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American Heart Association Certification | CPR Buddy
Leading CPR & Life Support Training Since 2009

BLS | ACLS | First Aid | CPR Certification


Instant AHA Certification
 

  • In-person Certified CPR Classes

  • Online CPR | BLS | ACLS | First Aid Blended E-Learning

  • On-site Group CPR Certification training  
     

    • BLS Certification | Basic Life Support Certification

    • ACLS Certification |Advanced Cardiac Life Support

    • First Aid Certification with CPR and AED training

    • BLS Instructor

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Serving St Petersburg and Tampa Bay, FL

Since 2009

Reserve Your Spot at CPR Buddy
 

American Heart Association Courses

American Heart Association Authorized Training Site logo - Register for CPR and BLS classes at CPR Buddy in St. Petersburg.

Features

CPR Buddy is an American Heart Association Authorized Training Site offering CPR, BLS, and ACLS certification.

Instant AHA eCard
Receive your official AHA eCard instantly after course completion.

American Heart Association Certified
Training led by certified American Heart Association instructors.

Flexible Learning Options
Choose Online, Classroom, or Blended learning formats to fit your schedule.​

Trusted by Healthcare Providers
Proudly training healthcare professionals since 2009.

On-Site Training Available
We bring CPR and First Aid training to your location for added convenience.

Same-Day Certification
Get certified on the same day as your class or skills session.

Click to Learn About Our Certifications & Courses

  • Can BLS Instructors teach other courses?
    Yes, after completing the BLS Instructor course, instructors can teach additional courses like CPR and First Aid after completing further certifications.
  • What are the prerequisites for becoming a BLS Instructor?
    To become a BLS instructor, candidates must have a current AHA BLS Provider certification, be at least 18 years old, and complete the BLS Instructor Essentials Online Course before attending an in-person skills session.
  • How long does it take to become a BLS Instructor?
    The BLS Instructor Essentials Online course takes approximately 1-2 hours, and the in-person skills session lasts about 5-6 hours, depending on the class size and instructor.
  • What is the BLS Instructor Essentials Course?
    The BLS Instructor Essentials Course is a program that prepares candidates to become certified American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) instructors. It includes online and in-person components designed to train instructors to teach BLS courses effectively.
  • What is the cost of becoming a BLS Instructor?
    The course fees typically include a fee for the online course, an instructor manual, and the in-person training session. Costs can vary by location and training center, so it’s recommended to check with your local AHA center.
  • What teaching materials are required for BLS Instructors?
    Instructors will need access to the AHA BLS Instructor Manual, BLS Provider course materials, and appropriate training equipment like CPR manikins and AED trainers.
  • How often do I need to renew my BLS Instructor certification?
    BLS Instructors are required to renew their certification every two years by demonstrating their teaching competency and maintaining their provider certification.
  • Should I Take the BLS Course Online or Attend In-Person?
    Both online and in-person options are available. The online BLS course provides flexibility, allowing you to complete the theory portion at your own pace. However, you will still need to attend an in-person skills session to demonstrate hands-on skills like CPR and AED use. In-person classes combine both theory and practice in a single session.
  • What’s the Difference Between CPR and BLS?
    CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) focuses on chest compressions and rescue breaths for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. BLS (Basic Life Support) includes CPR but also covers additional life-saving techniques such as using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and responding to respiratory emergencies. BLS is more comprehensive and is typically required for healthcare professionals.
  • Is the Renewal Process for BLS Certification the Same as the Initial Course?
    Yes, the renewal process for BLS certification is similar to the initial course. It includes the same core content—CPR, AED use, and other emergency skills. However, renewal courses may be shorter since they serve as a refresher for those already certified. BLS certification is valid for two years.
  • Who Should Take the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course?
    The Basic Life Support (BLS) course is essential for healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, EMTs, and other medical personnel who need to perform CPR and use an AED. It’s also recommended for first responders and anyone in the emergency care field who might need to provide life-saving assistance.
  • How Much Does the Basic Life Support (BLS) Course Cost?
    The cost of the Basic Life Support (BLS) course typically ranges between $60 and $100 depending on the provider. At our training center, the BLS certification course is offered for $65, which includes all course materials, hands-on training, and the American Heart Association (AHA) certification upon completion.
  • How Long Does First Aid Certification Last?
    First Aid certification is typically valid for two years, after which a renewal course is required to maintain certification. The renewal process ensures that participants stay current with the latest guidelines and techniques.
  • Can I Combine First Aid with CPR/AED Certification?
    Yes, many training centers, including ours, offer a combined First Aid, CPR, and AED certification course. This comprehensive course covers both medical emergencies and life-saving techniques in one session, making it a convenient option for those needing both certifications.
  • What Does the First Aid Course Cover for Workplaces?
    For workplaces, a First Aid course focuses on injury prevention and response, addressing common workplace accidents such as falls, cuts, and burns. Some courses also offer training on handling medical conditions like heart attacks or allergic reactions, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.
  • What’s Included in the First Aid Course?
    A First Aid course covers a variety of emergency scenarios such as choking, burns, cuts, and fractures. It teaches how to assess injuries and provide basic care until professional help arrives. Many courses also include CPR and AED training to address cardiac emergencies.
  • Who Needs First Aid Certification?
    First Aid certification is recommended for anyone who may need to provide immediate assistance in an emergency, including teachers, coaches, childcare providers, workplace safety personnel, and community members. Many workplaces require First Aid certification to meet safety standards.
  • How Long is ACLS Certification Valid?
    ACLS certification is valid for two years. After that, healthcare providers must complete a renewal course to maintain their certification. Renewal courses review critical concepts and update participants on any changes in guidelines.
  • Who Should Take the ACLS Course?
    ACLS certification is required for healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and emergency room staff who respond to critical medical emergencies. It’s also recommended for anyone working in acute care settings or involved in cardiac care.
  • What is ACLS Certification?
    ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification trains healthcare providers to respond to complex cardiovascular emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions. The course covers advanced airway management, drug administration, and team-based resuscitation techniques.
  • How Does ACLS Differ from BLS?
    While BLS focuses on basic life support skills such as CPR and AED use, ACLS builds on those fundamentals by adding advanced techniques like intubation, medication administration, and managing complex cardiac arrhythmias. ACLS is intended for healthcare providers with a background in basic life support.
  • Is ACLS Certification Available Online?
    While the theory portion of ACLS certification can be completed online, an in-person skills session is required to practice and demonstrate advanced life support techniques. This blended learning approach allows for flexible scheduling while ensuring that hands-on skills are verified.
  • Who needs BLS certification?
    BLS certification is required for healthcare providers such as nurses, doctors, paramedics, medical students, and professionals in other roles like fitness trainers or lifeguards. It’s also a great course for anyone who wants to be prepared in case of emergencies.
  • Can I complete BLS certification online?
    Yes! Our HeartCode® BLS online course allows you to complete the cognitive portion at your own pace, followed by an in-person skills session to finalize your certification.
  • What will I learn in the BLS certification course?
    You’ll learn high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults, children, and infants, AED use, effective ventilation techniques, team dynamics in resuscitation, and how to manage choking emergencies.
  • How do I renew my BLS certification?
    You can renew your BLS certification through our renewal courses, offered both in-person and online. Check our schedule for upcoming dates.
  • Do you offer group BLS training?
    Yes, CPR Buddy offers group BLS training sessions for businesses, healthcare institutions, and community organizations. Contact us to schedule on-site training for your team. Group Request Form
  • How can I get BLS certified in St. Petersburg?
    You can get BLS certified through CPR Buddy. We offer in-person and online BLS courses, including the HeartCode® BLS online option with a same-day skills session. Book your spot now to earn your certification today!
  • How long does it take to complete BLS certification?
    The BLS certification takes about 3 hours for the in-person course. If you opt for the HeartCode® BLS online course, it takes 1.5 hours for the online portion, followed by a 30-minute in-person skills session.
  • How do I access the online courses if I lose my training email?
    If you lose your training email, don’t worry! You can access your course by following the links below for each discipline: ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) BLS (Basic Life Support) First Aid, CPR, and AED
  • What is a blended learning course?
    Blended learning combines online e-learning with an in-person skills session. You'll complete the online coursework and then schedule a hands-on session to practice and demonstrate your skills.
  • Is the online training OSHA approved?
    Yes, all our online courses, including ACLS, BLS, and First Aid (CPR and AED), are OSHA-approved and meet the latest American Heart Association guidelines.
  • Which courses are available online?
    We offer online e-learning for ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support), BLS (Basic Life Support), and First Aid, which includes CPR and AED training. All courses meet OSHA requirements.
  • What is online e-learning, and how does it work?
    Our online e-learning courses allow you to complete the theoretical portion of your ACLS, BLS, and First Aid training at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. After completing the online modules, you’ll attend an in-person skills session to demonstrate your practical skills.
  • How can I contact the American Heart Association if I'm having difficulty with the online program?
    If you're experiencing any issues with the online program, you can contact the American Heart Association (AHA) directly for assistance. You can reach their support team at 1-877-AHA-4CPR (1-877-242-4277) or visit their Contact Us page for more information.
  • Can I get certified entirely online?
    While you can complete the coursework online, credentialing requires you to attend an in-person skills session. This hands-on session ensures you have the practical skills necessary to respond in an emergency.
  • Can group training be provided at our location?
    Yes, we offer mobile classroom services that bring life-saving training, including Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, and AED instruction, directly to your location in the Tampa Bay area. This service is available for groups of 10 or more, making it a convenient option for larger teams. Group request Form.
  • What are the options for smaller groups?
    For groups of four or more, training can be conducted at our St. Petersburg office. This allows for personalized attention and flexible scheduling by appointment. Group request Form.
  • Are the group training programs certified by the American Heart Association and OSHA?
    Yes, our group training sessions are certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) and meet OSHA standards. These programs, including the Heartsaver courses, ensure your team is equipped with the necessary skills and certifications to meet workplace safety requirements. Group Request Form
  • How do I claim my AHA eCard?
    After completing your course, you will receive an email from the American Heart Association (AHA) with a link to claim your eCard. Follow the instructions in the email to access your eCard. If you haven’t received the email, check your spam/junk folder or email us.
  • Where can I access my eCard?
    You can retrieve your eCard by visiting the AHA eCard Search page. You’ll need to enter your name and email address or your eCard Code to access and download your eCard.


Get Certified with Ease: Group & Office Training Options




American Heart Association CPR & First Aid Certification Classes

Team Lifesavers

Group Training in St Pete

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​Location: Downtown St. Petersburg
Personalized Learning: Tailored to group size
Appointment Required: Ensures personalized attention


Courses Offered:

  • CPR Certification | Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

  • BLS Certification | Basic Life Support for Professionals

  • ACLS Certification | Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider

  • First Aid Training with CPR & AED

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Learn-On-The-Go

Mobile On-Site Classroom

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​Convenience: On-site training at your location
Group Size: Available for groups of 10 or more
Flexible Scheduling: Tailored to your needs


Courses Available:

  • American Heart Association CPR Certification

  • BLS Provider Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

  • First Aid Certification with CPR & AED Training

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