Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Project Heartbeat offers flexible BLS certification options at 15+ current locations with expansion to 20+ locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon. As a premier AHA Training Center with 29 years of experience, we provide the most advanced training technologies available, including HeartCode Complete – the AHA’s newest self-paced learning system.
Why Choose Project Heartbeat for BLS Training?
- 15+ Current Locations + Expanding: Bay Area, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and more, with Phoenix, Seattle, Portland coming soon
- AHA Technology Partnership: Selected by the American Heart Association as an early adopter of advanced training technologies
- HeartCode Complete Available: True adaptive learning – complete certification entirely on your schedule
- Expert Instructors: Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Paramedics with real-world experience
- Same-Day Certification: Receive your AHA eCard immediately upon completion
- Flexible Scheduling: Traditional classroom at Oakland campus, plus self-directed options at current locations
- Regional Leader: 29 years serving healthcare professionals with expanding West Coast coverage
BLS Training Options – Available Now + Expanding
Option 1: HeartCode Complete BLS (MOST POPULAR)
Self-Paced with Voice-Assisted Manikin – 15+ Current Locations
Perfect for busy healthcare professionals across the West Coast
- Currently available at 15+ locations throughout Northern California and Nevada
- Coming Soon: Phoenix Metro, Seattle Metro, Portland Metro
- Complete 100% on your schedule – no fixed class times
- Adaptive learning algorithm personalizes your training path
- 2-3 hours online + 30-minute hands-on skills check with voice-assisted manikin
- Same AHA certification as traditional classes
Current Locations:
- California: Bay Area, Sacramento, Central Valley
- Nevada: Las Vegas
Coming Soon (2025):
- Arizona: Phoenix Metro Area
- California: Los Angeles Metro Area
- Oregon: Portland Metro Area
- Washington: Seattle Metro Area
How it works:
- Complete online HeartCode BLS course (2-3 hours at your pace)
- Schedule convenient 30-minute skills session with voice-assisted manikin at your nearest location
- Receive AHA BLS Provider eCard same day
Option 2: Traditional Instructor-Led BLS
Full Classroom Experience – Oakland Campus
Ideal for first-time BLS students or those preferring group learning
- Expert instructor guidance throughout
- Interactive group scenarios and practice
- Comprehensive half-day format (4 hours total for initial, 3.5 hours total for renewal)
- Hands-on practice with fellow students
What You’ll Learn in BLS Training
Core Competencies Covered:
- High-Quality CPR: Adult, child, and infant CPR techniques with proper compressions and ventilations
- AED Operation: Automated External Defibrillator use, maintenance, and safety protocols
- Choking Relief: Effective techniques for conscious and unconscious patients of all ages
- Team Dynamics: Effective communication and coordination during resuscitation efforts
- Ventilation Skills: Bag-mask ventilation, rescue breathing, and airway management
- Emergency Recognition: Early identification of cardiac arrest, respiratory emergencies, and choking
Key BLS Skills (2020 Guidelines):
- Chest Compressions (proper depth, rate, and recoil)
- Rescue Breathing and Ventilation Techniques
- AED Use and Safety Considerations
- Team-Based Resuscitation Approach
- Quality Improvement and Performance Metrics
Who Should Take BLS Certification?
Required for Healthcare Professionals:
- Nurses and Nursing Students
- Medical and Dental Students
- Physicians and Dentists
- EMTs and Paramedics
- Respiratory Therapists
- Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Pharmacists
- Healthcare Support Staff
Also Beneficial For:
- Childcare Providers and Teachers
- Personal Trainers and Coaches
- Security Personnel
- Anyone wanting life-saving skills
Career Benefits:
- ✅ Meet employment and licensing requirements
- ✅ Essential prerequisite for ACLS and PALS certifications
- ✅ Increase confidence in emergency situations
- ✅ Stand out in competitive job market
- ✅ Potentially save lives in your workplace and community
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is BLS certification valid? BLS certification is valid for 2 years from completion date. You can renew with a shorter recertification course.
What’s the difference between HeartCode Complete and traditional classes? HeartCode Complete uses adaptive learning technology that personalizes your training path. You complete everything at your own pace with a brief hands-on skills check using voice-assisted manikin technology. Traditional classes follow a fixed schedule with instructor-led lectures and group practice.
Do I need to bring anything to class? For traditional classes, bring a valid ID and any pre-course materials if required. For HeartCode Complete, just bring your completion certificate from the online portion.
What if I don’t pass the first time? HeartCode Complete students will have unlimited attempts at skills sessions. In-person students will get a 2nd attempt by retaking the full class at no additional charge. Our instructors provide additional coaching to ensure your success.
Can you come to my workplace for group training? Yes! We provide on-site BLS training for groups of 8 or more. This is often more convenient and cost-effective for healthcare facilities.
Is your BLS certification accepted nationally? Yes, Project Heartbeat is an official American Heart Association Training Center. Our certifications are accepted nationwide and internationally.
Where can I take HeartCode Complete BLS skills testing? We currently have 15+ convenient locations throughout Northern California and Nevada. We’re expanding to Phoenix, Seattle, and Portland metro areas in 2025. Use our location finder tool to find your nearest current testing site or sign up for updates about new locations.
Are you opening locations in my area? We’re actively expanding! Phoenix Metro, Seattle Metro, and Portland Metro locations are coming in 2025. Sign up for our location updates to be notified when we open near you.
Do you offer BLS training in Arizona, Washington, or Oregon? Coming soon! We’re expanding to Phoenix Metro (Arizona), Seattle Metro (Washington), and Portland Metro (Oregon) in 2025. Currently, we serve California and Nevada with 15+ HeartCode Complete locations.
Can I take HeartCode Complete anywhere and do skills testing locally? Yes! Complete the online portion from anywhere, then schedule your 30-minute skills session with our voice-assisted manikin at any of our current locations for maximum convenience. New locations opening soon!
Is BLS required before taking ACLS or PALS? Yes, BLS certification is a prerequisite for both ACLS and PALS certification. Most healthcare providers start with BLS and then advance to specialized certifications based on their role.
What’s the difference between BLS and regular CPR classes? BLS is designed specifically for healthcare providers and includes advanced skills like bag-mask ventilation, team dynamics, and higher performance standards. Regular CPR classes are typically for the general public and cover basic life-saving techniques.
Learn More About BLS Certification
Benefits of Getting BLS Certification for Lay People
Basic Life Support, or BLS, training shouldn’t just be dedicated to health care professionals. Many people in other professions, as well as non-working lay people, can benefit from a quick class during which they learn how to provide rescue care and use an AED until emergency personnel arrive on the scene. Are you one of them?
What’s the Difference Between ACLS and BLS Certification?
Are ACLS and BLS the same thing? The short answer is no; they differ quite a bit – specifically in the level of advancement. So, what is the difference between BLS and ACLS, and which do you need? Read on to find out.
Wanting to Become a Nurse? Know When to Become BLS Certified
BLS certifications tell the world that you know how to perform CPR and perform basic life-saving techniques. If you’re planning to get into the health care field yourself, you may be wondering when you should get your certification. Is it best to get it long before you apply for your first job, or should you wait until you are accepted into a position?
