Are you looking for the right certification to help advance your career? With so many different certifications available, it can be difficult to know which is best for you. This article will provide an overview of the various types of certifications available and how to determine which one is right for you. We'll discuss the benefits of each type of certification, what employers look for when hiring certified professionals, and how to get started on the path to certification. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of which certification is right for you and how to get started.
Benefits of CPR Certifications
Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Basic Life Support can provide many benefits for those looking to advance their career. Certified professionals often have higher salaries than non-certified professionals, as employers recognize the value of certification. Additionally, certified professionals are often more likely to be promoted or receive job offers than non-certified professionals. Certification can also provide a sense of accomplishment, pride in one's work, and a greater understanding of the industry or profession.
Healthcare Provider vs. Non-Healthcare Provider
Healthcare provider certifications and non-healthcare provider certification programs are two distinct types of certifications that can help you advance your career. Healthcare provider certifications are typically required for those who work in the medical field, such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. These certifications demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill related to the specific area of practice. Non-healthcare provider certifications, on the other hand, are typically related to a specific industry or profession. These certifications demonstrate a level of expertise in a particular field, depending on the employment requirements, and can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in that area.
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CPR Certification Courses for Healthcare providers
CPR certification courses are an important part of healthcare provider certifications. These courses provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and lifesaving skills necessary to perform CPR in emergency situations. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers a variety of CPR certification courses for healthcare providers, including:
Basic Life Support with First Aid Certification
Basic Life Support with First Aid (BLS+FA) is a certification course designed for healthcare professionals who can provide basic life support and first aid in emergency situations. This course covers the basics of CPR, how to use an AED, and other important topics related to resuscitation and basic first aid skills such as bandaging wounds, splinting fractures, and treating burns.
CPR/AED Certification (Health Care Providers)
CPR/AED is a training class designed for healthcare professionals who need to be able to perform high-quality CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in cardiac emergencies. This course covers the basics of CPR, how to use an AED, and other important topics related to resuscitation.
Basic Life Support Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) is a certification course designed for healthcare professionals who need to be able to provide basic life support in emergency situations. This course covers the basics of CPR, how to use an AED, and other important topics related to resuscitation. BLS certification is often required for medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Healthcare Provider CPR / BLS skills include:
- Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED
- Checking the pulse
- Using a bag valve mask
- Performing 2-rescuer CPR
- Jaw thrust maneuver
If you work in a hospital, have access to a bag valve mask at work, or have been trained in a healthcare setting for your job, you most likely need healthcare provider skills.

CPR Certification Courses for Non-Healthcare Providers
Non-healthcare provider certifications are typically related to a specific industry or profession. These certifications demonstrate a level of expertise in a particular field and can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in that area. Examples of non-healthcare provider certifications include:
CPR/AED Certification
CPR class is designed for anyone who needs to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator in emergency situations. This course covers the basics of CPR, how to use an AED, and other important topics related to resuscitation. It also provides instruction on recognizing and responding to medical emergencies in the workplace or community.
Basic First Aid Certification
Basic First Aid is a certification course designed for anyone who needs to be able to provide basic first aid in emergency situations. This course covers the basics of first aid, such as bandaging wounds, splinting fractures, and treating burns. It also provides instruction on recognizing and responding to medical emergencies in the workplace or community.
CPR/AED with First Aid Certification
CPR/AED with First Aid is a certification course designed for healthcare professionals who need to be able to provide CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in emergency situations, as well as basic first aid skills such as bandaging wounds, splinting fractures, and treating burns. This course covers the basics of CPR, how to use an AED, and other important topics related to resuscitation and basic first aid skills.
What Employers Look For?
When hiring certified professionals, employers look for those who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in their chosen field. Employers also look for certifications that are relevant to the job they are hiring for and those that demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and professional development. Additionally, employers often prefer certifications from reputable organizations or institutions, as these provide assurance of the quality of the certification.
Do I need Child / Infant CPR?
If there is a possibility of coming into contact with any person under the age of 12 at your workplace, it is recommended that you take pediatric CPR certification. This will ensure that you are properly prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Which Industries Use hands on training?
Hands-on training is used in various industries, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. However, the necessity for hands-on training is still contingent upon several factors, including the state in which you reside and the licensing for your business. It is most likely required for at least some of your staff if you are in these industries:
- Licensed child care
- A skilled nursing home that accepts Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement
- Dental Office
- Ambulance company
- High-risk trade work such as construction, logging, mining, or high-voltage electrical work
Requirements tend to be more varied for other professions, such as :
- Physical, Occupational, or Massage Therapists
- Teachers
- Immunizing Pharmacists
- Opticians
- Assisted living facilities
How to get started?
Getting started with training courses can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step is determining which certification course is right for you and your career goals. Once you have chosen a course, contact organizations like American Heart Association and American Red Cross or a training center offering it to enroll or register.
After enrolling in the training center, you will be given access to the training materials, which can be taken through classroom-type or online training. After successful completion of the class or online modules and passing the certification exam, you will be given a certificate or CPR completion card as proof that you are CPR-certified.
Key Takeaway
- There are a variety of certifications available to suit different needs and industries.
- It is important to research the requirements for your specific industry and job role to determine which certification is right for you.
- Healthcare provider certifications are typically required for those who work in the medical field.
- Non-healthcare provider certifications are typically related to a specific industry or profession.
- Employers often prefer certifications from reputable organizations or institutions, as these provide assurance of the quality of the certification.
- Hands-on training may be required for certain industries, so it is important to research the requirements for your specific industry and job role.