Daniel Remiszewski
August 1, 2023

How to Get Your Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in 4 Steps

Imagine being in a situation where someone’s life is at stake, and you have the power to make a difference. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide life-saving assistance during life-threatening emergencies. Obtaining BLS certification is crucial for healthcare providers and professionals in various fields, as it demonstrates your competence in handling emergency situations. This blog post will guide you through the process of obtaining BLS certification, highlighting its value and relevance in various professions.

By understanding and mastering the techniques involved in BLS, you can make a significant impact on the lives of others, both within and outside the medical field. Read on to discover the benefits of BLS certification and the steps needed to become a certified BLS provider.

Short Summary

  • Gain BLS certification by selecting a course provider, completing the training course and passing the exam.
  • Maintain your certification to demonstrate commitment to professional development and provide effective care in an emergency situation.
  • Having BLS certification increases job opportunities across various industries with flexible learning options available.

Head to Northeast Medical Institutes BLS ( Basic life Support) CPR Class by clicking this link!

Understanding Basic Life Support (BLS)

A person performing basic life support on a patient

 

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a certification training program that provides instruction in life-saving techniques for adults, children, and infants. BLS training encompasses instruction in recognizing life-threatening emergencies, administering chest compressions, providing ventilations, and utilizing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The significance of BLS certification lies in its ability to enable individuals to competently administer life support techniques in the workplace and validate their credentials to employers.

The BLS program follows the resuscitation science and treatment recommendations specified by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). Moreover, it is in line with the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC and the yearly Guidelines Update. By obtaining BLS certification, you will be equipped with the essential skills to perform high quality cpr and save lives in various life-threatening emergencies.

Steps to Obtain BLS Certification

A person taking a BLS certification course
A person taking a BLS certification course

Obtaining BLS certification involves a straightforward process that includes selecting a reliable course provider, finishing the training course, passing the certification exam, and renewing certification every two years. The fee for BLS certification, which is essential for healthcare providers, is $14.95. A complimentary vinyl wallet card is included in the cost of BLS certification and recertification.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each step, providing detailed information on how to choose a reputable course provider, complete the BLS training course, pass the BLS exam, and maintain your certification.

 

Head to Northeast Medical Institutes BLS ( Basic life Support) CPR Class by clicking this link!

 

Choose a Reputable Course Provider

Selecting a reputable and accredited BLS course provider is crucial to ensuring the validity of your certificate and meeting the requirements of prospective employers. Organizations such as the American Red Cross and ProTrainings are reputable course providers for BLS certification, covering several life-threatening emergencies. As a BLS provider, online courses are becoming increasingly popular, and some employers do accept credentials earned from online courses. However, it is recommended to check with the employer before enrolling.

Consulting your employer before enrolling in an online course is essential to guarantee that the credentials earned will be accepted. It is crucial to consider the quality of instruction and the availability of online or in-person courses to ensure a comprehensive and effective learning experience.

Complete the BLS Training Course

A person performing CPR on a mannequin during BLS certification training course
A person performing CPR on a mannequin during BLS certification training course

To complete a BLS training course, you will need to study course materials and prepare for the exam. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the concepts, such as how to perform CPR. If you require clarification, do not hesitate to ask for assistance, as this will enable successful implementation.

Locating practice exams or online resources can provide assurance in your knowledge and capabilities. By dedicating time and effort to mastering the course material, you will be well-prepared for the BLS exam and ready to demonstrate your life-saving skills.

 

Head to Northeast Medical Institutes BLS ( Basic life Support) CPR Class by clicking this link!

Pass the BLS Exam

The BLS exam consists of a written assessment and a practical demonstration of acquired skills, such as CPR and airway obstruction relief. To pass the BLS test, you must achieve a score of 70 points or 7/10 correct answers. Successfully completing both components of the BLS exam will result in the awarding of a BLS certificate.

Preparing for the BLS exam involves reviewing the course material, practicing the skills taught, and seeking clarification on any areas of uncertainty. By doing so, you will be well-equipped to pass the exam and obtain your BLS certification.

Maintain Your Certification

A BLS certification is valid for a period of two years. To maintain your certification, you have the option to take an abbreviated course or the full course again to renew it, also known as bls recertification. Regular renewal ensures that your knowledge and skills remain up-to-date, enabling you to provide the most effective care in an emergency situation.

Employers can utilize the e-Verify tool available on the main website to confirm the validity of BLS certification. By staying current with your BLS certification, you demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development and your ability to provide life-saving care.

The Value of BLS Certification for Various Professions

A person performing CPR on a patient
A person performing CPR on a patient

BLS certification is advantageous for professionals outside the medical field, including those in child care, law enforcement, and fitness, as it equips them with life-saving skills and the assurance to provide effective care in an emergency. Professions that can benefit from BLS certification include those in healthcare, public safety, and childcare.

In the following sections, we will explore the benefits of BLS certification, such as enhanced patient care, increased job opportunities, and wider application across industries.

Obtaining BLS certification not only validates your expertise in life-saving techniques, but also demonstrates your dedication to providing the highest standard of care in your profession. Whether you are a healthcare provider or a childcare worker, BLS certification can significantly impact your career and the lives of those you care for.

 

Head to Northeast Medical Institutes BLS ( Basic life Support) CPR Class by clicking this link!

Enhanced Patient Care

A person teaching a BLS class
A person teaching a BLS class

BLS certification provides medical personnel with the knowledge to execute life-saving techniques on infants, children, and adults. This comprehensive training in life-saving techniques for various age groups enhances patient care and ensures that you are prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.

By mastering the skills taught in BLS certification courses, you can provide the best possible care to those in need, whether they are adults, children, or infants. Your ability to confidently and competently administer life-saving techniques can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

Increased Job Opportunities

A person taking a BLS exam
A person taking a BLS exam

Possessing BLS certification can demonstrate to employers that you have the requisite skills and knowledge to administer basic life support to patients, making you more desirable in the job market. Additionally, it can provide access to higher-paying positions in the healthcare sector. To showcase your BLS certification on your resume, include it in the “Certifications” section, along with any relevant experience in the healthcare field.

During interviews, emphasize your BLS certification by including it in your introduction and discussing how it has been beneficial to your professional development. Be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer may have regarding your BLS certification. By highlighting your certification, you can increase your job opportunities and showcase your commitment to providing high-quality care.

Wider Application Across Industries

BLS certification has a wide range of applications across various industries, making it valuable for professionals in non-medical fields as well. Industries that require BLS certification include health care professionals, such as nurses, doctors, nursing home workers, physiotherapists, and dentists or dental assistants, as well as emergency services personnel, such as paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers.

Regardless of your profession, obtaining BLS certification can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to provide life-saving care in emergency situations. This can prove to be advantageous for professionals such as teachers, coaches, and childcare workers, as they may be the first to respond to an emergency situation.

Flexible Learning Options for BLS Certification

A person learning online for BLS certification
A person learning online for BLS certification

Flexible learning options for BLS certification include online courses, hybrid classes, and in-person bls certification training. Online courses provide students the opportunity to receive training online, with the ability to progress at their own pace. Hybrid class enables students to undertake online training at their own rate, combining online presentations with face-to-face instruction.

In-person training provides students with the opportunity to work through online training material at their own pace, while also receiving instruction in person. By choosing the most suitable learning option for your needs and preferences, you can ensure a comprehensive and effective learning experience.

Whether you prefer the convenience of online courses, the flexibility of hybrid classes, or the hands-on approach of in-person training, there is a BLS certification course to suit your needs.

Summary

In conclusion, obtaining BLS certification is an essential step for professionals in various fields, including healthcare providers, public safety professionals, and childcare workers. By mastering life-saving techniques and maintaining up-to-date certification, you can enhance patient care, increase job opportunities, and provide effective care in emergency situations.

As you embark on your journey towards BLS certification, remember that you are not only investing in your professional development but also in the lives of those you may have the opportunity to save. Make a difference and become a certified BLS provider today.

 

Head to Northeast Medical Institutes BLS ( Basic life Support) CPR Class by clicking this link!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does BLS mean in certification?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a necessary training and certification for Health Care professionals, EMS personnel and other working professionals whose job or volunteer positions put them at risk of needing to provide CPR.

BLS is the foundation of resuscitation training for healthcare professionals.

Is BLS the same as CPR?

BLS, or Basic Life Support, is a higher level of medical care and includes CPR training and certification. While it can be used in healthcare settings, CPR is typically performed by public safety professionals, first responders, paramedics, healthcare providers, and qualified bystanders.

Is BLS online legit?

BLS Online is a legitimate provider of certification cards, accepted by most hospitals and institutions. The American Heart Association does not accredit or endorse any other providers besides their own.

What are the three types of BLS?

BLS (Basic Life Support) is divided into three distinct types of courses: Adult BLS, Child BLS, and Infant BLS. These courses teach the skills necessary to provide effective life-saving care in an emergency situation.

Each course is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to a variety of medical emergencies. Adult BLS focuses on adult patients, Child BLS focuses on pediatric patients, and Infant BLS focuses on infants.

What does BLS do?

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to people experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway. It involves assessing an emergency situation, providing chest compressions, delivering appropriate ventilations, early use of an AED and other life-saving care.

The BLS course also covers additional first-aid skills like wound and burn care, fractures and poisoning.