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Basic Life Support (BLS) Course Options

Basic Life Support (BLS) is available in two different training methods – blended learning and classroom training. All BLS course options teach the same American Heart Association science-based skills and result in the same Association BLS Course Completion eCard.

Purchase BLS course materials

Is BLS the right course for me?

The BLS Provider Course is designed for healthcare professionals and trained first responders who provide care to patients in a wide variety of settings, as well as individuals enrolled in a healthcare training program. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion eCard, valid for two years. Please contact your employer to ensure that you are selecting the correct course.

For information about BLS Renewals, contact your Training Center.

Learn more about Basic Life Support
Compare BLS Course Options
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Blended Learning HeartCode® BLS
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Classroom BLS

Format

Complete the online portion + hands-on skills session with an Association Instructor, or with a voice-assisted manikin (VAM) or Simulation Station.

HeartCode BLS is the Association's BLS blended learning delivery method. Blended learning is a combination of eLearning, in which a student completes part of the course in a self-guided manner, followed by a hands-on skills session.
Contact an Association Training Center in your area to sign up for an Instructor-led class.

Course Completion

HeartCode BLS uses a personalized adaptive algorithm that sets students on the most efficient path to BLS mastery. Students follow a continuously adapting learning path that is personalized by their own inputs: their performance and their self- reported confidence level related to each probe. The course content is presented in the form of self-guided learning content, probes, and Cognitive Assessment Activities.

The student has a choice of completing a in-hospital and out-of-hospital contextualized track. After completing the online portion, students will attend a structured, Instructor-led hands-on session that focuses on meaningful skills practice, team scenarios, and skills testing. Where available, students may also complete the hands-on session with a HeartCode compatible manikin.

Instructor-led, hands-on class format reinforces skills proficiency

The BLS Instructor-led course teaches both single-rescuer and team basic life support skills for application in both out-of-hospital and in-hospital, with a focus on High-Quality CPR and team dynamics.

Time

The online portion of HeartCode BLS can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Time to complete the hands-on skills session varies from 60 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the experience of the student.
  • Full BLS Provider Course takes approximately 4.5 hours (with breaks) to complete, including skills practice and skills testing
  • BLS Renewal Course takes approximately 4 hours (with breaks) to complete, including skills practice and testing
*Course time based on 1 instructor: 6 students: 2 manikins

Completion Card
BLS Provider Course Completion Card (eCard), valid for two years
BLS Provider Course Completion Card (eCard), valid for two years

Accessibility
HeartCode BLS Online is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant.
Contact your Training Center to inquire about their facility’s accommodations.

CE/CME

FAQ

Features
  • Includes in-hospital and out-of-hospital tracks; student chooses their track before starting the HeartCode BLS Online Portion
  • Enhanced learning experience through eSimulations, life-like animations, video scenarios, and knowledge checks
  • Emphasis on high-quality CPR including a team dynamics classroom activity
  • Video-based course with real world scenarios
  • Practice sessions with Instructor feedback

Student Materials

Instructor Materials

Ready to take a Basic Life Support (BLS) class?

The Association offers options for how you can purchase BLS. You can take a full classroom course, take a blended learning course (HeartCode® BLS + a hands-on skills session training), or purchase additional course materials. Choose from the options below.
Sign up for a BLS classroom course near you Find a hands-on skills session for HeartCode BLS Purchase HeartCode BLS or other BLS course materials

Related Training

emergency doctor and nurses with patient

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

This advanced course highlights the importance of high-performance team dynamics and communication, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, immediate post-cardiac arrest, acute dysrhythmia, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
Learn more about ACLS training