Elements of the BLS Instructor Essentials Course

The BLS Instructor Essentials Course is taught via a blended-learning format. To become an AHA BLS Instructor, candidates must complete the online portions, followed by the hands-on session, which is classroom-based. Candidates may request to meet through a video call, so long as they have the required materials on hand. The online portion of the course contains both core content and discipline-specific modules to prepare the instructor candidates. The hands-on session, or video-call session, includes instruction, practice, and monitoring, allowing instructor candidates to demonstrate effective use of their instructor materials and skills. As a BLS Instructor, candidates will also be able to teach the following courses:

Basic Life Support
Heartsaver CPR/AED
Heartsaver First-Aid
Heartsaver First-Aid & CPR/AED
Heartsaver Pediatric First-Aid & CPR/AED

Who Can Take This Course

The BLS Instructor Essentials Course is for instructor candidates who have already completed the BLS Provider Course. You do not need to be a healthcare provider to teach this course!

Prerequisites for Instructor Candidates

Be at least 18 years of age
Have a current American Heart Association BLS Provider course completion card (no other BLS certifications will be accepted)
Be proficient in the skills of BLS
Complete the BLS Instructor Essentials Online
Be aligned with an American Heart Association Training Center
- After registration, we'll reach out to you with info about alignment.

Steps to Become an Instructor

Enroll in an Instructor Course.
Have current AHA Provider status in the discipline for that Instructor Essentials course and be proficient in all the skills of that discipline.
Successfully complete the Instructor Essentials Online Course ($40). The hands-on skills will take place during the in-person course.
Successfully be monitored teaching within 6 months of completing the hands-on session of the Instructor Essentials course. We will provide opportunities at our public courses.

$395.00 Course Fee Includes:

In-person or video call monitoring and practice of course curriculum
BLS Instructor Manual
2-year AHA Instructor Certification eCard (upon successful completion of all requirements)

Required materials, not included in course fees:

BLS Provider Manual (unless previously owned from provider course)
Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid Provider Manual (unless previously owned from provider course)

Optional materials, not included in course fees:

**The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in all AHA courses and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the AHA.**