American Heart Association Instructor Courses

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The information on this page provides an overview of becoming an American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), or Pediatric Advanced Live Support (PALS) Instructor.

Becoming an AHA instructor means you will teach AHA program(s); if you do not wish to teach a course and need to take a course instead, please click here to be directed to the AHA program list and select a provider program.

Becoming an instructor is one of the most satisfying aspects of healthcare education, "watching your students' get it" and hearing stories of how the people you have taught have contributed significantly to saving a life. Moreover, being an AHA instructor is, by far, a noteworthy achievement; it demonstrates that you know the content and have shown the ability to teach and deliver vital course material to your students. The first question to ask is... Do you want to be an ACLS Instructor, a PALS Instructor, or a BLS instructor? (any combination is ok with us, but we have to ensure that you have the prerequisites for the instructor course, see below for pre-requisites).

However, becoming an instructor and learning the rule of the AHA may be daunting for some, as the process entails following the steps below to obtain your instructor card. We have outlined the major steps to becoming an instructor and explained each step below.

Steps to obtain an AHA Instructor Card:

1.    BEFORE REGISTRATION: Locate a primary AHA training center, meet with them, and complete an Instructor Candidate Application (ICA): Please send us a copy of the completed ICA: Every AHA instructor MUST have a primary training center. You cannot teach AHA courses without a primary training center. Every AHA Training Center has the ICA form. You must contact a training center in the area where you wish to teach and have this document completed between you and them, then email the fully completed ICA to our office (instructors@CardiacEd.com). This form is used to show that you are aligned with an AHA training center in the area where you wish to teach, and the primary center will maintain your instructor file; if you register for the instructor course without a signed ICA, you risk not being able to complete the instructor program. You should complete an ICA for each discipline you wish to teach under your primary training center AND email it to our office BEFORE registering for an AHA instructor course. Our center may be able to accept you if you are willing to teach in NJ.

2.    BEFORE YOUR COURSE: You must hold a current AHA PROVIDER card in the discipline you wish to teach: This is the card you were issued when you took your ACLS, BLS, or PALS course; upon registering for the course; please email us a copy of this card (front and back) (instructors@CardiacEd.com). We must have this on file before your instructor course. You will also want to review the provider manual from your provider course. When you arrive at the instructor course, you will be given the provider's written exam and skills/mega-code testing. You should focus on the provider's manual content between registering for the instructor course and attending. In many cases, taking a renewal course (not required, by highly recommended) before your instructor's course is not a bad idea.
 

3.    ATTEND THE INSTRUCTOR COURSE: Attend the Instructor Course for either ACLS, BLS, or PALS: Upon arrival at the instructor course, you will be tested on your BLS provider skills (or mega code for ACLS or PALS instructor candidates) and written exam(s). You must pass the test (in your discipline) to continue in the instructor program. It's a good idea to review the provider course and maybe take a renewal course before you attend the instructor course. You may register to take ACLS and PALS Instructor courses on the same date (if available). If you select BOTH ACLS and PALS Instructor, you will be assigned teaching topics for both courses at your course. 

4.    DURING (or) AFTER ATTENDING THE INSTRUCTOR COURSE: Complete the AHA Instructor Essentials Online Course: This is provided as part of your tuition for the instructor course. We will email you access to this online program (usually at your instructor course).
 

5.    AFTER THE INSTRUCTOR COURSE: Be successfully monitored within six months of your instructor course date. Please note: Your primary center will do your monitoring. The monitoring is an in-person session you must schedule with your primary center. Your primary center will send us your completed monitoring form (instructors@CardiacEd.com). You will arrange your monitoring and align with a primary training center by completing an Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) in step 1 above. TIP: When meeting with your primary training center, obtain a list of their upcoming courses within six months of the instructor course. Remember: you must monitor within six months of the instructor course, and you'll want to ensure that your center has courses (with students registered) to monitor you. All monitorings are in-person and are not available virtually.

6.    AFTER THE INSTRUCTOR COURSE: Take the Instructor Course Exam and pass with 84%; then your instructor card is issued: The instructor exam will be issued to you, and you must complete it with a passing score of 84%. Many fail the instructor exam if they do not study and complete the instructor essentials course and study the instructor and provider manuals. The instructor card is issued as an eCard and will be available in your AHA account.

After the above steps have been completed, for the discipline you wish to teach and you have your AHA instructor card.

You will be allowed to teach the AHA programs for which you hold an instructor card; however, every Training Center has its own rules/policies; therefore, please consider the following:

If we ARE NOT your primary Training Center:

• You must contact your Primary Training Center to undergo any orientation/onboarding regarding their internal rules, policies, fees, procedures, allowed courses, etc. 

If we ARE your Primary Training Center:  Firstly, you can only hold courses in New Jersey. No out-of-state courses. (We are an NJ-based training center whose AHA agreement does not permit any out-of-state courses). 

• BLS Instructors: You can teach courses at our location (or yours). As a BLS Instructor, you may maintain and teach your clients; however, we do not permit you to teach clients who belong to our Training Center or another instructor in our organization. (This prevents "stealing of others clients"). 
• Advanced Instructors (ACLS and PALS): you will be invited to teach our programs at our location. ACLS and PALS instructors cannot independently teach ACLS or the PALS program via our center. ACLS and PALS instructors must have the Course Director (and/or Training Center Faculty) rank to teach one of our programs independently. As an ACLS or PALS instructor, you may also teach for another US AHA Training Center; provide them with your ACLS/PALS instructor card, and most Training Centers will permit you to teach at their center. 

We will show you how to teach AHA programs during your instructor course. We will use various teaching modalities (i.e., discussion, role-play, lectures, interactive learning, testing, remediation, etc.). Below you will find a general agenda for the instructor course. This agenda may/will change, slightly, based on the size of your group. In some cases, we will place you in small groups.

General Agenda: (tentative)

• Registration/Sign-In/Welcome/Introductions
• Provider Written Exam (i.e., ACLS, BLS, or PALS) (must score 84% or greater) (prepare by reading the provider textbook/online AHA program from your course)*
• BLS Provider Skills (and mega-code for ACLS or PALS) Exam (must pass) (prepare by reading the provider textbook/online AHA program from your course)*
• Break & Teaching assignments issued to candidates (your faculty member will provide you with a topic to present to the group); you will be given some time to prepare your presentation. Your presentation should be 5-10 minutes. You should use the provider manual for preparation and as a source of information. Do not include any external content.
• Instructor Manual Overview
• Instructor Essentials Online Course Access Issued by our office team
• Presentations to group by instructor candidates or for BLS Role-Play: Watch while practicing: Instructor candidates role-play to teach other instructor candidates inthe group, using the video and/or lesson maps as a guide
• Break
• Training Center Specifics / Paperwork Verification
• Schedule Monitoring Evaluation (Monitoring/Instructor Course Written Exam)
• Q&A
• Summary & Evaluations
• Adjourn

*Please note: The instructor course provides the information on how to instruct an AHA course (ACLS, BLS, or PALS). The instructor course is NOT a review of the content from the provider course. Therefore, it is HIGHLY recommended that you review, at the very least, your course provider textbook BEFORE attending the Instructor Program. Some report they felt more comfortable taking a renewal course close to the instructor course. Upon arrival at the Instructor Course, you will be tested on your BLS provider skills (and mega-code for ACLS & PALS) and the provider's written exam. You must demonstrate superior skills and pass the exam (84% or greater) to continue the course. Please ensure you are prepared for this mandatory testing session; the provider manual is not included in the instructor course tuition; however, you can order a provider manual via our website.

The instructor course is intended for anyone with a current (unexpired) AHA provider card in the discipline they wish to teach. Those who attend the instructor course are typically: RNs, APNs, PAs, LPNs, MDs, DOs, EMTs, Paramedics, Techs, and more. The general public can take the BLS Instructor Course; however, ACLS and PALS instructor courses are reserved for healthcare professionals.

To complete this course, you must complete all the steps listed above:

• Register and pay for each instructor course you wish to take.
• Obtain an Instructor Candidate Application with your Primary AHA Training Center and email it to us.
• Complete all required paperwork (found in your account via our website).
• Complete the online ACLS, BLS, or PALS Instructor Essentials Course portion (issued at your instructor course)
• Bring the required items (see below) to the course.
• Successfully demonstrate skills for BLS (and or pass the mega code for ACLS or PALS)
• Pass the written exam for the provider course with 84% or greater
• Complete the monitoring requirements for your course*.
• Complete the Instructor Course Exam with an 84% or greater 
• Complete the post-course evaluation.

* Occasionally, some instructor candidates need more monitoring sessions than mentioned above. 

Upon completing this course, you will be issued an American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor Card in the discipline you wish to teach (ACLS Instructor, BLS Instructor, PALS Instructor). These are all outstanding credentials to obtain and look great on your resume!

Faculty: Our faculty members are outstanding! They are non-intimidating, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in helping you succeed in completing this program. 

Course tuition, and what's included:

• The tuition for each program (ACLS, BLS, or PALS) varies based on location, date, and time. To view the tuition for an instructor program, please select the course on our course calendar and the tuition will be displayed: Click here to access the course calendar.

• Included in the tuition:

  • Instructor Course,
  • Access to the Online Instructor Essentials Course,
  • Monitoring session(s) [in-person at our NJ center only]*,
  • Instructor onboarding paperwork,
  • Instructor Alignment with CardiacEd (our Training Center, if desired),
  • Access to our Online Instructor Portal for those teaching BLS courses,
  • Supportive Faculty
  • Contact Hours (nursing)

*If we are not your primary center, you must contact your primary center and arrange your monitoring with them - Note: they may charge a fee for monitoring. 

Textbooks/Instructor Manual(s):

The AHA requires that you order an instructor manual for your instructor course.  Please ensure to select the appropriate instructor manual for your course (l.e., if you are registering for the ACLS instructor course, please select the ACLS instructor manual; if you are registering for the BLS Instructor course, select the BLS Instructor Manual; if you are registering for the PALS Instructor course, select the PALS Instructor manual). Once you place your order, the order cannot be changed or refunded. Therefore please verify you have selected the correct manual. 

Although the instructor manual may seem the main focus of your course, you should review the updated provider manual before your instructor program, as you will be tested on practical skills and written exam. Therefore, knowing the provider manual from cover to cover is a priority. (You can order an updated provider manual on the next page if needed). 

Enrollment Prerequisites (before enrollment/registration):

• A current unexpired AHA provider card in your chosen discipline (i.e., an ACLS, a BLS, or a PALS provider card). Email to our office.
• A strong command of the course content you wish to teach. (i.e., Knowing the textbook is great for all entry-level instructors)
• A copy of the provider textbook for your chosen discipline (i.e., ACLS Textbook, BLS Textbook, or PALS Textbook)
• A Primary Training Center/Site willing to accept and align with you as an instructor (we're currently accepting instructors/instructor candidates, should you not have a Training Center to align and wish to teach in the NJ area; we are located in NJ). You must have a signed Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) and email it to our office.
• A positive and friendly attitude, with a willingness to teach.

Bring with you to the course: 

• Your printed online Instructor Essentials Course completion certificate.
• Photo ID (i.e., driver's license).
• Instructor Packet (completed) - available in your account on our website. 
• Copy of your ACLS, BLS, or PALS provider card for the instructor course you are enrolled in.

Contact hours (nursing): The number of contact hours varies per course:

• ACLS Instructor: 15.2
• PALS Instructor: 19.2
• BLS Instructor: 11.9

*Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider #CEP17561) and Florida Board of Nursing (Provider #50-24286) for the above Contact Hours.

Typically the instructor course component is approximately 6-8 hours. However, we grant contact hours for the instructor course and your monitoring session. 

• ACLS Instructor: 15.2 hours
• PALS Instructor: 19.2 hours
• BLS Instructor: 11.9 hours

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

Please review this list of FAQs, as it will answer most questions about the AHA instructor process. Should you have a question that is not on this list, please get in touch with our office before registering. instructors@CardiacEd.com

Questions about the instructor course:

• Q: I am out of state/not in your area, can I take the instructor course with you? A: Yes, you are permitted to take the instructor course anywhere in the country. However, you will want to establish a center that will be responsible for you. Once you attend the course we will send a notice to your primary center letting them know that you have completed the course. Your primary center will then arrange a date to do your monitoring, your primary center will send us your monitoring form and we will issue your instructor card.
• Q: What does the instructor course entail? A: Please click this link to see an overview/steps of the instructor course. Click Here
• Q: Can I take the ACLS and PALS instructor courses at the same time? A: Yes, however, do know that there is a lot of work that needs to go into the instructor process (setup monitoring within 6 months of taking the course), teaching, and monitoring. Some do not complete their monitoring before the 6 months to monitor and must repeat the instructor course. 
• Q: I am not able to complete the instructor course within 6 months, what are my options? A: You should reach out to your training center. The center will guide you in the next steps (in most cases you will need to repeat the instructor course).
• Q: How will I know when the 6 months period to complete the course requirements is coming to an end? A: All instructor candidates must keep track of this date. This date is 6 months from the date that your attended the instructor course. 

Questions regarding required training center alignment:

• Q: Do I need a primary Training Center before I take the instructor course? A: Technically, Yes. Those who do not have a center BEFORE taking the instructor course may find that they have extreme difficulty finding a center that is suited to them. A training center is needed so that they can mentor you, they can do your monitoring during a live course, they will maintain your instructor file, they will renew your instructor card, they will provide training updates, and they will issue cards for the students you teach. Therefore, always ensure to agree with a center local to you who is willing to align/supervise your teaching activities and maintain your instructor file BEFORE you register for the instructor course.
• Q: Is your center allowing instructors to align with them? A: If you only wish to teach in NJ then yes; however, if you are out of our area then you will need to find a center that is local to the area where you wish to teach. Additionally, as part of the alignment process, you will need to undergo a teaching-interview with one of our center faculty. At that teaching-interview, you and our faculty member will discuss if we are both a fit for our center. If so, you will be invited to complete an "Instructor Candidate Application" (ICA) and the instructor paperwork packet.
• Q: How do I prove that I have aligned with a Training Center A: You and your center will sign an "Instructor Candidate Application (ICA)" form. This form is available at all AHA training centers, and this form is located in the the Program Administration Manual. You will want to ensure that it is fully completed AND signed by all parties where indicated. Additionally your alignment will be accept on the AHA's atlas system.
• Q: Why do I need to align with a training center (or training site)? A: The AHA requires that every instructor is aligned with a training center; the role of the the training center is to: supervise supervise intructor teaching activies and maintain the instructor's file. Instructors without a training center will not be able to conduct any courses. The location of your file is with your primary training center. Your primary training center is responsible for maintaining your file and issuing your instructor card.
• Q: Can I teach anywhere in the USA? A: Yes, providing you are aligned with a center, you are in good standing, and you provide the center providing the course with a copy of your instructor card. However, do note, your primary training center will have its own rules as to what programs you can teach under them; for instance, many training centers do not allow instructors to teach ACLS or PALS independently -- and you can only teach courses that are set up by your center. This rule varies from center to center.
• Q: Where can I find a training center? A: Often hospitals in your area are looking for instructors and "may" be more willing to mentor a new instructor. Some private training centers do permit new instructors. Often you can find a list of training centers via the AHA's website and by doing a Training Center search. 
• Q: Does your center charge a fee for alignment? A: No, our center does not charge for alignment. However, we do charge a fee for transfers out of our center.
• Q: Can I align with your center, do my monitoring, and then transfer to another center? A: Yes, however, you will need to complete an "Instructor Candidate Application (ICA)" with our center, complete the requirements, and then transfer to another center. There is a charge to transfer to another center. The charge is approximately $150 per file that you wish to transfer. You will have one file per instructor course (i.e. 1 file if you are a BLS instructor, 1 file if you are an ACLS instructor, and 1 file if you are a PALS instructor). Therefore, if you are transferring more than one instrucorship you will be billed a transfer fee for each file that you transfer. 
• Q: I am already an instructor and wish to align with your center, how do I align with you? A: Complete the AHA "Instructor Records Transfer Request" form, available from your center. Complete the form and follow the direction on that form to transfer to our center. We do not charge a fee for an instructor aligning with our center. You will then complete the steps on the AHA's atlas system to select a new training center. 

Questions about monitoring:

• Q: What does the monitoring session entail? A: The monitoring session is the final step in becoming an instructor. During the session, a faculty member will supervise you during the agreed-upon teaching activities and will complete a monitoring form. A copy of the monitoring form is included in your account after registration. However, the gist is that you follow AHA course conduct guidelines, have a strong command of the content you teach, and follow applicable rules, laws, policies, and guidelines. At the end of your monitoring session, you will review and sign the monitoring form. You should keep a copy for your records, and scan and submit to our office. TIP: use your instrctor manual while teaching; the lessons plans are recomended for a successful monitoring.
• Q: If you are not my Training Center, how will I do my monitoring? A: Your primary training center will set up and arrange your monitoring with you. You will need to contact them after attending your instructor couse to setup a your monitoring session. Once your monitoring is complete your primary training center must send us a copy of your monitoring papework (instructors@CardiacEd.com) and will issue your instructor card.
• Q: Where do I do the monitoring? A: You will do your monitoring with your primary Training Center. You must contact them to arrange your monitoring session.
• Q: What happens if I do not monitor within 6 months of my instructor course? A: You will need to re-register, re-pay, and redo the instructor course. It is an AHA requirement that you complete a sucessful monitoring within 6 months of attending your instructor course.
• Q: Can your center do my monitoring? A: If we are your primary TC then we can do your monitoring.
• Q: Can I do the monitoring session via Zoom/Skype/Remote, etc? A: If you are aligned with our center, you can do your monitoring at one of our public courses. We do not permit instructors to do their monitoring via remote means. All monitorings are in-person at our center in NJ. 
• Q: I am aligning with your center, how do I arrange my monitoring session? A: Firstly, review our website for our upcoming courses. Locate a date that fits into your schedule and email your request to instructors@CardiacEd.com - our office will review your request and confirm if we can accommodate your chosen date. Please allow 3-4 business days for our office to review your request.

Questions about paperwork:

• Q: If I am NOT aligning with your center, what paperwork do I need to provide? A: If we are not going to be your primary training center we only require the following: A signed Instructor Candidate Application (ICA) form, a copy of your unexpired, AHA provider card for the discipline that you're becoming an instructor and a copy of the Instructor Essentials completion certificate (access will be provided at your instructor course). After you attend the instructor course you will take the Instructor Course exam and we will issue a notice to your primary training center that you have attended and completed the course; your primary training center must email us the monitoring paperwork and we will issue your instructor card via the AHA atlas system.
• Q: I am aligning with your center, what paperwork will I need to complete? A: After registration, you will find required forms in your account, via our website. The paperwork packet has video instructions on how to complete each form in the packet. This paperwork packet should be completed BEFORE attending your instructor's course and given to your instructor. USEFUL TIP: When completing the paperwork packet, type your information on the first page and it will propagate your information through the entire packet, then print, sign in ink, scan, and email the entire packet to our office: instructors@CardiacEd.com. 
• Q: Where do I submit the paperwork/paperwork packet? A: Please submit per the instructions located in your account. Print > Sign in INK > Scan > email to our office: instructors@CardiacEd.com. If you are coming to our office to bring your paperwork, please ensure to scan it on the copier at our office BEFORE leaving the office. (The instructions are on the wall at the office on how to scan). Paperwork will get lost if it is not scanned. You should always keep a copy of any and ALL paperwork.

Questions about what to expect after the course:

• Q: I am NOT aligning with your center AND I have completed the instructor courses, what happens next? A: Notify our office via email at instructors@CardiacEd.com that you have completed the course. Our office will then send a "Notice to your Primary Training Center of Instructor Course Complete". Your training center will then set up your monitoring session with you; once your complete your monitoring with your primary training center they must email us your monitoring paperwork instructors@CardiacEd.com and we will issue your instructor card.
• Q: I am aligning with your center AND I have completed the instructor courses, what happens next? A: You will need to set up your monitoring (see above), complete any paperwork found in your account, and once your file is complete, we will issue your instructor ecard.
• Q: How long does it take to receive my instructor card? A: Instructor cards are issued after you have completed all the requirements for the instructor course. Your file will be reviewed by our Instructor/Education coordinator (instructors@CardiacEd.com), upon review your card will be issued. The Instructor Card (eCard) is issued upon the successful review of your file). Instructor cards can take several weeks to issue as there are many steps to complete your paperwork, monit

Miscellaneous Questions:

• Q: I have questions that are not on this list, whom can I contact? A: Please reach out to our Instructor/Education Coordinator for more information - instructors@CardiacEd.com. Our instructor will reply to your email. Please note: our instructor coordinator does work the night shift, therefore, please forgive any delay in a reply.
• Q: How do I register for the instructor course? A: All registration is via our website, please review the course calendar and click a date that fits your availability. The website will guide you through the registration process. 
• Q: I am an instructor with another organization (i.e. Red Cross), do I have to complete the instructor course? A: There is no reciprocity between other organizations and the AHA instructor course.

Required Contact Hours Disclaimers:

• Nursing Continuing Education is accepted in ALL states (AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY), except for IA.
• The planning committee, presenters, faculty, authors, and content reviewers have no conflict of interest to disclose. 
• Speakers must provide a balanced and unbiased presentation; the presentation has been reviewed, and any bias, if found, has been eliminated. 
• There is no commercial support, joint providership, or sponsorship for this program.
• The Health Care Training Academy (D/B/A CardiacEd) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the New Jersey State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. #P295
• Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP17561
• Approved via CE Broker for FL, GA, SC, NC, AK # 50-24286
• Accreditation status does not imply endorsement by The Health Care Training Academy (D/B/A CardiacEd), NJSNA, or ANCC Commission on Accreditation of any commercial products displayed (if any) in conjunction with this program.
• Non-nursing professionals should consult with their respective boards to ensure nursing credit is acceptable for your credential renewal requirements. If you are not a nurse and take this educational credit program, please verify your board's acceptance before registering for this event, as refunds will not be issued.
• All registrations are final. Once purchased, there are no refunds, credits, extensions, or transfers. Please verify you can attend the program before registering with enough time to complete it. 
• Criteria to complete this program: The entire session must be attended to receive nursing continuing education credit.
• ANCC does not permit us to issue contact hours for BLS provider courses, except for BLS Instructor course(s).

There are no extensions, credits, transfers, or refunds for failure to complete this program. The attendee must retain copies of all paperwork. All paperwork must be scanned and submitted to our office instructors@CardiacEd.com

Required AHA Disclaimer: The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and has developed instructional material for this purpose. Use of these materials in an education course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course material, do not represent income to the association.

Click this link for the Course Schedule and Individual Registration

Note: After registering, please allow up to 24 business hours to receive a confirmation email; please check your Junk/Spam folder (or email us to resend: support@CardiacEd.com). Your instructor manual would be issued directly to you at the course if you selected pick-up at our office during checkout.