question about CPR certification

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 8, 2010

A lot is going to depend on where you are and whether after BLS or ALS (Basic life support or Advanced life support)

addiesmom · Apr 8, 2010

For me, I am taking CPR classes through my local Red Cross Chapter. It is called "CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Health Care Provider." This is the CPR Certification Class required by my nursing program. It is an eight hour course, split up into two days. The course costs $70 and you can just register online for it. The book you need for the course and a pocket mask is included in the fee.

I have heard others suggest to take the classes through the American Heart Association, but I do not have anywhere close to me that offers it.

Hope this helps some.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Apr 9, 2010

If someone accepts an online training for CPR, their lawyers must be having aneurysms. Take the in-person class - there's no substitute for physically doing the skills.

CuriousMe · Apr 9, 2010

AHA Online CPR is just the didactic portion of the class. In order to get the card, you need to demonstrate the skills for an AHA instructor face-to-face.

Bob_N_VA · Apr 9, 2010

My wife is required to be CPR certified for her job and my nursing program required me to have the training as well as a pre-req to admission. In both cases the training had to be either American Red Cross or American Heart Association sponsored. If your online program is from one of those organizations, I guess its ok, but really, its a 3-4 hour course and runs somewhere between 50-60 bucks and you walk out with the certification in hand. I don't think I would waste my time with the online stuff in this case. :twocents:

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2010

I have taught CPR for years. Doing the theory online is one thing but you really must do hands on for learning/reviewing technique.

Even if you could get by with an entirely online class for CPR, as far as an employer was concerned, it doesn't make it the "right" way to learn.

addiesmom · Apr 9, 2010

I agree with the others, I would not take the online class. CPR is one of those things you want to make sure you have right. My class is not online, but like I said, you can register for it online. I think that maybe Online CPR cert would be better for someone that is renewing their Certification, not getting it for the first time.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you before, my CPR certification will be valid for two years.

Check out the Red Cross site http://www.redcross.org/ and then you can look up the local chapter in your area. This is what I did, and I was able to sign up for my class there.

Here is the link to find a class through the American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3012360

Hope this helps you some...Good luck!

MeganS · Apr 12, 2010

recently I saw a post about CPR certification asking if online certificate is good or not..?
I am a foreign nurse and just gave my nclex... we had CPR course but of course I don't have certificate.. so thinking about having one.... I want to take classes or training at intitue as I am free these days,, can any suggest me where to look for? I mean AHA and all are so confusing,,,,
In a simple form, I would be happy to know which place is best to take the training,, and what do I have to do? and about how much it might cost??
thank you very much

While I have not taken an online course, my university did offer the computerized program. From memory, the program only works if you previously had a CPR card and are seeking to renew it....but then again,I could be wrong. The only difference between Amer Red Cross and Amer Heart Assoc CPR cards is the Amer Heart Association's card is good for two years. Many facilities will not honor the 2 years card and insist on the one year card from Amer Red Cross.:redbeathe

MeganS · Apr 12, 2010

recently I saw a post about CPR certification asking if online certificate is good or not..?
I am a foreign nurse and just gave my nclex... we had CPR course but of course I don't have certificate.. so thinking about having one.... I want to take classes or training at intitue as I am free these days,, can any suggest me where to look for? I mean AHA and all are so confusing,,,,
In a simple form, I would be happy to know which place is best to take the training,, and what do I have to do? and about how much it might cost??
thank you very much

I just downloaded this from an ad on AllNurses

Designed for Healthcare Providers; Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Safety Personnel Police, Ambulance, Athletic Trainers, Professional Rescuers, Emergency Response teams, etc.,

This course covers all material in our CPR course and includes American Heart Guidelines for the Professional Rescuer. We follow the American Heart Association's ECC 2005 guidelines (the latest) for Healthcare Providers and we've substituted a step-by-step video demonstration of all "hands-on" techniques for CPR and the use of an AED. This video can be played over and over again for review!

This course has been updated to include the AHA's March 2008 "Advisory Statement", Hands-Only CPR - a call to action for bystander response to adults who experience out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest.

ALL FOR $ ___:

*2 Year Certification

*Full Color Certificate - IMMEDIATLEY AFTER THE COURSE

*Temporary Wallet Card - IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COURSE

*Permanent Wallet Card Mailed Within 24 Hours

My question, and this would have to be addressed the the state BON and the facility in which you are working. Is it safe??? :coollook:

sans33 · Apr 12, 2010

Thank u all. I was thinking the same that u probably need practical training. I will look but the right place now

CuriousMe · Apr 13, 2010

Definitely be careful. I know my school requires either American Heart Association BLS or Red Cross CPR for Healthcare Professionals.

None others are accepted.