Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about the McGregor EMS BLS Instructor Course. Please feel free to contact us with any questions that are not answered here.
Can my school pay for me to take this course?
Yes! We are happy to invoice your school if you provide us with the billing information. When completing the course registration just check “pay by check” and then e-mail the course contact with the necessary billing information.
How long is the Instructor certification good for?
All American Heart Association certifications are good for 2 years. During that time you must demonstrate competency by teaching a minimum of 4 classes. You must also make arrangements to participate in any instructor updates if necessary.
I took the instructor course before, but never taught any classes, and my card is now lapsed. Is there a refresher course?
You will need to retake the BLS Instructor course, but you may be eligible for a course tuition discount. Please contact the course coordinator for more information.
I am an American Red Cross Instructor. Can I take this course?
Yes! You can participate in this course and then choose to maintain both certifications, or you can take this course and allow your ARC certification to lapse.
What will I be able to teach?
After successfully completing the American Heart Association Instructor course, you will be able to teach at the level of certification that you currently hold and below. (i.e. if you are currently certified as a Healthcare Professional, you can teach the Healthcare Professional program as well as any of the Heartsaver or Friends and Family courses.
How do I become certified to teach First Aid?
You can become certified to teach First Aid by taking an American Heart Association First Aid course or showing a current certification card from a course.
How do I become certified to teach other American Heart Association Programs such as ACLS or PALS?
Completing this Instructor Course is the first step. You will then need to coordinate with a current ACLS instructor that is eligible to mentor/observe you. We would be happy to help you get started with this process.
What will I need to teach classes?
We will talk at length about this in class, and you will be given checklists to help you get organized. We will talk about options for borrowing and buying equipment, depending on your location.
