How To Get Basic Life Support Certification

By: Ana Jackson

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you work in the medical field as an emergency technician or a nurse, you will most likely need to learn how to get basic life support certification. However, you do not have to practice a medical profession in order to obtain a basic life support (BLS) certificate. Life support certification courses are available to anyone wishing to enhance their knowledge.

Sign up for a basic life support certification course. Contact a community college in your area or a local hospital. Such institutions often provide life support certification training courses. Another option is The American Heart Association.
Obtain your study materials. Most organizations make study materials available upon registering for the life support certification course. Prepare ahead of time. Read the study guides thoroughly as you will generally need to take a written test.
Pass the basic life support certification written exam. Although there may be variations in the test’s format and passing score requirements, you will need a passing score in order to receive your certificate. Keep in mind that institutions generally administer the test at the end of the course.
Pass a basic life support certification hands-on exam. Expect to demonstrate your newly acquired basic life support skills on a mannequin. Your instructor will make sure that you follow proper sequence and apply the proper technique based on a particular scenario situation.

Finding a life support certification program is not complicated. As you can see all that is generally required of you is a small investment of your time and a registration fee, which varies according to institution. If you obtain your study materials and prepare for the test, you will be ready to pass the required exams and obtain your life support certification at the end of the course.

Posted on: Sep. 09, 2010