BLS certifications do more than just look good on resumes. The BLS training programs equip individuals with crucial life-saving skills that can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
Read on to find out more about BLS certification, its types, the jobs you can get with one, and how to get BLS certified.
What Is a BLS Certificate?
A BLS certificate is a credential that confirms the successful completion of a training program that covers essential life-saving skills and signifies proficiency in providing basic life support techniques.
Some of the techniques taught at BLS training programs include:
- First Aid Basics
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
- Choking Relief Maneuvers
- Recognition of Medical Emergencies
In addition, BLS training programs also teach participants how to effectively communicate and collaborate within a team to ensure a seamless response to critical incidents.
Types of BLS Certification
There are various types of BLS certifications that can obtained by completing different BLS courses, including Basic BLS, BLS for Professional Rescuers, Healthcare Provider BLS, and Pediatric BLS certification.
Depending on the participant’s role and level of expertise, these programs offer specialized training in life-saving techniques tailored to specific scenarios. Each certification equips participants with the necessary skills to respond to emergencies effectively and provide vital support in critical situations.
Basic BLS Certificate
The standard BLS certification indicates its holder completed a BLS course that covers foundational life-saving techniques suitable for a wide range of individuals, including laypersons, teachers, coaches, and those working in non-medical environments.
Healthcare Provider BLS Certificate
Designed for healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics, the healthcare provider BLS course provides advanced training in BLS techniques tailored to the medical field and may cover additional skills relevant to these professions.
BLS for Professional Rescuers and First Responders
Geared towards first responders and those who may be required to provide immediate assistance in emergencies, this BLS certificate signifies its holder has completed more comprehensive training on various life support techniques and handling complex scenarios.
Pediatric BLS Certificate
Focusing on techniques specific to infants and children, the pediatric BLS training program is particularly relevant for individuals working with or caring for young populations, such as teachers, childcare providers, and pediatric healthcare professionals.
Other Types of BLS Certificates
There are also numerous other types of BLS certifications that confirm the completion of BLS courses specializing in a specific area. Examples include the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certificate, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certificate, BLS Instructor Certificate, etc.
BLS Certification Jobs
In addition to the obvious healthcare professionals and first responders, plenty of other occupations, like educators, childcare providers, personal trainers, lifeguards, and even certain office and corporate roles, may require BLS certification.
Being able to react in critical situations and potentially save someone’s life is a skill that is welcome at any workplace, though it holds particular significance in roles that involve the well-being and safety of individuals.
Here is a list of jobs for which BLS certification is a mandatory requirement:
- Medical professionals
- Healthcare providers
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Flight attendants
- Lifeguards
- Fitness coaches
- Child care providers
- Security personnel
Essentially, most jobs where the responsibility to ensure the safety of others falls into the hands of the employees require a BLS certification.
How to Get BLS Certification
Since there isn’t a centralized national approving authority for BLS training and certification, any accredited training organization has the authority to certify participants.
To get a BLS certification, one must attend a BLS training program and successfully complete the required components of the course. In addition to programs that require physical presence, there are also numerous BLS courses available online.
For example, the ProTrainings platform provides a variety of online BLS courses catering to both professionals from the healthcare and outside the healthcare sector. They can choose to receive training in CPR, AED, and First Aid, select a program specializing in working with adults and children, and even opt for hands-on skill evaluation.
After completing the course, participants typically receive a BLS certification card or digital certificate that verifies their successful completion of the program.
How Long Does It Take to Become BLS Certified?
Most BLS certification courses can be completed within four or five hours, though participants with a great understanding of the material can finish them even faster.
The BLS training programs are designed to efficiently provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge for basic life support without an extensive time commitment. They usually start out with theoretical presentations on the essential BLS techniques, before moving on to hands-on practice sessions with training manikins.
For individuals who are unable to physically attend the training but are interested in obtaining a BLS certification, there are also remote courses available online. They are usually shorter than the traditional in-person courses, and they allow the participants to pause and resume the videos so that they can learn at their own pace.
How Much Does BLS Certification Cost?
The price of BLS certification training may vary significantly, depending on how comprehensive the program is. Specialized courses focusing solely on one area, like CPR or First Aid, can cost up to $50. Broader programs that cover multiple courses may cost up to $200.
Additionally, their price is also affected by other factors, such as:
- Course format – Online courses tend to be less expensive as they eliminate the need for physical resources and facilities.
- Course content – Whether the course is specialized for working with children, whether it involves a hands-on skill evaluation, etc.
- Purpose – Courses specialized for employees in the healthcare sector teach more advanced BLS techniques, so they may be more expensive.
- Additional features – Certain programs might include extra materials, resources, or certification cards that could influence the overall cost.
The price for BLS certification renewals and BLS skills checks are generally less costly than the BLS training programs.
How Long Does BLS Certification Last?
A BLS certification is good for two years from the date it was issued. Individuals who want to keep their certification must renew it by completing a recertification course within 30 days before their previous certification expires.
The recertification process is more or less the same as the initial certification process but is often shorter in duration. It typically includes a review of essential BLS techniques, updates on any guideline changes, and an assessment to ensure continued proficiency.
In addition to recertification, BLS practitioners who feel like they can use one, can also take up a BLS skills check at any time with most BLS training providers. These checks are typically overseen by certified instructors or evaluators, ensuring that they are performing the techniques accurately.
However, while BLS skills checks are a good opportunity to practice and fine-tune life-saving abilities, they unfortunately don’t replace the need for formal recertification.
How to Check BLS Certification
Most BLS training providers usually offer online verification tools to check the validity of the BLS certifications they issue. Follow these steps to verify your BLS certification:
- Go to the official website of the BLS training provider or certifying organization that issued your certification.
- Look for a section or link related to “Certification Verification” or “Check Certification Status”.
- Enter the required information in the form, including your BLS certificate ID number, and submit it.
The website should then provide you with confirmation of your certification status, including its expiration date and other details.
How to Renew BLS Certification
Certified BLS practitioners who want to renew their BLS certifications must enroll and successfully complete a recertification course from an accredited provider within 30 days of their current certification expiry date.
You can follow this guide to make sure your BLS certification doesn’t expire:
- Keep track of your current BLS certification expiry date.
- Research accredited providers that offer BLS recertification courses.
- Based on your schedule and preferences, enroll in a suitable recertification course, attend it, and pass the exam.
How to Put BLS Certification on a Resume
The best way to add your BLS certification to your resume is to create a ‘Certifications’ section and include the certification title, certifying organization, date of certification, and expiration date.
Including your BLS certification in your resume can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your readiness for roles that require emergency response skills. If you are having trouble with its formatting, you can use our example below:
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Certifying Organization: [Name of Certifying Organization]
Date of Certification: [Month Year]
Expiration Date: [Month Year]
Optionally, if it’s needed for the job you are applying for, you can also mention specific BLS skills you have gained, such as CPR techniques and AED usage, which further highlight your capabilities.