What are the Requirements for a BLS Certificate?

A Basic Life Support certification is a requirement for health care providers and those in the medical field who have direct contact with patients. An individual with a BLS certification can provide basic life support in the event of an accident or emergency. The BLS techniques help keep patients stable until medical attention and treatment is available. The American Heart Association provides a BLS certificate program for new certifications and renewal.

Classroom Training

• The American Heart Association basic life support certification program has three parts candidates must complete to receive a certificate. The first part of the certification process is classroom training, which teaches CPR, lessons in automated external defibrillator use and rescue techniques for choking victims and those who are not breathing. The classroom portion of the training also teaches students how to use a bag mask. The training teaches techniques for adults, children and infants. A BLS program teaches students about bloodborne pathogens and procedures for exposure, including how to prevent exposure and the steps to take when an exposure occurs.

  Students learn how to assess an emergency situation and determine the appropriate steps to take to provide life support.

  The American Heart Association allows BLS candidates to take the classroom training portion of the program online.

Practical Training

• The practical training gives candidates an opportunity to try the techniques taught during classroom training. During the practical training, students are given a chance to see how the techniques should be used on a person in distress. Training also allows students to practice the techniques to develop expertise on a dummy or manikin, which can be manipulated to simulate choking, obstructed airways and the rising of a chest.

Skills Testing

• At the end of the classroom and practical training, the student will demonstrate his skill and knowledge with a skills test. The student is graded on his ability to perform the life saving techniques in a real situation.

  Certification also requires the student to pass a written examination.