Online CPR
Most people wonder how you can learn CPR online, and it’s a good question. CPR is a very hands-on skill to learn and while e-learning is well established as a modern and convenient way of a learning, there are some things it seems we just shouldn’t do online. If you ask my mom, most things shouldn’t be done online, but that’s another story.
Here’s the scoop: There are a number of companies promoting online CPR certification, and while some may actually offer legitimate and valuable guidance, most are simply trying to make an easy buck. If a CPR training service does not require an instructor-led, hands-on skills session and assesment it is not OSHA compliant. Paying very little for your CPR training is tempting, but what you get is also very little. A cert that’s worth nothing (which is less than what you’ll have paid), and you’ll still need to take an OSHA compliant course.
Blended learning is a great option combining both online trainign followed by the hands-on skills session, but any CPR training that is 100% online is a waste of your time and money if you’re looking for a legitimate CPR card.
Also, look for certifying organizations with a specific focus on ECC and/or stroke prevention. Most of them are intertwined in some way with the primary CPR and ECC institute: The American Heart Association (AHA).
Affiliated with, similar to, or closely related are:
- Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation
- The American Red Cross
- The National Association of EMS Physicians
- National Institutes of Health
- National Stroke Association
Of all of these organizations, the only one with a truly comprehensive online CPR program is the AHA. There are dozens of copycat companies modifying the appearance of their website and brand to look and feel like the American Heart Association, but they’re 3rd, 4th, or 5th rate copycats. Be warned, and be careful not to be fooled by these companies. Even when they offer a “2-year certification”, that simply means after taking their online class, you’ll be certified by them. Not by the American Heart Association.
Most employers requiring BLS certification require it be through the American Heart Association.
What is the answer?
With the above details out of the way, the answer to the question of how can one learn a hands-on skill like CPR online, the answer is this: The online learning is really only a portion of the learning process. More specifically, it is part 1 of a 3-step learning process. Through our blended learning, you can sign up for a number of different e-learning classes including CPR/AED, First-Aid, Pediatric First-Aid and BLS for Healthcare Providers among others.
Parts 2 and 3 are done together and generally take about an hour, but they’re not done online. These portions are done with a certified CPR instructor and are as follows:
Part II – Skills: This section is all hands-on and allows you to take what you learned online and apply it in practice. During this skills session, your instructor will guide you through the hands on skills and provide additional guidance you may not have received in the e-learning session.
Part III – Assessment: The skills test generally follows immediately after the part 2 and is the formal assessment of what you learned in part two. Students tend to really enjoy this as it is low-pressure and often 1-on-1.
Want to do CPR online? Here’s how:
1. Review our Blended learning courses.
2. Select the appropriate course for your needs and register for it.
Uncertain? Call us at 925-335-6076. We can guide you.
Think you might prefer an in person training? Check out the locations for our in-person classes.
3. Complete the course at your convenience.
4. Call CPR Education to schedule a skills/assessment session.
It’s that easy!