Choosing a CPR course isn’t always as simple as signing up for the first class you find online. The right course depends on your career goals, workplace requirements, healthcare experience, and whether you need certification for a job or simply want to help family members during an emergency.
At Respond Right EMS Academy, we offer several American Heart Association (AHA) courses designed for different learners—from first-time students and teachers to healthcare professionals, EMTs, nurses, and physicians.
This guide explains what each course covers, who it’s designed for, and how to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Why Choosing the Right CPR Course Matters
Not every CPR certification is accepted for every job.
Many employers require a specific American Heart Association certification, while others simply want employees to understand basic lifesaving skills.
Taking the correct course means:
- Meeting employer requirements
- Learning skills relevant to your profession
- Avoiding unnecessary retraining
- Building confidence during real emergencies
- Receiving the certification your workplace accepts
Before registering, it’s always a good idea to verify which certification your employer, school, or licensing board requires.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Best For
- EMT students
- EMTs
- Nurses
- Physicians
- Respiratory therapists
- Dental professionals
- Healthcare students
- Hospital employees
BLS is designed specifically for healthcare providers who may respond to cardiac emergencies as part of their job.
The course covers:
- High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
- Team-based resuscitation
- AED use
- Bag-mask ventilation
- Relief of choking
- High-performance CPR techniques
If you’re entering healthcare or already work in a medical setting, BLS is typically the required certification.
Heartsaver CPR AED
Best For
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Childcare providers
- Office employees
- Security staff
- Fitness trainers
- Manufacturing workers
- General workplace safety
Heartsaver CPR AED is intended for individuals with little or no medical background.
Participants learn how to:
- Recognize cardiac arrest
- Perform CPR
- Use an AED safely
- Assist choking victims
- Respond until EMS arrives
Many workplaces choose this course to meet OSHA or employer safety requirements.
Family & Friends CPR
Best For
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Babysitters
- Community members
- Families with young children
Family & Friends CPR teaches lifesaving skills without providing an official certification card.
It’s an excellent option if you simply want to know what to do during an emergency involving a loved one.
Topics include:
- Adult CPR
- Child CPR
- Infant CPR
- AED awareness
- Choking relief
This course is ideal for personal preparedness rather than employment requirements.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Best For
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Paramedics
- Emergency department staff
- ICU professionals
- Critical care teams
ACLS expands on BLS by focusing on advanced cardiovascular emergencies.
Students learn:
- Cardiac rhythm interpretation
- Pharmacology during resuscitation
- Advanced airway management
- Stroke management
- Team leadership
- High-performance resuscitation
ACLS is generally required for professionals working in emergency medicine or critical care.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Best For
- Pediatric nurses
- Emergency physicians
- Paramedics
- Pediatric specialists
- Children’s hospital staff
PALS prepares healthcare professionals to recognize and treat critically ill infants and children.
Topics include:
- Pediatric assessment
- Respiratory emergencies
- Shock
- Cardiac arrest
- Team-based pediatric resuscitation
Professionals who regularly care for infants or children often need PALS certification.
How Do You Know Which Course You Need?
Ask yourself these questions:
Are you starting a healthcare career?
Choose BLS.
Does your employer require CPR certification but you don’t work in healthcare?
Choose Heartsaver CPR AED.
Do you simply want to protect your family?
Choose Family & Friends CPR.
Do you work in emergency medicine or critical care?
Choose ACLS.
Do you care for pediatric patients?
Choose PALS.
Why Train with Respond Right EMS Academy?
Respond Right EMS Academy is an American Heart Association Authorized Training Center, providing high-quality instruction from experienced EMS professionals.
Students benefit from:
- Experienced instructors
- Hands-on skills practice
- Small class sizes
- Current AHA curriculum
- Convenient scheduling
- Certification cards upon successful completion (for applicable courses)
Whether you’re pursuing a healthcare career or simply want the confidence to respond during an emergency, you’ll receive practical training that prepares you for real-world situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find the Right CPR Course?
Whether you’re preparing for a healthcare career, meeting an employer requirement, or learning lifesaving skills for your family, choosing the right American Heart Association course is an important first step.
Respond Right EMS Academy offers BLS, Heartsaver CPR AED, Family & Friends CPR, ACLS, and PALS courses taught by experienced instructors in a hands-on learning environment. Browse our available classes and register for the course that best matches your goals.
