American Heart Association Instructor Training

Become an American Heart Association Instructor

Are you passionate about saving lives and teaching others critical lifesaving skills? The American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor courses for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver® certifications will equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead AHA courses in your community, workplace, or organization. As an AHA Instructor, you’ll be part of a network dedicated to improving survival rates and providing lifesaving training.

Course Overview

The AHA Instructor Course is designed to train individuals to effectively teach BLS or Heartsaver® courses. Through a combination of online and in-person training, you’ll learn instructional techniques, gain hands-on experience, and receive mentorship to ensure your success as a certified AHA Instructor.

Duration:

  • Blended Learning: 2 hours online, 8 hours in-person (excluding monitoring)
  • Total Commitment: Approximately 12 hours, including teaching your first course!

Audience:

This course is ideal for healthcare providers, workplace safety trainers, educators, and anyone passionate about teaching lifesaving skills.

Steps to Become an AHA Instructor

1. Complete the Prerequisites

Before enrolling in the instructor course, you must:

2. Enroll in the AHA Instructor Course

Choose the discipline you want to teach:

  • BLS Instructor Course: Focused on teaching healthcare providers and first responders.
  • Heartsaver® Instructor Course: Focused on CPR, AED, and first aid for the general public and workplaces.

3. Complete Online Instructor Essentials

After registration, you’ll receive access to the AHA Instructor Essentials online module. This self-paced training introduces you to AHA’s teaching philosophy and course administration processes. You must complete this module before attending the in-person session.

4. Attend the In-Person Instructor Training

During the in-person session, you’ll:

  • Learn to manage a classroom and conduct hands-on skills sessions.
  • Practice teaching and receive feedback from experienced AHA Training Faculty.
  • Review course materials and administrative requirements for AHA Instructors.

5. Complete Monitoring Session

After your instructor training, you’ll teach your first class under the supervision of an AHA Training Faculty member. This ensures you are confident and prepared to lead AHA courses independently.

6. Receive Your Instructor Certification

Once all steps are complete, you’ll receive your AHA Instructor eCard, valid for two years. You can now teach AHA BLS or Heartsaver® courses as part of a Training Site or Training Center.

Certification Details

  • Instructor Certification Validity: 2 years
  • Renewal Requirements: Teach at least four courses and complete an Instructor Renewal session every two years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can become an AHA Instructor?

Anyone with a current AHA Provider certification and a passion for teaching lifesaving skills can become an AHA Instructor.

What disciplines can I teach as an Instructor?

You can choose to teach BLS or Heartsaver® courses, depending on your interest and audience.

What is the cost of the Instructor Course?

Pricing varies depending on the training center and location. Contact us for details and upcoming course dates.

What materials will I need as an Instructor?

You’ll need an AHA Instructor Manual for your chosen discipline, and access to AHA course materials.

Can I teach independently?

Instructors must align with an AHA Training Site or Training Center. This affiliation ensures access to course completion cards and administrative support.