How to Become an AHA Instructor: A 2024 Guide

Summary

An AHA Instructor teaches essential life-saving skills like CPR and AED use according to American Heart Association guidelines. There are different instructor types, including BLS, Heartsaver, ACLS, and PALS, each focusing on a specific area of care. To become an instructor, one must complete certification in their discipline, attend the Instructor Essentials Course, and be monitored while teaching. AHA Instructors enjoy career flexibility, access to resources, and the ability to issue certification cards, playing a crucial role in enhancing public health and safety.

Looking to Become an AHA Instructor? 

What Is an AHA Instructor?

An AHA Instructor plays a vital role in training individuals in life-saving skills, following the American Heart Association’s guidelines. 

Their primary responsibility is to teach others how to provide critical care during emergencies, such as performing CPR, using an AED, and offering first aid. 

AHA Instructors ensure that healthcare professionals, first responders, and even laypeople are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively in life-threatening situations.

There are different types of AHA Instructors, each specializing in specific areas of care:

• • BLS Instructor
    • Teaches Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on CPR and other essential skills needed to support a patient in cardiac or respiratory distress.
  • Heartsaver Instructor
    • Trains individuals in non-medical settings on CPR, AED usage, and First Aid, making it accessible for teachers, coaches, or other community members.
  • ACLS Instructor
    • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Instructors train healthcare providers in managing complex cardiovascular emergencies, such as strokes and heart attacks.
  • PALS Instructor
    • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructors specialize in training professionals to care for infants and children in emergencies.

Becoming an AHA Instructor is a rewarding career choice or side business because it allows individuals to make a direct impact on public health and safety. It offers the opportunity to teach life-saving skills that can make a difference in real-world emergencies.

Whether teaching healthcare providers or community members, an AHA Instructor empowers others with the knowledge to save lives, which is both fulfilling and meaningful.

Steps to Become an AHA Instructor

If you’re interested in becoming an AHA Instructor, the process involves a few key steps that ensure you’re fully prepared to teach life-saving skills.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your journey:

1.) Find an AHA Training Center and Submit an Instructor Candidate Application

The first step is locating an American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center that offers instructor certification courses. Training centers are responsible for aligning instructors, offering guidance, and providing the necessary support during the certification process.

You can easily find a local center through the AHA’s website or other trusted providers like CPR Certified Trainer. Once you’ve found a center, submit an instructor candidate application.

We have many AHA courses available to get you started today here!

2.) Complete the Required Prerequisite Work

Before coming to class, you need to have a current provider card in the discipline you will be teaching.  You also need to take the Online Instructor Essentials for each discipline you will be teaching.  Bring both your current provider card and the completion certificate for the Instructor Essentials to class with you.

3.) Complete the Required Instructor Essentials Course

After being accepted by a training center, the next step is to complete the in-person Instructor Essentials Course. 

During this course, you’ll learn the principles of teaching and develop the necessary skills to instruct others. Whether you’re aiming to become a BLS Instructor, Heartsaver Instructor, or any other type of AHA Instructor, this course is a core requirement.

4.) Get Monitored While Teaching

To ensure you’re ready to teach independently, your training won’t be complete until you’re monitored while leading a class. You must successfully teach your first course within six months of completing your Instructor Essentials training. 

A certified faculty instructor or training center coordinator will evaluate your teaching to ensure you adhere to AHA guidelines and deliver quality training.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a certified AHA Instructor, equipped to teach essential life-saving techniques to your community or workplace.

Prerequisites for Becoming an AHA Instructor

Before embarking on the journey to become an AHA Instructor, it’s essential to meet certain prerequisites, which can vary depending on the type of instructor certification you seek.

Here’s what you need to know:

1.) Certification in the Discipline You Want to Teach

To become an AHA Instructor, you must already hold a valid certification in the discipline you plan to teach.

For example:

• • BLS Instructor
    • You must be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS).
  • ACLS Instructor
    • You need to be certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
  • PALS Instructor
    • A valid Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is required.
  • Heartsaver Instructor
    • You must have completed a Heartsaver course if you’re planning to teach First Aid or CPR to non-healthcare individuals.

These prerequisite certifications ensure that you have a solid foundation of knowledge before transitioning into an instructor role.

2.) Skills Proficiency

In addition to certification, AHA Instructor candidates must demonstrate strong proficiency in the skills required for their respective disciplines. This includes mastery of life-saving techniques such as CPR, AED use, and advanced cardiovascular care (for ACLS and PALS).

Your ability to perform and teach these skills to others is critical for becoming an effective instructor. You will have the opportunity to refine and demonstrate these skills during the Instructor Essentials Course.

3.) Healthcare Experience (Not Required for All Courses)

While healthcare experience may be helpful, it is not always a prerequisite to becoming an AHA Instructor. For instance, individuals seeking to become Heartsaver Instructors—who teach CPR, AED, and First Aid to non-medical audiences—do not need healthcare backgrounds. 

However, for more advanced disciplines like ACLS or PALS, a healthcare background is required to fully understand the complexities of emergency care scenarios.

By meeting these prerequisites, you’ll be well-prepared to take the next steps toward becoming an AHA Instructor.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an AHA Instructor?

The cost to become an AHA Instructor varies based on the specific course and the materials required for teaching.

Below is a breakdown of the common expenses you can expect when pursuing certification for different types of AHA Instructors:

Course Fees

Instructor certification courses come with varying price tags depending on the discipline:

• • BLS Instructor
    • The cost for a Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor course typically ranges between $200 and $400. This includes access to online learning modules and hands-on training sessions.
  • Heartsaver Instructor
    • To become a Heartsaver Instructor, expect to pay between $250 and $450 for the certification course. This covers the training needed to teach CPR, AED, and First Aid to non-healthcare individuals.
  • ACLS Instructor
    • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Instructor courses can cost between $400 and $600. These courses are more in-depth, given the advanced nature of the material.
  • PALS Instructor
    • Similar to ACLS, the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructor course costs between $400 and $600 due to the specialized content.

Equipment Costs

In addition to course fees, AHA Instructors are responsible for providing the necessary equipment to run their classes.

Some of the essential materials include:

• • Manikins
    • Quality CPR manikins are essential for effective training. The cost can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the number of manikins you purchase and their features, such as feedback devices or torso compression indicators.
  • AED Trainers
    • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) trainers are critical for teaching AED use. AED training units typically range from $100 to $500 each.
  • Class Materials
    • Additional materials like face shields, disposable lungs for manikins, and certification cards will also be required. These materials can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the size of your class.

Other Costs

There may be other costs to consider as well, such as:

• • Instructor Essentials Course Fee
    • This foundational course is required for all AHA instructors and usually costs around $40 to $100.
  • Training Center Alignment Fees
    • To maintain your status as an AHA Instructor, you’ll need to stay aligned with an authorized AHA Training Center. Fees for this alignment can vary but typically range from $50 to $200 annually.

Time Commitment for AHA Instructors

Becoming an AHA Instructor requires a significant, but manageable, time investment. The amount of time you need to complete the training and prepare to teach can vary depending on the type of instructor certification you’re pursuing.

Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment involved:

Time to Complete Instructor Training

The total time needed to become an AHA Instructor generally ranges between 15 to 25 hours, depending on the course you select. This time includes both online learning and hands-on training:

• • • BLS Instructor
      • To become a Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor, expect to spend around 15 to 20 hours completing your training. This includes online modules in the Instructor Essentials Course and hands-on practice sessions.
    • Heartsaver Instructor
      • Heartsaver Instructors, who teach CPR, AED use, and First Aid, will typically spend about 15 hours completing their training.
    • ACLS and PALS Instructor
      • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Instructors require more advanced training. These courses generally take 20 to 25 hours to complete, given the complexity of the material.

Time to Prepare for Each Class

After becoming certified, the time required to prepare for each class can vary based on the class size and the type of course you’re teaching:

• • Class Preparation
    • For most AHA courses, instructors should allow about 1 to 2 hours for preparation before teaching. This includes reviewing course materials, setting up equipment like manikins and AED trainers, and organizing class handouts or certification paperwork.
  • Teaching Time:
    • The duration of each class depends on the type of course. For example:
      • BLS classes typically last 4 to 5 hours.
      • Heartsaver classes can take 6 to 7 hours, depending on the content being covered (CPR, AED use, First Aid).
      • ACLS and PALS classes tend to be longer, often taking up to 10 to 12 hours spread over two days for completion.

Ongoing Time Commitment

Beyond the initial certification and individual class prep, AHA Instructors are required to maintain their instructor status through periodic renewals and monitoring sessions. You may also spend additional time promoting your courses or staying updated on the latest AHA guidelines.

By factoring in these time commitments, you can better plan your schedule as you pursue your certification and begin teaching life-saving skills.

Post-Certification Requirements for AHA Instructors

Once you’ve completed your AHA Instructor certification, there are several ongoing requirements you must meet to maintain your status and continue teaching. These post-certification requirements ensure that instructors remain knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest life-saving techniques.

1.) Teach Four Classes Every Two Years

A key requirement for maintaining your AHA Instructor status is teaching a minimum of four classes every two years. This helps ensure that instructors remain proficient in their teaching skills and familiar with course content.

Whether you’re teaching BLS, ACLS, PALS, or Heartsaver courses, it’s important to stay active in your role to meet this requirement.

2.) Renew Instructor Certification

Instructor certifications need to be renewed every two years. To renew your certification, you must:

• • Teach the required number of classes:
    • As mentioned, you need to teach at least four classes during the certification period.
  • Complete an Instructor Renewal Course:
    • You may be required to take a renewal course, which helps refresh your knowledge and update you on any changes to AHA guidelines. These courses are often shorter than the initial certification process but are crucial for ensuring you stay current.
  • Receive Monitoring During a Class:
    • In some cases, your teaching will need to be monitored by a Training Center Coordinator to confirm that you’re following AHA standards and effectively delivering the course content.

3.) Stay Updated with AHA Guidelines and Protocols

The American Heart Association frequently updates its guidelines and protocols based on the latest research in emergency cardiovascular care.

As an instructor, it’s important to stay informed about these updates to ensure that your teaching reflects the most current recommendations.

• • Online Updates and Instructor Bulletins:
    • The AHA provides updates through online platforms, newsletters, and instructor bulletins. It’s crucial to regularly check these updates to stay informed about any changes to the course content, teaching methods, or certification requirements.
  • AHA Atlas:
    • Many instructors utilize the AHA Atlas, an online resource where you can access the latest information on guidelines, protocols, and teaching resources. The platform also offers training tools and other materials to help you stay current in your role.

By keeping up with these post-certification requirements, you can continue to provide high-quality, up-to-date training in life-saving skills, ensuring that your students are well-prepared to respond in emergencies.

Benefits of Becoming an AHA Instructor

Becoming an AHA Instructor offers a range of professional benefits, providing you with both career flexibility and access to valuable resources.

Whether you’re looking to teach independently, work within an organization, or even start your own training business, here are some key benefits:

1.) Career Flexibility

One of the most attractive aspects of becoming an AHA Instructor is the flexibility it offers. As an instructor, you can choose to:

• • Teach independently:
    • Many AHA Instructors work as independent contractors, offering classes to individuals, businesses, and community groups. This allows you to set your own schedule and pricing, giving you control over your workload and income.
  • Teach within organizations:
    • You also have the option to teach within established organizations such as hospitals, schools, corporate settings, or fitness centers. Many businesses and healthcare providers need certified instructors to train their staff, providing a steady source of work.
  • Start your own business:
    • Some AHA Instructors take it a step further and establish their own training centers or businesses, offering a variety of AHA certification courses like BLS, ACLS, and Heartsaver. This can open up opportunities to scale your operation and build a brand around life-saving education.

2.) Ability to Issue Certification Cards

As an AHA Instructor, you have the authority to issue certification cards to your students once they successfully complete the course. This is an essential part of the process, as these cards are often required for employment or compliance purposes, especially for healthcare professionals. You issue either digital eCards, which are more convenient and accessible for many students.

• • eCards:
    • The AHA provides instructors access to an eCard system, which allows you to easily distribute certifications electronically. eCards are a secure, efficient way to ensure your students receive their credentials promptly, and they can be verified by employers online. This streamlined system not only enhances the student experience but also simplifies the administrative tasks for instructors.

3.) Access to AHA Resources

In addition to the ability to issue certification cards, AHA Instructors have access to a wealth of resources through the AHA Atlas. This includes:

• • Teaching materials and tools:
    • The AHA offers a wide range of resources to help you deliver high-quality training, including lesson plans, videos, and manikin feedback devices.
  • Updates and support:
    • Instructors receive regular updates on changes to AHA guidelines and protocols, ensuring you’re always teaching the most up-to-date information. You’ll also have access to online communities where you can connect with other instructors and exchange tips or advice.

Becoming an AHA Instructor not only gives you the satisfaction of teaching others life-saving skills but also provides the opportunity for career growth and flexibility.

With the ability to issue certification cards, access valuable AHA resources, and choose your work environment, you can tailor your career to suit your personal and professional goals.

Common Challenges for New AHA Instructors

Starting out as a new AHA Instructor can be both exciting and daunting. While the role offers many rewards, it also comes with a few common challenges that many instructors face in the beginning.

Here are some typical concerns and tips for overcoming them:

The Teaching Evaluation Process

One of the most intimidating aspects for new AHA Instructors is the teaching evaluation. After completing your training, you must be monitored while teaching your first class to ensure you meet AHA standards.

The idea of being evaluated while instructing can be stressful, especially if you’re new to teaching.

Preparing for the First Class

Another common challenge for new instructors is feeling confident and organized for their first class. Managing class logistics, such as setting up equipment like CPR manikins and AED trainers, while delivering the course content can feel overwhelming.

Managing Time and Pacing During Classes

New instructors often find it challenging to manage the pacing of their classes. Teaching too fast may leave students feeling confused, while teaching too slowly can cause the class to run over time.

Keeping Students Engaged

Another concern for new instructors is how to keep students engaged, especially when teaching life-saving skills that can sometimes feel repetitive.

How to Get Started Today

Ready to take the plunge and become an AHA Instructor? Here are actionable steps to get you started on your journey toward teaching life-saving skills:

1.) Find a Local AHA Training Center

Your first step is to find an AHA Training Center that offers instructor certification courses. A Training Center will guide you through the application process and help you choose the right instructor track based on your goals, whether you want to teach BLS, ACLS, PALS, or Heartsaver courses.

Visit our AHA Training page to explore local training options and start your application today.

2.) Enroll in an Instructor Course

Once you’ve connected with a Training Center, you’ll need to enroll in the appropriate Instructor Essentials Course. This will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to teach AHA courses effectively. The course is a blend of online modules and hands-on training, allowing you to learn at your own pace before moving on to in-person instruction.

3.) Access Additional Resources via the AHA Atlas

To set yourself up for success, join the AHA Atlas, a valuable resource for all certified instructors. The platform provides access to course materials, teaching aids, and the latest updates to AHA guidelines. It also offers a community of fellow instructors who can offer support and advice as you begin your teaching journey.

4.) Start Teaching

Once you’ve completed your instructor course and met the post-certification requirements, you’ll be ready to teach your first class. Whether you plan to work independently, within an organization, or launch your own business, teaching life-saving skills as an AHA Instructor will allow you to make a lasting impact on your community.

For more information and to get started today, visit our AHA Training page and begin your path toward becoming an AHA Instructor. The opportunity to teach and inspire others in life-saving techniques awaits!