The BLS Instructor Course is designed for individuals who want to become certified to teach AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) courses through an AHA Training Center.
This course prepares participants to understand and apply AHA teaching methodology, manage a classroom, and conduct BLS courses in accordance with current AHA guidelines and policies.
Course Components:
The BLS Instructor Course consists of two required parts:
Online Instructor Essentials Course (emailed to you by American Safety Programs & Training 1-2 weeks prior to the course date and completed independently)
In-Person Instructor Course led by a Training Center Faculty member at American Safety Programs & Training
Both components must be successfully completed to earn BLS Instructor certification.
Prerequisites:
To enroll in the BLS Instructor Course, participants must:
Hold a current AHA BLS Provider certification
If you need to renew your BLS Provider Card, please see a list of our upcoming classes through the following link: BLS Provider Course.
Complete the AHA BLS Instructor Essentials Online Course prior to attending the in-person session
Be at least 18 years of age
Have strong communication skills and a willingness to teach and evaluate students
Proof of prerequisites must be provided before course attendance.
What You’ll Learn:
During the course, participants will learn:
How to teach AHA BLS courses using approved lesson plans and materials
Effective classroom and skills-testing techniques
How to evaluate students and provide constructive feedback
AHA policies, procedures, and Training Center expectations
Course administration and documentation requirements
After the Course:
Upon successful completion, instructors must:
Align with our AHA Training Center
Complete three instructor shadows at American Safety Programs & Training with a Training Center Faculty member
Maintain instructor status by teaching courses and keeping certifications current per AHA guidelines
Important Notes:
This course does not renew or replace a BLS Provider certification.
Instructor candidates are responsible for purchasing required AHA teaching materials.
Certification is issued through the American Heart Association, not solely by the Training Center.
If you’re passionate about teaching lifesaving skills and ready to take the next step, the BLS Instructor Course is the pathway to becoming an AHA Instructor.
Upcoming Course Dates:
- Saturday, January 24, 2026: 9 AM - 4 PM
- Saturday, March 7, 2026: 9 AM - 4 PM