Anyone can sign up for training and CPR certification at the nearest
local Red Cross, American Heart Association-approved center, Fire Department or
Private company in your own area. There are also many programs available
online for cheap or for free! If you do an online certification training course, be sure you employer
does not need you to have a "practical skills" portion of the exam. If you
do need a practical skills portion (needed for many agencies, nurses, bls
healthcare providers, etc) you should take a traditional classroom course.
The only other option is to take the American Heart BLS Healthcare Provider
online class then take a 30 min. practical skills test to get your 2 year card
from a licensed instructor. A CPR certificate is valid for 1-2 years
(depending on the organization), after which recertification or renewal would
have to be done.In addition to CPR certification, recertification, and first aid training,
the training center can also add information on injury prevention and blood
borne pathogens to the curriculum. The organization often tailors their
learning program according to the needs of specific groups or
individuals-whether these individuals work with children and need to be trained
on Baby / Infant CPR and Child CPR, employees who are being asked to
undergo basic CPR Certification and training by their company, or are
professional rescuers or healthcare providers who require CPR / BLS
Certification.
