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What Happens During a BLS Certification Class?

Chicago's Pulse February 13, 2026 CPR AED
What Happens During a BLS Certification Class?

Wondering what to expect at your first BLS class? Here's a complete walkthrough of the BLS Healthcare Provider course, from pre-course preparation to receiving your AHA certification card.

If you're preparing for your first BLS (Basic Life Support) Healthcare Provider course, you might be wondering what to expect. Whether you're a nursing student, a new EMT, or a healthcare professional renewing your certification, here's a complete breakdown of what happens during the class.

Before Class: Preparation

For initial certification, there's no formal prerequisite, but it helps to review the BLS Provider Manual beforehand. If you're taking a renewal course, bring your current BLS card. Wear comfortable clothing — you'll be kneeling on the floor practicing compressions on manikins.

Part 1: High-Quality CPR

The course begins with the foundation of BLS: high-quality chest compressions. You'll learn and practice the correct rate (100-120/min), depth (at least 2 inches for adults), full chest recoil, and minimizing interruptions. You'll practice on adult, child, and infant manikins.

Part 2: AED Use

Next, you'll learn to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). You'll practice placing pads, following prompts, and integrating AED use with CPR. This is a critical skill — early defibrillation dramatically increases survival from cardiac arrest.

Part 3: Ventilations

You'll practice ventilations using pocket masks and bag-mask devices. The course covers proper head-tilt/chin-lift technique, the importance of visible chest rise, and how to avoid over-ventilation.

Part 4: Team Dynamics & Choking

BLS isn't a solo skill. You'll practice team-based resuscitation with roles like compressor, ventilator, and team leader. You'll also learn relief of choking (foreign-body airway obstruction) for adults, children, and infants.

Skills Testing & Written Exam

At the end, you'll complete a skills test demonstrating high-quality CPR and a short written exam (25 multiple-choice questions). Don't worry — if you've been paying attention during class, you'll do great.

Get Certified

Upon successful completion, you receive your AHA BLS Provider e-card, valid for two years. At Chicago's Pulse, most students receive their e-card the same day.

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Content may be AI-assisted. All information reflects the views of Chicago's Pulse, an AHA-Authorized Training Center, and should be independently verified before making clinical or compliance decisions. For emergency medical situations, call 911.