BLS Instructor Course Information
BLS Instructor Course: $350
Total Cost to become an AHA Instructor Certification holder:
1. Online Instructor Essentials: $43.90 PLUS
2. On-campus CPR Instructor Training course: $350.00 PLUS
3. Required equipment for teaching classes, such as manikins, is a significant investment. A comprehensive list of the necessary equipment can be found at the end of this page. We also offer rental services for instructors' equipment. The course videos and Instructor Manual are included as electronic versions in the course tuition. If you prefer DVD or USB videos and/or a physical instructor manual, there will be an additional cost for the instructor candidate.
4. Certification cards for your students: $10.00 each, plus Student manual eBook: $19.65 each.
These steps outline the flow of the Instructor Candidate through the AHA Instructor Certification process:
The BLS Instructor Essentials Course is designed for individuals who work in or have a background in the Healthcare Setting and wish to participate in CPR Instructor Training for the BLS Provider CPR program. This registration covers Tuition Only! The BLS Instructor Candidate must purchase their Online BLS Essentials Course and the necessary instructor materials as outlined below. This advanced CPR Instructor level is available in both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa and qualifies you to teach lay rescuer CPR and First Aid courses, such as HeartSaver First Aid CPR AED, as detailed below.
BONUS: BLS Instructors will also have the opportunity to instruct for agencies that offer reciprocity for AHA instructors who attend HeartSouth's Instructor Course, including:
* American Heart Association (This Course)
* American Red Cross
* American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI)
This will allow you to teach courses for those agencies as well as American Heart's courses.
1. Instructor Course Prerequisites:
1. Have a current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider Certification, which is essential for obtaining your AHA Instructor Certification. 2. Be at least 18 years old. 3. Experience working in the healthcare environment is preferred. 4. Be prepared to complete and pass the BLS skills check-off as part of your CPR Instructor Training. 5. Be prepared to complete and pass the BLS Instructor Written Exam. 6. Have the required equipment to teach the course, including manikins, AED trainers, and more (see list below). **** Those who do not successfully pass the BLS skills and written exam will not be allowed to continue and must reschedule for the next BLS Instructor Course. Come to class prepared to do this!
2. Complete BLS Instructor Essentials 2025 Online ($43.90):
Instructor Candidate Expense:
1. Complete the BLS Instructor Essentials 2025 online portion of the CPR Instructor Training prior to attending the on-campus course for AHA Instructor Certification ($43.90) and bring the completion certificate with you to class:
https://shopcpr.heart.org/bls-instructor-essentials-online-core
3. Purchase Your 2025 Teaching Materials (Digital Provided with Course Fee):
BLS Instructor DVD Videos are available for $117.55. You can purchase them at https://shopcpr.heart.org/bls-dvd-set. Alternatively, BLS Instructor USB Videos can be obtained for $115.30 at https://shopcpr.heart.org/bls-usb, and BLS Instructor Digital Streaming Videos for $106.50 at https://shopcpr.heart.org/bls-digital-video.
If you're planning to offer HeartSaver level courses, including Community level CPR/AED and First Aid, it's essential to obtain the HeartSaver Instructor Manual and the corresponding HeartSaver Course DVD or Digital Video prior to providing those training sessions. Please note that these are not required for attending the BLS Instructor Course as part of your AHA Instructor Certification and CPR Instructor Training.
4. Attend the BLS Instructor Course on Campus ($350):
Bring with you:
1. Proof of Current BLS Provider Certification
2. BLS Instructor Essentials 2025 Online Course Completion Certificate
3. BLS Instructor Manual in Print or eBook Format
4. Electronic device to access online modules (Laptop) for your AHA Instructor Certification and CPR Instructor Training.
5. Be Monitored Teaching 1 BLS Provider Course:
Following successful completion of the BLS Instructor Essentials Course (both Online and Classroom portions), candidates must also be monitored by a Training Center Faculty member while teaching their first course within 6 months of completing the AHA Instructor Certification. This requirement is essential for fulfilling the CPR Instructor Training process for applicants.
6. Classroom and Manikin Rental Options
Classroom rentals with equipment such as manikins and AED trainers are available daily for standard flat rates at either the Birmingham or Tuscaloosa locations, perfect for those seeking AHA Instructor Certification or CPR Instructor Training:
1-4 hours $75
4+ hours $125
Contact the Site Coordinator for more information.
7. Minimum Required Equipment List (Student Expense):
* AED Trainer with Adult and Pediatric Pads for effective AHA Instructor Certification training
* Adult and Infant Manikins (1 Per Group of 3) to enhance CPR Instructor Training experience
* Pocket Mask (1 per student) to assist in practical demonstrations
* Disposable Mouthpiece (1 per student) for hygienic practice
* Bag-Mask Device (adult and infant) to ensure thorough training in both adult and pediatric scenarios.