BLS, but not a "healthcare professional"?

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Specializes in Neuro/Trauma Critical Care.

Hi everyone!

I think this question is pretty stupid, but I've been hunting around the internet and can't find the answer.

I'm hoping to one day be an RN (I have a long path to get there, I'm going to get CNA this summer/fall), but I came across a job this weekend for a "Patient Sitter" at a local hospital. The only requirement I don't have is being BLS certified. My question is do you have to already be a healthcare professional to get BLS certification? Or can I take the class without being in the healthcare profession yet?

Thank you so much!! :geek:

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I've had my BLS certification since I was a 17 year old college student. It was required for a class at the time, but I can't remember which. So yes, you can take it even if you aren't a healthcare professional.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

You can most definitely take "Healthcare Professional" CPR without being a healthcare professional. There are no prerequisites to take the class. In that respect, it's just like any other CPR course. It's just a little longer than others. I've been certified at that level for the better part of 20 years. Even back when I first got certified, I just took the class. That hasn't changed as far as I've seen.

Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I recommend you take American Heart Asso. class, not something online like HCPro. The idea is to have your skills validated. Talk to training center coordinators (usually in a hospital) for explanation. They frequently have classes for people who do not work in the facility, or have lists of instructors who teach in the community.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

Pretty much anyone can take the course. I just had to recertify and we had a 14 year old in the class that wanted to start babysitting. I thought it was real great she was there.

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Make sure you take an AHA (American Heart Association) class, others are typically accepted, and take "BLS for Healthcare Professionals", which anyone can take, regardless of their job...the generic CPR class probably won't be accepted either. It's a quick class, requires little prep, but is dependent on you paying attention in class. You'll take a recert class every two years, but usually it will be free, provided by your place of employment. I hope you like the BeeGees' song Stayin Alive...that's the soundtrack to CPR.

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Specializes in ER.

The main reason is that they teach 2 person technique with a bvm. Few people have one hanging around.

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Specializes in Neuro/Trauma Critical Care.

Thank you so much everyone for your help! I am really appreciative of how helpful and supportive this forum seems to be.

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I would totally do AHA BLS for health care providers because you're probably going to need that one for nursing school!

I had the red cross cpr for health care providers card and school made me retake the AHA version..50 dollars and it was no different than my previous class but the AHA seems to be the "gold standard" name brand!

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