AHA Instructor Course

DAY 1: BLS Instructor Course

DAY 2: ACLS/PALS Instructor Course

Candidates MUST successfully complete an ACLS/PALS megacode OR a BLS 2-provider scenario AND a provider written exam without supplemental materials (textbook, notes, etc.) at the beginning of each day in order to matriculate into the instructor course. Any candidates that are unable to do so will be unable to complete the remainder of the course and will not be refunded. 

Candidates MUST bring a copy of the “Core Instructor Course eLearning Completion Certificate” and a current ACLS/PALS/BLS provider card to the course. The eLearning code for each respective Core Instructor Course will be issued to each registrant as a part of the course cost. The hard-copy instructor manuals are NOT included in the course cost, but they can be purchased for delivery or training center pickup. 

Instructor Process

Becoming an AHA Instructor is a 3-step process:

1. Complete the Core Instructor eLearning Course: This is a self-directed course which can be completed online with the use of a workbook. It takes about 6 to 8 hours and must be completed before attending the Instructor Course. Please note that the cost of this textbook is not included in the price of the course. The text may be purchased from the training center and shipped to you. The eLearning code is included in the course cost and will be emailed to you after your registration. 
2. Attend the Instructor Course: Once an Instructor Candidate has completed the orientation, the candidate will be invited to attend the Instructor Course. The instructor course is for those who wish to teach the American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) courses, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses and/or Basic Life Support (BLS) courses. These courses will provide the Instructor Candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully deliver full, renewal and eLearning/skills certification provider courses. Upon successful completion of this course and associated monitoring sessions, the Instructor Candidate will obtain an AHA ACLS, PALS and/or BLS instructor card. Instructor Candidates will be able to teach courses using the video and lesson maps that are part of the appropriate ACLS, PALS and/or BLS course instructor materials. 
3. Align with an AHA Training Center for Monitoring/Mentoring: Once the Instructor Course has been successfully completed, a minimum of two monitoring sessions will be required for all candidates. This will give them time to acclimate to the way a course is run and the practices necessary to be an assistant instructor. Once this process is completed successfully, the instructor will be issued their instructor card.

Physical Requirements

You must be able to physically demonstrate the skills in order to receive a certification.

AHA Disclaimer

The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association, and any fees charged for such a course do not represent income to the Association.