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How to Renew Your BLS Provider Certification

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Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Certification is a life-saving technique learned and performed by first responders, healthcare professionals, and other medical providers. Nearly all healthcare workers are required to have a BLS certification and the American Heart Association recommends the course for anyone willing to take it. Because of the magnitude of impact in this emergency response, the certification needs to be renewed every other year. That way, the skills need to perform BLS are up to date and top of mind.

HeartCert students practicing BLS technique

How to Renew Your BLS Provider Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Certification is a life-saving technique learned and performed by first responders, healthcare professionals, and other medical providers. Nearly all healthcare workers are required to have a BLS certification and the American Heart Association recommends the course for anyone willing to take it. Because of the magnitude of impact in this emergency response, the certification needs to be renewed every other year. That way, the skills need to perform BLS are up to date and top of mind.

What is a BLS Provider Certification?

A BLS is a Basic Life Support Provider Certification that signifies that a person is skilled in a list of life-saving techniques. This certification shows that you are skilled in first response to cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or obstructions in someone’s airway. Becoming BLS certified includes knowledge in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AED), and airway obstruction removals. With the BLS certification, it rewards you with the knowledge to save a life during emergency situations.

Find out More: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

BLS Certification: What to Expect

During training, the BLS certification includes in depth training on how to respond to unresponsive adults, children, and infants during an emergency. This comprehensive course includes:

  • Learning to recognize emergencies
  • Safe response practices
  • CPR training
  • AED training
  • Airway obstruction removal training

Instructors will teach you life-saving techniques during the BLS certification course to ensure your response in emergencies is both timely and effective.

How Long Does BLS Training Take?

The BLS Provider Certification training takes anywhere between 1.5 and 8 hours depending on the type of course and your previous knowledge of the subject. On average, you could expect to spend 4.5 hours completing the training, practice, and testing. While in-person training is more comprehensive and takes longer, there are also online options that are self-paced and often quicker.

BLS Provider Certification Exam

To take the BLS Provider Certification exam, you need to first finish your training. After learning the techniques needed for Basic Life Support, the exam takes place. During the exam, you are required to demonstrate your BLS capabilities including CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). The skill demonstration may include an adult and infant simulation to test your knowledge. A written exam also occurs. Each has around 25 multiple choice questions. To pass this part of the exam, you need a score over 70%-80%.

BLS Provider Certification with HeartCert

HeartCert offers a comprehensive BLS course that offers a higher level of CPR certification and knowledge on how to use an AED in life-threatening emergencies. The in-class skills focus on teaching advanced CPR performed on adults, children, and infants. Made for both certified and non-certified professionals and licensed and non-licensed healthcare providers, the course offers guidance regardless of experience level.

At HeartCert, we make it our mission to be flexible with schedules and offer online training before the skills learning session. In tandem with advanced classroom instruction and skills testing, students are then able to take the exam.

HeartCert has options for everyone: blended online/in-person courses, fully online and private Kiosk sessions at several HeartCert locations

Learn more about HeartCert BLS Certification Training

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available. We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

5 Heart Healthy Breakfasts to Promote Longevity

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Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day. Eating a healthy breakfast each morning helps fuel your body to stay energized. Because of this, it’s essential to choose foods that will leave you feeling satiated and energized and not weighed down and sluggish. Choosing a heart-healthy option not only allows you to tackle the day but also promotes a healthy heart and potentially contributes to increased longevity.

fresh fruits and oatmeal on a wooden cutting board

Heart Healthy Breakfasts That Promote Longevity

A heart-healthy breakfast sets the stage for your entire day’s nutrition intake. Start your day with whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins to fuel your body and protect your heart. Incorporating fiber and healthy fats while avoiding excess sugars and processed foods makes a difference in how you feel throughout the day and your overall well-being. With mindful choices, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that support long-term heart health. Here are several heart-healthy breakfast options we’ve found to add to your morning meal rotations.

heart shaped sweet potato

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble

Sweet potatoes are an excellent heart-healthy food option. They are filling due to their high fiber content and contain several vitamins and antioxidants, which help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Sweet potatoes can be made to be sweet or savory for breakfast. Top them with yogurt, fruit and honey, or chop them and saute them with veggies and eggs.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble Recipe From Land of 10,000 Recipes:

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble

Fruit Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits

fruit and granola over yogurt

With fresh fruit, hearty oatmeal, and protein-packed yogurt, this trio creates a delicious and heart-healthy breakfast option. Choosing fruits like blueberries and blackberries keeps the glycemic index relatively low and adds antioxidants that promote longevity.

Fruit Oatmeal Yogurt Parfait Recipe From American Heart Association:

Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits

Are You Eating Enough Fiber for Heart Health? 

Veggie Omelet

heart healthy veggie omelet

A veggie omelet is another nutritious breakfast choice, as it combines egg whites or a mix of whole eggs with a variety of vegetables. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help reduce heart disease risk. Using egg whites can lower cholesterol intake, while whole eggs provide essential nutrients for overall health.

Veggie Omelet Recipe From EatingWell:

Vegetable Filled Omelets

Related Read: Top Ten Tips for Choosing Heart-Healthy Snacks 

Avocado Toast with Whole Grain Bread

Avocado toast with egg

Avocado toast is a popular meal that can be enjoyed for any meal, but most commonly served at breakfast. It is a heart-healthy option due to its high content of monounsaturated fats from avocado, which helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Whole grain bread provides fiber, which supports heart health by improving digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Adding an egg boosts protein intake, further supporting overall health.

Avocado Toast Recipe From Skinny Taste: 

Avocado Toast with Sunny Side Egg

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding in glass jar

Chia seed pudding is a heart-healthy breakfast option due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which helps reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It can be made in a variety of ways; add a dollop of nut butter for healthy fats and protein or by adding fresh fruits that provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Chia Seed Pudding Recipe From EatingWell:

Chia Seed Pudding

Looking for more ideas? Here’s 23 more heart-healthy breakfast recipes from EatingWell.

23 Heart-Healthy Breakfast Recipes in 15 Minutes

Selecting heart-healthy breakfasts can make a difference in maintaining cardiovascular heart health. Choosing whole foods, high-fiber options, and healthy fats to support heart wellness and lower your risk of heart disease. Be mindful of portion sizes and try to limit processed foods. With some planning and preparation, you can make your breakfast both nutritious and heart-friendly, contributing to a longer, healthier life. 

Want to know another way to make a difference and protect the hearts around you? CPR training is a valuable skill that can save lives when every second counts. Sign up for an in-person or online session today.

Register Today

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

HeartCert Trainings Now Available In Mississippi

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At HeartCert, we are dedicated to providing top-notch CPR and First Aid training programs, both at a basic and advanced level. We offer comprehensive courses that teach essential life-saving skills and instill confidence in individuals to effectively handle emergency situations. Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking to expand your knowledge or an individual interested in being well-prepared to respond in critical moments, our experienced instructors are committed to delivering impactful and engaging training sessions to meet your needs. 

Part of our mission is to make CPR and other life-saving skills training accessible to everyone nationwide; we continue to reach these goals by bringing our renowned training to more cities across the country, the latest being Mississippi.

HeartCert’s Renowned Trainings Now Available in Mississippi

HeartCert is pleased to announce the opening of our newest locations in Mississippi.

This location offers both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

Biloxi on-site training courses will be held at 14001 Big Ridge Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532 (Comfort Suites).

Oxford on-site training courses will be located at 1171 Frontage Rd, Oxford, MS 38655 (La Quinta Inn & Suites).

We also provide on-site courses and training sessions in various cities across Mississippi and throughout the country. 

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Mississippi

In addition to our Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a variety of trainings at our new locations. These include: BLS, IV Training, Mental Health First Aid, OSHA compliant Onsite CPR and Blood Borne Pathogen.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today.

 

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How Long Does CNA Training Take?

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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a rapidly growing career position that is relatively easily attainable and gives individuals a fantastic foundation for a promising healthcare career. CNAs assist in providing care to patients and make a significant difference in their overall well-being. So, if you’ve been considering this career path, you’re likely wondering, how long does it take to become CNA certified? At HeartCert, we’ve had hundreds of individuals go through our comprehensive CNA training and can fill you in on what you can expect from the process, including how long it takes.

What is a CNA?

A CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant. They are responsible for providing basic patient care, such as helping with bathing, eating, using the restroom, and walking. CNAs take vital signs and may assist with medical procedures. The versatility and wide-ranging tasks of a CNA make them highly valued and essential team members in the healthcare industry, where they can make a significant difference in patients’ overall well-being.

Find Out More: What Kind of Work Does a CNA Do?

CNA Training: What to Expect 

In order to prepare students for their responsibilities as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), it’s essential to cover a wide range of information. 

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Anatomy
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • Documentation requirements
  • Medical terminology
  • Patient care techniques

Students must be well-equipped with this knowledge to excel in their role and provide the best possible care for their patients.

How Long Does CNA Training Take?

The time it takes to complete a CNA training depends on the course you sign up for. There are several different models and program formats available, and the timeframe in which they take place will vary. Some programs are designed to be completed at your own pace, while others follow a full-time schedule with an intensive timeline for completion. Additionally, there are programs that are spread out over several months to accommodate different learning styles and scheduling needs.

Certified Nursing Assistant training typically consists of a minimum of 75 hours. Of these 75 hours, at least 16 hours consist of supervised practical training, which is conducted with a live person in a lab or a similar setting. This practical training allows CNA students to gain real-life, hands-on experience in a controlled environment, which is essential for preparing them for their role in a healthcare setting.

CNA training requirements will vary state by state. The federally required minimum is 75 hours, which must be completed in all states. Beyond that, some states may require additional hours as well. See the requirements for your state here.

CNA State Certification Exam

The state competency exam consists of two components: a written examination and a skills evaluation. During training you will be informed and prepared for taking the required examination. The purpose of the state exam is to ensure that the graduate has a comprehensive understanding of the nursing assistant’s role and can safely perform the duties expected of an entry-level nurse assistant.

CNA Training with HeartCert

The HeartCert Nursing Assistant Training Program offers students a chance to learn in a hands-on environment under the guidance of experienced licensed nurses. Our unique learning experience, coupled with a curriculum that meets or exceeds federal and state standards, ensures that our students are well-prepared for their role as CNAs.

At HeartCert, we recognize the need for flexibility. This is why we offer a variety of CNA training schedules that are designed to allow you to complete training requirements easily within your busy schedule.

With HeartCert’s comprehensive CNA training, students begin with an online curriculum. Before attending in-person sessions, students must complete the required online training. Following that, they will participate in classroom instruction, skills testing, and supervised practicals. After completing these steps, students can apply for employment or register for the state licensure exam if applicable.

Learn more about HeartCert CNA Training

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available. We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

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What’s your workday routine like in the office? Settle in at your desk or workstation, grab a cup of coffee and maybe have a chat at the water cooler. We get used to our daily rhythms and are not always prepared for unexpected events and challenges. Imagine going about your workday when suddenly a colleague collapses, showing signs of a cardiac arrest. Would you know what to do?

As unsettling as it may seem, this is a very real and serious consideration as the workplace is a common setting for such emergencies. Because we spend a significant portion of our time in the office, there is a substantial likelihood of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest at work. This is why it’s essential to ensure that your team is prepared. In this article, we’ll look at 4 reasons why offering CPR training to employees is not just a smart decision but a potentially life-saving one.

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

employees
photo credit: @thirdman accessed 11/29/21 via CC0

CPR Increases the Likelihood of Survival

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, keeps blood circulating until an ambulance arrives. Not only does this increase the odds of survival, but it can minimize the negative impacts of cardiac arrest.

Read: Why Every Business Should Have an AED Onsite

Hands-Only CPR is Less Invasive

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation used to be a standard component of CPR; therefore, many employees believe they must use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques while performing CPR, but this isn’t the case. Hands-only CPR is the standard now, which is much less invasive and more individuals feel capable and comfortable doing so.

Read: CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

Help Your Coworkers – And Your Career

Having the knowledge of CPR can be a valuable asset in any workplace setting. It is a life-saving technique that can potentially make a difference in the event of a medical emergency. You can even add it to your resume, as this noteworthy addition demonstrates your preparedness and commitment to workplace safety.

HeartCert Makes it Easy to Learn CPR

HeartCert offers on-site CPR training, making it easy and convenient to train all employees at once. Portions of the training can be completed online in advance, allowing for a more flexible time commitment. Depending on your line of work and industry, CPR training may be required for OSHA compliance. With HeartCert, you can ensure your team is prepared without disrupting your work schedule.

Do you have questions about office CPR training? Give HeartCert a call today.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How PALS Training Improves Emergency Response for Pediatric Patients

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Healthcare professionals strive to provide the best care to their patients, but the need is even more significant when it comes to caring for children and young patients. Understanding the proper techniques to use when administering medical attention to pediatric patients can be just as beneficial to their mental well-being with the situation at hand as it is to their physical care. In this article, we’ll review the importance of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training in providing high-quality care and improving emergency response for pediatric patients.

How PALS Training Prepares Healthcare Professionals for Pediatric Emergency Situations

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training is an impactful course that enables pediatric healthcare professionals to better understand and react in emergencies. 

As described by the American Heart Association, in a PALS course, you’ll learn to assess, recognize and care for young patients experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies, such as shock, cardiac and respiratory events. You’ll also learn how to provide care after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during a resuscitation effort.

Related Content: Essential Trainings for Healthcare Providers

Some of the benefits of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)  training include: 

Improved Pediatric Patient Care: 

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training helps healthcare professionals improve their skills to handle medical emergencies effectively and provide high-quality care to pediatric patients.

Enhanced Team Collaboration: 

This course will challenge critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and help medical professionals improve their teamwork skills to provide better patient care.

Greater Practice Proficiency: 

Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support enables healthcare professionals to be prepared for quick decision-making in high-stress scenarios and practice advanced interventions like airway management and medication administration.

Professional Development and Career Advancement: 

PALS certification equips healthcare professionals with strategies and protocols for managing pediatric emergencies. Acquiring a PALS certification can lead to career advancement opportunities in healthcare settings specializing in pediatric care.

Quality PALS Certification Simplified with HeartCert

PALS courses are intended for healthcare professionals such as physicians, ER nurses, respiratory therapists, and advanced emergency medical personnel who are responsible for assessing and managing critical pediatric patients.

The PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) program is designed to provide advanced pediatric healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively and efficiently manage critically ill infants and children. By enhancing their abilities, the program aims to improve patient outcomes in pediatric emergency situations.

At HeartCert, we know how important it is for healthcare professionals to have access to high-quality certification options that can fit into their busy schedules. We offer flexible training and advanced classes to help you advance in your career. Our goal is to make the certification and recertification process easy and stress-free while providing exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum.

HeartCert’s AHA PALS certification is available as an in-person course, private online with kiosk training and hybrid blended course. Find out more about HeartCert’s upcoming PALS certification courses and register for an upcoming session.

Register Today

Source: American Heart Association (AHA)

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available. We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.