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🩺 **Do You Need AHA BLS or Red Cross BLS?**

Choosing the correct certification is important. Some students enroll in a Red Cross (ARC) BLS course and later find out they need an American Heart Association (AHA) certification.

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👩‍⚕️ **Healthcare Providers**

If you are a healthcare provider, you may need **AHA BLS Provider certification** instead of Red Cross.

“This typically applies to:

- Doctors / Physicians  
- Nurses (RN, LVN)  
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)  
- Dentists / Dental Assistants / Hygienists  
- EMTs / Paramedics / First Responders  
- Firefighters / Law Enforcement  
- Medical Assistants / Technicians  
- Physical Therapists / Occupational Therapists  
- Pharmacists / Pharmacy Technicians  
- Radiology / X-Ray Technicians  
- Respiratory Therapists  
- School Nurses / Healthcare Staff  
- And other healthcare-related professions  

👉 If you are unsure, please confirm with your employer, school, or program before enrolling.

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🎓 **Students & Employees (Important)**

If you are:
- Working in a **hospital**  
- Enrolled in a **nursing, EMT, or medical program**  

👉 Ask your instructor or administrator:

**“Do you accept Red Cross BLS, or do I need AHA BLS?”**

If AHA is required, please enroll in our **AHA BLS course**. 

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❤️ **Good to Know**

- Both AHA and Red Cross certifications are valid for **2 years**  
- Many employers accept **either certification**  
- Some schools and hospitals require **AHA specifically**  

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**Do You Also Need First Aid?**

Some programs require **both BLS and First Aid certification**.

This may apply to:
- EMT or Paramedic students  
- Firefighter trainees  
- School nurses or school staff  
- Healthcare students in community or school settings  

👉 Always confirm if **First Aid is required** in addition to BLS.

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🔄 **Switching Policy (If You Enrolled in the Wrong Course)**

If you realize you need AHA instead of Red Cross:

👉 Submit a request here:  
https://www.begincpr.net/changcancelrequest  

If you arrive at a Red Cross class, you have **15 minutes to decide**.

You may:
- Switch to **AHA BLS Provider Course**  
- Attend the next available AHA class  
  *(AHA classes are often scheduled after Red Cross BLS or CPR classes)*  
- Reschedule for another date  

⚠️ You cannot sit in the Red Cross class while waiting for an AHA class.

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📩 **Need Help Deciding?**

Email: **TrainingFaculty@BeginCPR.com**  
Please include your **best contact phone number**.

Our team can help guide you, but the best way to confirm is to check with your **employer or school before registering**.

Begin CPR, Inc is an authorized Training Provider of American Red Cross. American Red Cross Cards Issued will be issued by our Training Center Begin CPR, Inc or any of our Training Sites, MCO Training Inc., 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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