What Is HeartCode BLS?

If you need BLS certification for your job, you may have come across the term HeartCode BLS and wondered what it actually means.

Is it an online CPR class? Do you still have to attend an in-person class? How is it different from a traditional BLS course?

HeartCode BLS is the American Heart Association’s blended-learning format for BLS training. It combines online learning with a hands-on skills session with an American Heart Association instructor.

In other words, you get the flexibility of completing much of your coursework online while still practicing and demonstrating your CPR skills in person.

What Is HeartCode BLS?

HeartCode BLS is designed for healthcare professionals and others who need American Heart Association BLS training.

The course covers essential lifesaving skills, including:

• High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants

• AED use

• Relief of choking

• Bag-mask ventilation

• Effective team response

• Recognition and response to life-threatening emergencies

The major difference is how the training is delivered.

Instead of spending the entire course in a classroom, HeartCode BLS allows you to complete the learning portion online before attending an in-person skills session.

Is HeartCode BLS Completely Online?

No.

This is one of the most important things to understand about HeartCode BLS.

HeartCode is a blended-learning course, which means it has both an online portion and an in-person skills session.

You complete the required online coursework before coming to your scheduled hands-on session. During the in-person portion, you work with an instructor to practice and demonstrate the required BLS skills.

So if you are looking for a BLS course that is entirely online with no hands-on skills component, HeartCode BLS is not that type of course.

How Does HeartCode BLS Work?

The process is fairly simple:

1. Complete the online portion

You begin with the American Heart Association's online HeartCode BLS learning component.

This portion allows you to work through the educational material and knowledge assessment before your scheduled skills session.

2. Schedule your hands-on skills session

Once you've completed the required online portion, you'll attend your in-person skills session with an AHA instructor.

This is where you'll have the opportunity to practice the skills you've learned online.

3. Demonstrate your BLS skills

During the hands-on session, you'll demonstrate the required CPR and BLS skills while working with your instructor.

This hands-on component is an important part of learning how to respond in an actual emergency. Knowing what to do and physically being able to perform the skills are two different things.

4. Receive your AHA BLS certification

After completing the required components of the course, you'll receive your American Heart Association BLS certification.

Who Is HeartCode BLS For?

HeartCode BLS is commonly used by healthcare professionals and others whose employers or professional organizations require American Heart Association BLS certification.

This can include:

• Nurses

• Physicians and other healthcare providers

• Dental professionals

• EMTs and other first responders

• Medical assistants

• Healthcare students

• Other professionals who are required to maintain BLS certification

Always check with your employer, school, licensing organization, or credentialing body to confirm which course and certification they require.

HeartCode BLS vs. Traditional BLS

Both HeartCode BLS and traditional instructor-led BLS courses provide BLS training and include hands-on skills practice. The primary difference is how the educational portion of the course is delivered.

HeartCode BLS

• Online learning portion completed before class

• In-person hands-on skills session with an instructor

• More flexibility for completing the educational portion

• Hands-on CPR and BLS skills practice

• American Heart Association BLS certification upon successful completion

Traditional Instructor-Led BLS

• Educational portion completed in the classroom

• Instructor is present throughout the course

• In-person hands-on skills practice

• Opportunity to ask questions throughout the entire class

• American Heart Association BLS certification upon successful completion

Why Does HeartCode Include an In-Person Skills Session?

CPR and BLS training isn't only about knowing the correct answers on a test.

In an emergency, rescuers need to be able to perform the skills.

Hands-on practice allows participants to work with CPR equipment, practice compressions and other skills, use an AED, and demonstrate their response under the guidance of an instructor.

The in-person portion also allows participants to ask questions and receive feedback while practicing.

How Long Does HeartCode BLS Take?

The total time depends on the individual and how quickly they complete the online portion.

The online learning can be completed before your scheduled skills session, allowing you to work through that portion on your own schedule.

The in-person skills session is typically much shorter than attending a full traditional classroom BLS course because the educational portion has already been completed online.

At Choice CPR Training, our HeartCode BLS training combines the online coursework with an approximately two-hour hands-on skills session.

What Should I Do Before My Skills Session?

Make sure you complete the required online portion before your scheduled in-person session.

Your online coursework is an important part of the course, and arriving without completing it can prevent you from being ready for the hands-on portion.

We recommend giving yourself enough time to complete the online portion before your scheduled appointment rather than waiting until the last minute.

Is HeartCode BLS the Same as BLS?

HeartCode BLS and traditional instructor-led BLS cover the same core BLS training, but they use different delivery formats.

HeartCode BLS = online learning + hands-on skills session.

Traditional BLS = instructor-led classroom training + hands-on skills practice.

Both are American Heart Association BLS training options, but the format and learning experience are different.

As always, check your employer or school's requirements before registering to make sure you're choosing the appropriate course.

Choosing the Right BLS Course

The best course format for you may depend on your schedule, learning preferences, and your employer's requirements.

If you like being able to complete coursework online before attending a shorter hands-on session, HeartCode BLS may be a good option.

If you prefer having an instructor with you throughout the educational portion of the course, traditional instructor-led BLS may be more appropriate.

Whichever format you choose, make sure the course you take meets the certification requirements of your employer, school, or professional organization.

HeartCode BLS Training with Choice CPR Training

At Choice CPR Training, we offer American Heart Association HeartCode BLS training for healthcare professionals and others who need BLS certification.

Our HeartCode format allows you to complete the online learning portion before joining us for an instructor-led, hands-on skills session.

You'll have the opportunity to practice your BLS skills, demonstrate the required skills with an instructor, and complete the requirements for your AHA BLS certification.

Ready to get started?

Learn more about HeartCode BLS and view upcoming course dates →

Have questions about whether HeartCode BLS is the right course for your certification requirements? Contact Choice CPR Training, and we're happy to help you understand the course options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HeartCode BLS completely online?
No. HeartCode BLS combines online coursework with an in-person, hands-on skills session.

Do I have to complete the online portion before my skills session?
Yes. The online portion should be completed before attending your scheduled hands-on skills session.

Who needs BLS certification?
BLS certification is commonly required for healthcare professionals and others who may be responsible for responding to cardiac or respiratory emergencies. Your employer, school, or credentialing organization can tell you whether BLS certification is required for your specific role.

Does HeartCode BLS include hands-on CPR practice?
Yes. The HeartCode format includes an in-person skills component with an instructor.

Will I receive an American Heart Association BLS certification?
Successful completion of the required course components results in an American Heart Association BLS certification.

Can I complete the online portion whenever I want?
The online portion provides more flexibility than a traditional classroom course, but you should complete it before your scheduled in-person skills session.

What if I don't know whether I need HeartCode BLS or traditional BLS?
Check with your employer, school, or credentialing organization to find out which course format and certification they require. If you're still unsure, Choice CPR Training can help you understand the differences between the available options.