If you work in the medical field, you’re likely required to have a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. BLS certification prepares those working in sensitive fields, including police work, firefighting, and nursing, for the healthcare emergencies they may encounter during their day-to-day.
Given the life-saving nature of BLS training, it’s important to find a comprehensive certification course from a credible provider, preferably one that is compliant with the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA). There are several factors to consider when choosing a course, including cost, format, and the industry in which you work.
Certification Course Cost
BLS certification courses typically don’t come at a significant cost, though less-than-scrupulous providers may try to overcharge you. Most BLS courses will cost around $90 for initial certification, with a $60 charge for renewal (per person). Specialized Health and Safety offers BLS courses at $65 a person. If the course you’re looking at significantly exceeds these costs, you might want to look elsewhere.
BLS Class Format
Traditionally, BLS certification classes are held in-person, though recent years have seen a boom in the number of providers offering hybrid and blended courses. Blended courses are a great option for busy individuals who need to fit BLS certification around an already tight schedule. They allow you to learn a portion of the course material online, at your own pace, then meet in person for critical instruction and evaluation.
In-person courses, on the other hand, are less convenient but can be completed faster and in a group setting. Companies that need to train a large number of employees quickly can enroll all qualifying employees at once and complete training in a single day. No matter what your preferred learning style is, there is a class format for you.
Continuing Education Credits
Many medical professionals are required to earn a certain number of continuing education credits each year. A BLS certification course can satisfy some of these credits in addition to offering potentially life-saving skills that everyone should know anyway.
Industry Type
Some certification classes are industry specific. For example, there are specialized BLS courses for healthcare workers, emergency response teams, doctors, and lifeguards. Some specializations require different knowledge and focus areas, so make sure the course you choose will satisfy any industry requirements.
Proof of Certification
Proof of certification is necessary to show you completed all steps of the course. Without proof, BLS certification means little. Be sure your certification provider is willing to provide proof of certification before signing up.
Many providers, including Specialized Health and Safety, provide a digital copy of your certification immediately after you successfully complete your exam. Some providers may also provide a hard copy in the mail a few days later.
Read Online Reviews
Always check online Google and social media reviews before choosing a provider. While online reviews aren’t 100% reliable, they do provide a high-level overview of what to expect from a certain provider. You can also ask others in your field for recommendations based on their experiences with BLS training.
Get Certified with Specialized Health and Safety
Save time searching for a credible provider and trust the professionals at Specialized Health and Safety for your BLS certification. We train individuals, businesses, and organizations through on-site and blended learning classes. In addition to BLS certifications, we offer CPR courses, first aid, and more.
Contact us to get started!
