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Instructor Decision Guide – Which Course To Teach

Certification Guide for Instructors

Which Course Should I Teach?

This guide will help you quickly determine the correct course for your students.

STEP 1: Ask the Student

Always start with this question:

“What do you need this certification for?”

Then identify:

  • Job (nurse, dental, fitness, teacher, etc.)

  • School requirement

  • Workplace requirement

STEP 2: Choose the Correct Course

🏥 BLS (AHA)

Use for Healthcare Providers

Examples:

  • Nurses

  • Doctors

  • Dental professionals

  • EMTs

  • Medical students

✔ Includes:

  • Adult, Child, Infant CPR

  • AED

  • Bag Valve Mask (BVM)

❌ Does NOT include First Aid

👉 Most healthcare providers ONLY need BLS

🧑‍🏫 Heartsaver CPR/AED (AHA)

Use for Non-Healthcare Students

Examples:

  • Fitness trainers

  • Coaches

  • Office workers

  • General public

✔ Includes:

  • Adult CPR

  • AED

❌ No First Aid unless added

🩹 Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED (AHA)

Use when student needs First Aid + CPR

Examples:

  • Childcare providers

  • Teachers

  • Workplace safety requirements

✔ Includes:

  • First Aid

  • CPR

  • AED

❤️ Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED (Blended)

Preferred option on our website

✔ Includes:

  • Online course

  • Skills session

  • First Aid + CPR/AED

👉 Recommended for most non-healthcare students who need full certification

STEP 3: Important Rules

Rule 1: Certification Requirement > Skill Level

More advanced does NOT always mean correct.

Example:

  • A fitness trainer can take BLS

  • But if employer requires First Aid → BLS alone is NOT enough

Rule 2: BLS Does NOT Replace First Aid

If student needs First Aid, you MUST add:

  • Heartsaver First Aid

Rule 3: When in Doubt → Ask

If unsure, ask:

  • Employer requirement

  • School requirement

Or contact Cristina for guidance.

STEP 4: Simple Decision Shortcut

Ask yourself:

👉 Is the student a healthcare provider?

  • YES → BLS

  • NO → Continue

👉 Do they need First Aid?

  • YES → Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED or Red Cross CPR

  • NO → CPR/AED only

FINAL TIP

When unsure, always clarify BEFORE teaching.

This prevents:

  • Wrong certification

  • Re-training students

  • Extra cost

Begin CPR, LLC is an authorized Training Provider of American Red Cross. American Red Cross Cards Issued will be issued by our Training Center Begin CPR, LLC or any of our Training Sites, Ocampo Family Wellness & Training and Begin Classes.

To keep classes safe and focused, only registered participants may attend. Pets are not allowed, except service or emotional support animals. Please notify us at least 48 hours before class, and be prepared to provide documentation if requested.

© 2020 by Begin CPR TM

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