
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a requirement for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. While the American Red Cross offers BLS training and certification, it is unclear whether hospitals accept these certifications. Some sources indicate that many hospitals require American Heart Association (AHA) certification, and do not accept Red Cross certifications. However, it is important to note that both certifications are widely known and reputable, and provide a solid foundation of BLS knowledge and skills. Ultimately, it is recommended that individuals check with their employers or specific hospitals to confirm which BLS certification is accepted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Basic Life Support (BLS) |
| Designed For | Healthcare providers, public safety professionals, first responders, police officers, firefighters |
| Course Content | CPR, AED, obstructed airway, rapid patient assessment, opioid overdoses, breathing and cardiac emergencies |
| Course Duration | 4.5 hours |
| Course Format | In-person, blended learning |
| Certification | Digital certificate with unique ID and QR code |
| Acceptance by Hospitals | Varies; some accept Red Cross BLS, others require AHA certification only |
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What You'll Learn
- Many hospitals require AHA certification, not Red Cross
- Online BLS courses may not be accepted by hospitals
- Red Cross BLS courses are designed for healthcare professionals
- Red Cross BLS courses meet competency verification, education, credentialing and privileging requirements
- Red Cross BLS courses are flexible and can be tailored to local protocols

Many hospitals require AHA certification, not Red Cross
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a requirement for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. The American Red Cross offers BLS training that covers best practices for delivering care to infants, children, and adults. The Red Cross BLS curriculum includes standard scientific learning objectives such as CPR and AED use, as well as developing critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical decision-making skills.
While the Red Cross BLS certification is widely recognised and accepted, it is important to note that some hospitals and healthcare facilities specifically require certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). This preference for AHA certification over Red Cross BLS certification is a common requirement for many hospitals and healthcare employers.
The AHA and the Red Cross are the two main providers of BLS certification, and both are reputable and widely accepted across the industry. However, it is always advisable for individuals to check with their employers or intended employers to confirm which specific BLS program is required. This is because, despite the wide acceptance of both certifications, some hospitals have their own policies and preferences regarding BLS certification.
For example, some hospitals may only accept AHA BLS certification and may not recognise Red Cross BLS certification. This could be due to various reasons, such as specific training requirements or partnerships with the AHA. On the other hand, some hospitals may prefer Red Cross BLS certification due to its comprehensive curriculum and unique features.
Therefore, while both AHA and Red Cross BLS certifications are widely recognised and valued, it is crucial to verify the specific requirements of the intended employer or institution to ensure that the correct certification is obtained.
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Online BLS courses may not be accepted by hospitals
Basic Life Support (BLS) training is a crucial aspect of healthcare and emergency response. BLS courses teach individuals how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies and provide care until professional medical assistance arrives. While online BLS courses offer convenience and flexibility, it is important to note that they may not always be accepted by hospitals.
Hospitals have specific requirements and standards for BLS certifications, and in some cases, they may not recognize online BLS certifications as valid. This is because BLS training involves practical skills and hands-on experience, which are best acquired through in-person instruction. Online courses may not adequately equip individuals with the necessary skills and confidence to respond to real-life emergencies.
Additionally, hospitals often have their own policies and protocols regarding BLS certification. Some hospitals may require certifications from specific organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA) or prefer in-person training to ensure the quality and consistency of the training. It is important for individuals seeking BLS certification to be aware of the requirements of their intended workplace or institution.
Furthermore, online BLS courses may not meet the regulatory and licensing requirements for healthcare professionals. Certain healthcare positions, such as nurses and physicians, have stringent certification standards that may not include online BLS certifications. Regulatory bodies and employers often set these standards to maintain the quality of patient care and ensure that certified individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge.
While online BLS courses may provide a convenient alternative for individuals seeking BLS certification, it is crucial to consider the acceptance and recognition of these certifications by hospitals and healthcare institutions. Individuals interested in obtaining BLS certification should carefully review the requirements of their intended workplace or industry to ensure that their certification will be accepted and recognized.
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Red Cross BLS courses are designed for healthcare professionals
Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Red Cross is designed for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. It meets a variety of certification and licensing requirements, including OSHA-mandated workplace and other regulatory requirements. The course is also suitable for those in school to become a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or physician, as well as police officers and firefighters.
The curriculum includes all standard scientific learning objectives necessary in professional resuscitation courses, such as single- and multiple-responder CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) use, as well as how to care for a patient with an obstructed airway (choking). It also allows students to develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical decision-making skills, and work on reflection and debriefing, which serves to strengthen their overall learning and work experience.
The Red Cross BLS course is designed to train healthcare professionals to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children, and infants. The content is consistent with the latest guidelines from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines 2020. The course covers essential BLS topics, including rapid patient assessment, opioid overdoses, and CPR for adults, children, and infants.
The American Red Cross offers BLS training for individuals and teams, with courses held entirely in person or through its blended Simulation Learning experience, which combines online classwork with in-person skills sessions. The blended learning program gives students the ability to train on their schedules using self-paced, interactive online BLS classes and in-person skill sessions. The in-person courses are designed for those who prefer a traditional classroom setting and combine lectures with hands-on skills sessions.
While the Red Cross BLS certification is widely accepted, some hospitals and healthcare facilities may have specific requirements, such as AHA certification, and may not accept online BLS certifications. Therefore, it is essential to check with your employer or intended employer to confirm which certification they require.
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Red Cross BLS courses meet competency verification, education, credentialing and privileging requirements
Basic Life Support (BLS) courses from the American Red Cross are designed for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. The comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum goes beyond cardiac emergencies, making the programs unique and more robust. The Red Cross BLS courses meet competency verification, education, credentialing, and privileging requirements.
The BLS program content includes single- and multiple-responder CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automatic external defibrillator) use, as well as how to care for a patient with an obstructed airway (choking). The courses are designed to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and clinical decision-making skills, as well as reflection and debriefing, which strengthen overall learning and work experience. The Red Cross offers both in-person and blended learning options, with the latter combining online BLS training with in-person skills sessions.
The Red Cross BLS courses are developed under the guidance of, and reviewed by, the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, ensuring that the information provided meets or exceeds local, state, and/or national standards. The content is consistent with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines and the American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines. The courses satisfy OSHA-mandated, workplace, and other regulatory requirements.
While the Red Cross BLS certifications meet the necessary requirements, it is important to note that some hospitals and employers may have specific preferences or requirements for BLS certification. Some sources indicate that many hospitals require AHA (American Heart Association) certification specifically and do not accept Red Cross certifications. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your employer or intended workplace to confirm their specific requirements before pursuing any BLS certification.
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Red Cross BLS courses are flexible and can be tailored to local protocols
Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Red Cross is a flexible course designed for healthcare providers and public safety professionals. The course meets a variety of certification and licensing requirements, including all standard scientific learning objectives necessary in professional resuscitation courses.
The Red Cross BLS curriculum is modular and flexible, allowing medical directors, educators, and Red Cross training partners to tailor the course to their local protocols and their students' specific needs. The course can be delivered in a traditional classroom setting, with lecture and skills sessions held in a designated physical location. Alternatively, it can be delivered through blended learning, which combines online presentations of "lecture" materials with interactive scenarios that improve clinical decision-making skills and in-person skills sessions.
The blended learning option offers additional flexibility, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and in the way that suits them best. This option also includes the dynamic Simulation Learning experience, which combines online coursework with in-person skills sessions, enabling participants to earn their BLS certification in a way that fits their schedule and preferences.
The Red Cross BLS courses are designed to meet or exceed local, state, and/or national standards. The course content is regularly updated to include the latest guidelines and recommendations from renowned organizations and committees, ensuring that participants receive the most current and comprehensive training in basic life support.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the hospital. Some hospitals accept Red Cross BLS certifications, while others only accept certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA). It is always best to check with the specific hospital or employer to see what their requirements are.
The Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) course covers essential BLS topics, including rapid patient assessment, opioid overdoses, and CPR for adults, children, and infants. The course also includes training on how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and how to care for a patient with an obstructed airway.
The Red Cross Basic Life Support course typically runs for approximately 4.5 hours. This is slightly longer than the American Heart Association's course, which is approximately 3.5 hours long.
Yes, the American Red Cross offers both in-person and online BLS certification options. However, it is important to note that some hospitals may not accept online BLS certifications, so it is important to check with your employer or the specific hospital's requirements before enrolling in an online course.




































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