ARC or AHA CPR Certifications: Which One Should You Get?

ARC or AHA CPR Certifications: Which One Should You Get

?

I'm a certified instructor for the American Red Cross (ARC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). It's simplistic to say that either the ARC or the AHA has the "better" CPR classes. There are differences in certification length, scope of content, price, and employer acceptance; hence, depending of what your objective is, one organization's CPR class may be a better fit for you than the other's. What follows is a brief summary of the similarities and differences between ARC and AHA CPR classes so you can make an informed decision before enrolling.

Certification Length

For a standard CPR certification, sometimes referred to as CPR for the layperson, the obvious choice used to be the AHA. Their certifications are good for two years, while the ARC had a one-year certification. That all changed in January 2011 when the ARC began making their CPR certifications good for two years.

Healthcare providers are required to take a more advanced CPR course. Both the AHA's "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" (often just called "BLS") and the ARC's "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" are good for two years.

Class Length and Content

AHA CPR courses are shorter than ARC courses. For example, AHA's "Heartsaver AED" course includes infant, child and adult CPR with AED (automated external defibrillator) training. It lasts 4 hours. The equivalent ARC course lasts 6 hours. For someone looking to save time, the AHA courses are the best choice.

There's a reason the ARC CPR courses are longer: they discuss and practice more material. For example, both ARC and AHA CPR classes include placing victims in a "recovery position" if they are breathing and you are waiting for help to arrive. The ARC courses demonstrate step-by-step how to place someone into a recovery position and then require students to practice the skill. The AHA courses recommend placing someone into a recover position, but do not require students to practice the skill.

Price

In general, AHA courses are slightly less expensive than the ARC's. However, AHA prices can vary significantly since private companies primarily teach them.

Students are required to buy an AHA course manual ahead of time and they cost between $10 to $15. Some companies teaching AHA courses include the manual in their course price and some don't. Find out if the manual is included. If the AHA course manual isn't included, it can make a big difference on the bottom line.

The ARC includes the course manual with the class price.

Certification Acceptance

If you need a CPR certification, ask whomever is requiring it if they prefer an AHA or ARC certification class. Many employers and agencies accept one, but not both.

For healthcare providers, the AHA BLS class is frequently the desired certification by employers. In the San Francisco Bay Area, all of the dental societies I've been in contact with only accept AHA's BLS class. And that appears to be the case with several hospitals as well. But again, ask whoever is requiring the healthcare provider certification which organization they prefer.

POST COMMENT

CNA Certification Benefits CNA Certification is Important to Get a Good Salary Job The Importance of CNA Certification Review of Prasara Yoga Certification The PMP Certification That Leads You To Become a Project Manager Acquire A Personal Trainer Certification The Easy Way Awesome Insight Into CompTIA Convergence Plus Certification Planning Ahead For Your Forensic Nursing Certification The Insight on LEED Green Building Certification Your Step-By-Step Guide on How to Obtain a CPR Certification Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Six Sigma Certification Db2 Certification Tutorials Db2 Certification Dumps