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AHA CPR/First Aid/BLS Train the Trainer Essentials

Become an AHA BLS Instructor

This five-hour instructor-led course is the required in-person component of the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Instructor training program. Participants who have completed all prerequisite requirements, including the online BLS Instructor Essentials course, will apply instructor concepts through classroom observation, guided discussion, skills evaluation, and teaching practice. The course focuses on effective course delivery, student assessment, skills testing, and adherence to AHA policies and procedures. Successful completion of the course prepares instructor candidates for instructor monitoring and certification through an authorized AHA Training Center.

  • Apply AHA Instructor Essentials concepts and policies in a classroom setting.
  • Demonstrate the core competencies expected of an AHA BLS Instructor, including: mastery in all skills they will teach. course delivery, testing, professionalism, and program administration.
  • Observe and evaluate the structure and flow of an AHA BLS course.
  • Utilize AHA instructor materials, lesson plans, videos, and skills testing checklists to facilitate learning.
  • Conduct objective skills testing and provide appropriate student feedback and remediation.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in required BLS provider skills and instructor-level teaching techniques.
  • Explain course completion requirements and instructor responsibilities related to documentation, testing, and certification.
  • Successfully complete the BLS Provider and BLS Instructor written examinations.
  • Prepare for the required instructor monitoring process and ongoing instructor responsibilities.

This course is a great fit for current BLS providers who want to become American Heart Association instructors and teach Basic Life Support courses in healthcare, education, workplace, or community settings.

The Instructor Candidate must:

  • Currently have or obtain a provider card in the appropriate discipline and be proficient in all skills.

  • Complete an Instructor Candidate Application to be placed in their instructor file with the Training Center.

  • Successfully complete the Instructor Essentials online course and provide a certificate of completion at the hands-on session.

  • Meet all renewal requirements for instructor status renewal, including teaching the required minimum number of instructor-led trainings or skills sessions as applicable.

  • Register on Atlas and be accepted and approved by a Training Center to obtain an Instructor ID number, which is required for issuing course completion cards/ecards.

Note: The instructor card issued by an AHA Training Center is valid for two years.