Are you a medical professional who is planning to take an AHA BLS certification course? Just like any class, it’s a good idea to start preparing for a BLS training class ahead of time. By putting in some prep work and studying in advance, you can make the most of your course experience when the time comes––and pass your exam with flying colors!
What is BLS certification?
Regulated by the American Heart Association (AHA), BLS certification helps prepare medical professionals to respond to life-threatening emergencies. This certification is recommended––and often required––for healthcare providers including doctors, nurses, EMTs, dentists, pharmacists, and more.
BLS training teaches healthcare workers how to keep a patient alive until they can arrive at the hospital. So, what do you learn in BLS training? Basic life support (BLS) training covers topics in emergency life support such as CPR for patients of all ages, treatment for choking victims, proper AED use, and much more. It’s an essential training course for any individual who is looking to pursue a career in the healthcare industry.
How to Prepare for BLS Class
If you’ve never taken a BLS class before, it’s normal to be uncertain about what to expect or maybe even a little nervous. However, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you have the best experience possible at your AHA BLS skills session. Here are our best tips for BLS certification success:
Tip #1: Find the Right Training
When getting your BLS certification, you have some options. When it’s time to register for your training course, give some thought to which type of class will best suit you. SureFire CPR offers two methods of BLS training: traditional, instructor-led courses and hybrid online BLS courses with a brief in-person skills check. Some students enjoy the immersion of an in-person course, while others favor the convenience of a hybrid class. Both paths offer exceptional, high-quality instruction, it’s just a matter of what learning style you prefer and what fits into your schedule. Typically, experienced providers tend to favor the hybrid class, while those new to healthcare enjoy the instructor led option so they can ask the instructor loads of questions!
Tip #2: Start Reviewing Basic BLS Information
While any BLS training course will cover all of the necessary information needed to pass the exam and receive the certification, it never hurts to get a head start. Before the training session, take some time to study up on all things BLS and find out what do you learn in a BLS course. You don’t need to memorize every piece of information, but it’s helpful to read up on the subject beforehand.
Tip #3: Make a List of Questions
As you start to study BLS topics, take note of any questions that you have. Bring a list of your questions with you to the training course so that you can ask the instructor. Having your lists ready to go allows you to focus on the course itself and not worry about remembering all your questions.
Tip #4: Study Key Terms
It’s also helpful to look up some key terms related to BLS. Familiarizing yourself with this information beforehand will make it easier to follow along during the training. Instead of trying to keep track of new words or having to look things up, you can focus on the lesson and techniques.
Tip #5: Take a Practice Exam
Another helpful strategy is to take a practice exam before your BLS class. While you might not be able to ace it until you’ve completed the training, it can still be helpful to get a sense for what topics will be covered, what kinds of questions will be on the exam, and how exam questions might be formatted. There are lots of practice exams available for free online.
Tip #6: Set Yourself Up For Success
As with any test, it’s important to take care of yourself mentally and physically so that you can be in the best possible state of mind on exam day. Before your BLS course, be sure to get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well to keep those pre-test jitters at bay. Make sure you know the address of your training facility and arrive on time. You might want to come prepared with some pencils and a notebook as well.
FAQs About AHA BLS Certification
Still have some questions about BLS certification? We have answers! Check out these commonly asked questions:
How do I prepare for BLS training?
Before taking an AHA BLS certification course, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic BLS information, review a BLS certification study guide, and take a practice exam or two.
Do I need to study before BLS class?
While the instructor will cover all information included on the certification exam, it’s still worthwhile to study beforehand so that you come to the class prepared and ready to ask questions.
How many times can you take the BLS exam?
If you do not pass the BLS exam, you can retake the written test once. Note that BLS certification remains valid for 2 years, so you will need to retake the test every two years in order to renew your certification card.
How many questions are on the BLS CPR test?
The exact amount of questions on the BLS CPR test can vary. SureFire CPR’s BLS training course takes around 3-4 hours to complete, including the exam. Usually there are about 25 multiple choice questions and a hands on skills test.
Get Your BLS Certification With SureFire CPR
Ready to sign up for an AHA BLS certification course? Register today with SureFire CPR. We pride ourselves on being a learning center, not a testing center. You will love our laid back, low stress environment so you can get the most out of your training and be 100% ready to save a life! Our award-winning training courses deliver proven results to help students pass their certification exams and enjoy amazing careers in the medical field. With expert-led instruction, cutting-edge equipment, and engaging lessons, our team can help you get BLS certified.
Our team is here to assist you any way we can, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. You can message us online via our contact form or call us at (888) 277-3143.
