BLS Certification Classes in Chicago, IL
Get BLS certification in Chicago with hands-on BLS classes and same-day certification cards for healthcare providers.
Basic Life Support Certification: American Heart Association (AHA)
The AHA BLS certification is designed for healthcare providers who require CPR classes and emergency response training. This course follows American Heart Association guidelines and is widely accepted in hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions.
Who should take this course? This certification is ideal for:
- MDs, RNs, EMTs, Paramedics, Dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Medical personnel with busy schedules who need flexible training options.
What does the AHA BLS course cover?
- Adult, Child, and Infant CPR training.
- Conscious and unconscious choking response for all ages.
- Proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
- Breathing barriers, Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) usage, and 2-rescuer CPR certification.
- Special resuscitation situations and cardiopulmonary emergencies.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a digital certificate which is valid for two years.
- Same-day certification card issued upon completion.
- Valid for 2 years under the American Heart Association guidelines.
- Official BLS Provider Certification that meets hospital and healthcare compliance requirements.
Option #1: In-Person AHA BLS Course (Full Instructor-Led Training)
- Duration: Approx. 3 hours.
- Location: Available on-site and at our training facility.
- No online coursework required—everything is covered in class.
Option #2: Blended/Hybrid AHA BLS Course
- Step 1: Complete the online coursework (1-2 hours).
- Step 2: Attend the hands-on skills session (up to 1.5 hours).
- Step 3: Receive your same-day certification.
- Location: Available on-site and at our training center.
Important:
- The online portion must be completed before attending the skills session.
- Failure to complete the online coursework before the in-person session will require re-registration and full payment.
Basic Life Support Certification: American Red Cross (ARC)
The American Red Cross (ARC) BLS Certification is an OSHA-compliant training designed for healthcare providers. This course focuses on critical life-saving skills to help professionals respond effectively in medical emergencies.
Who should take this course? This training is recommended for:
- Healthcare professionals (MDs, RNs, EMTs, Paramedics, etc.).
- Individuals required to have BLS certification for workplace compliance.
What does the ARC BLS course cover?
- Adult, Child, and Infant CPR techniques.
- How to handle conscious and unconscious choking emergencies.
- Proper AED usage and special considerations.
- Breathing barriers, Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) techniques, and 2-rescuer CPR.
- Special resuscitation and cardiac emergency response training.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a digital certificate which is valid for two years.
- Same-day certification card issued upon completion.
- Valid for 2 years under the American Red Cross guidelines.
- Official BLS Provider Certification that meets hospital and healthcare compliance requirements.
Blended/Hybrid ARC BLS Course (Online + In-Person Skills Session)
- Step 1: Complete the online coursework (approx. 3 hours).
- Step 2: Attend the hands-on skills session (in-person training required).
- Step 3: Receive your same-day certification.
- Location: AAvailable on-site and at our training center.
Important:
- The online portion must be completed before attending the in-person session.
- Failure to complete the online coursework before in-person training will require re-registration and full payment.
Basic Life Support Training FAQ
Frequently asked questions about basic life support (BLS) and CPR training.
What is the difference between AHA and ARC BLS training certification?
Both the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross (ARC) BLS certifications provide essential life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, but they have some differences:
- AHA BLS is widely accepted in hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions.
- ARC BLS meets OSHA workplace safety compliance and is often used in corporate healthcare settings.
- AHA BLS is available both in-person and as a hybrid course, while ARC BLS is only offered as a hybrid course at our training facility.
Both certifications are valid for 2 years and cover the same life-saving skills.
How long does the basic life support course take?
The course length varies depending on the format:
- AHA In-Person BLS Course: 3 hours (fully instructor-led).
- AHA Blended/Hybrid BLS Course: Online coursework (1-2 hours) + in-person skills session (1.5 hours).
- ARC Blended/Hybrid BLS Course: Online coursework (approx. 3 hours) + in-person skills session.
When will I receive my certification card?
For both the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross (ARC) courses, certification cards are issued the same day after successfully completing the hands-on skills session (for in-person or hybrid classes). This allows participants to quickly meet professional requirements without delays.
Where can I take the BLS training?
- AHA BLS training is available at our facility or on-site for group sessions.
- ARC BLS training is offered only at our training center as a blended option.
Do nursing students need BLS certification?
Yes. Most nursing students need BLS certification before clinicals because it is designed for healthcare providers and clinical settings. If you are a student, read our guide to CPR certification for nursing students in Chicago to learn what to check before registering.