Program Overview
The American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Instructor course is designed to empower experienced healthcare providers to become elite educators. This train-the-trainer program focuses on the pedagogical skills needed to teach high-quality CPR and life-saving techniques.
This course provides the technical knowledge and classroom management strategies required to facilitate AHA courses independently. Candidates master the art of observation, feedback, and remediation.
Upon successful completion of the classroom session, instructor candidates must be monitored teaching their first class by a Training Center Faculty member. Once successfully monitored, candidates receive their BLS Instructor card, valid for two years.
Key Learning Objectives
- Instructional Mastery — Learn to use AHA Instructor-led training (ILT) and blended-learning formats
- Skill Performance & Evaluation — Master the ability to critique student performance using objective skills testing checklists
- Classroom Management — Understand how to manage equipment, maintain a safe learning environment, and handle diverse student needs
- AHA Administration — Navigate the Program Administration Manual (PAM) and understand course paperwork and card issuance requirements
Requirements
Prerequisites
Current AHA BLS Provider certification
Must be at least 18 years of age
Complete the BLS Instructor Essentials Online module prior to the hands-on session
Be aligned with an authorized AHA Training Center