As sudden cardiac arrests rise, more states now need CPR certification. So, the demand for CPR training grows each year. The rise in regulations creates a need for qualified CPR instructors. They must provide crucial, life-saving training.
This guide is for you if you want to become a CPR instructor. It provides a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
What is a CPR instructor?
CPR instructors play an essential role in supporting community health and safety. If you love teaching and want to save lives, consider becoming a CPR instructor. It might be the perfect job for you. CPR instructors are certified by respected groups, like the American Heart Association. They can teach CPR and Basic Life Support. They train healthcare workers and the public in schools, daycares, and factories. Their goal is to prepare more people to respond to emergencies.
For some, being a CPR instructor is integral to their role within a company or organization. In contrast, others help the community. They provide training sessions when asked for help.
The types of organizations seeking CPR training can vary based on location. In rural areas, CPR instructors often train employees in farming and manufacturing. They also train those in OSHA-regulated jobs. In cities, community centers and clinics may have higher demand. They need CPR skills for their staff and community members.
How do I become a CPR instructor?
To be a CPR instructor, you must meet some prerequisites and take an instructor course. These requirements are generally straightforward. Before joining an AHA CPR instructor class, you must complete an AHA CPR course.
The AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) course is highly recommended. It qualifies instructor candidates to teach advanced CPR to healthcare providers. Some classes are for Heartsaver CPR Instructor certification. They need only basic Heartsaver CPR beforehand, but these are rare. Most aspiring instructors prefer the broader qualification. It allows them to teach BLS and Heartsaver CPR.
We recommend the American Heart Association for initial CPR training. They are the leading authority on CPR guidelines and research. Once certified as an AHA instructor, you can expand your credentials. The American Red Cross and the Health and Safety Institute offer bridge courses for this.
What skills are required to become a CPR instructor?
Successful CPR instructors need to manage a classroom and show confidence while speaking. They must also work well with diverse groups. These skills are vital to succeed in teaching life-saving skills.
A medical background can help you understand the course. But, it’s not required to become a CPR instructor. Anyone can pursue this role. You do not need any experience or qualifications to teach CPR skills.
How much does it cost to become a CPR instructor?
Most CPR Instructor courses cost $500 to $935. This covers the prerequisite certifications, the manuals, and the instructor training. It requires an initial investment. But, instructors can usually recover the cost after teaching a few classes.
The cost of a CPR instructor course can vary based on the training center and location you choose. Typical expenses may include:
- CPR Provider Certification: $75–$150
- The AHA Instructor Essentials online course costs $35. Your instructor usually provides it before the main class.
- Instructor hands-on/classroom course: $250-$600 (varies by location)
- Monitoring: $0-$150 (Some Training Centers may include this in the classroom course cost)
Once you finish the course, you’ll need to budget for renting or buying the teaching equipment. Be sure to consider these costs as part of your investment.
Can I take an instructor course online?
The American Heart Association no longer permits online instructor classes. AHA Training Centers offered online courses from 2020 to 2022. Now, all instructor courses must be in-person.
How and where can I start my CPR instructor course?
Find an AHA Training Center. It must be authorized. They offer instructor courses. Enroll in an AHA Instructor class. As part of enrollment, complete an Instructor Candidate Application. The Class Eagle Health and Safety Directory can help find nearby courses. Yet, those in rural areas may need to travel to a training site.
How long is a CPR instructor’s course?
Before the instructor class, you must complete the AHA online Instructor Essentials course. This course takes 1.25 hours. You can complete it independently, but it must be done before the in-person session.
The hands-on classroom part of the instructor course takes about 8 hours. Typically, classes are held in a single day, but some may extend to two days, depending on size and scheduling.
A CPR instructor course covers various topics.
In the in-person part of the CPR instructor course, students will review the instructor manual and do mock teaching sessions. Each candidate can practice evaluating and providing feedback on CPR skills. Also, candidates will learn about the AHA’s structure. They will learn the key competencies required for all instructors.
Is there a CPR instructor exam?
The instructor’s course concludes with a 25-question exam. The AHA requires a score of 84% or higher to pass. The exams are open-source. If needed, remediation is at the instructor’s discretion.
After the course, you must teach a class on your own. An instructor or AHA Training Center faculty member will supervise you. This observation ensures you can teach CPR skills using AHA lesson plans.
To keep your skills sharp, it’s best to teach a class within six months of completing the instructor course. Practicing with friends or family can be fun. It helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
Faqs
Do I need a medical background to become a CPR instructor?
No, a medical background is not required to become a CPR instructor. It can help with the course. But, anyone can pursue CPR instructor certification without prior medical experience.
Are online CPR instructor classes available through the American Heart Association?
No, the AHA requires all instructor classes to be in person. Online courses were allowed for a brief time, from 2020 to 2022. Now, AHA instructor courses must be taken in a hands-on classroom.
What prerequisites do you need to attend an AHA instructor class?
Candidates must complete the AHA online Instructor Essentials course before the AHA Instructor class. This course takes about 1.25 hours, and candidates must finish it before the in-person class.
What does the hands-on part of the CPR instructor course involve?
The hands-on part of the CPR instructor course usually takes about 8 hours. It includes reviewing the instructor manual, mock teaching, and practicing student evaluations. A trainer guides these activities. Some classes may split the hands-on part over two days, depending on the number of participants.
Is there an exam at the end of the instructor’s course?
Yes, the course concludes with a 25-question exam. To pass, candidates must achieve a score of 84% or higher. Exams are open resources, and remediation is available at the instructor’s discretion.
What happens after I complete the CPR instructor course?
After the course, you must teach a class. An instructor or AHA Training Center faculty member must watch it. This shows that you can follow AHA lesson plans and coach students in CPR.
When should I teach my first class after becoming a CPR instructor?
To keep your skills fresh, teach your first class within six months of the instructor’s course. Practicing by teaching friends or family members is a great way to start.
Conclusion
On average, becoming a CPR instructor costs $720 to $935. Costs may vary by location and any prior CPR certification. After certification, you may need to buy training equipment if you lack access to it.
