to be sure you are getting the right course.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wouldn't do it online. I learn better when someone is teaching me and I can also ask questions. You can misunderstand the procedures online.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

Here is a link to the AHA course locator. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3012360

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Call the Clinical Education department of your hospital and see if they offer online BLS. My hospital does in addition to ACLS...you just have to come in for the skills portion. Our only requirement is that its BLS for "healthcare provider" ...not sure if it's aha or what.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment