So you have taken the CPR or First Aid class and mastered the skills, and possibly even used your skills in real life? However, do you not know if you are still CPR certified? With everything moving so quickly nowadays it is easy to forget your CPR certification due date and when to renew your CPR certification. But remember that it's important to remain current on your certification and learn those updated CPR and First Aid training techniques.
Additionally, once you’ve completed the training course, you might think that you are all done. On the contrary, a CPR certification does expire. So don't forget to understand how long your certification is valid for, how to check your status, and what to do if it has become void. 

Taking a CPR or First Aid class is different than participating in a hobby or a sporting event as you you can't practice it everyday! Further, if you are not a healthcare provider where you might use CPR and First Aid skills at work, you might not ever use the lifesaving skills you've just learned. As a result, it is possible to forget how to administer CPR or even use an AED. After a few years, it is important to get re-certified and go over these critical techniques again as science changes and new information becomes available. Staying current with your CPR or First Aid certification allows you to be knowledgeable of not only the latest and greatest best practices but also advancements in science.

So you might ask “how long is CPR certification good for?” The answer: the American Heart Association and American Red Cross CPR certification is valid for 2 years from the date you complete the training course. After that date, either your certification becomes void, or you can take another class to maintain certification and keep your skills sharp.
Please remember that the certification expires 2 years from the date of course completion, not necessarily from the day you receive the card. At Help-A-Heart CPR, we provide our students with their certification card within 24-48 hours after the class.

Most healthcare providers such as nurses, physicians, and paramedics are required to maintain a BLS certification (BLS is the healthcare equivalent for CPR and stands for Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers). Consequently, if you are in the medical field your employer will most likely require proof of  BLS certification. On the contrary, for the general public whose jobs might not require a CPR or First Aid certification, it might be easy to accidently forget and let your current CPR or First Aid certification expire. Don't let that happen as it’s still essential to take renewal classes and maintain your certification. 
Regardless of whether an active CPR or First Aid certification is required by your employer, it’s always a good idea to add to your existing knowledge and refresh those important life-saving skills. A CPR or First Aid renewal class will help provide clarity and maintain your own CPR expertise.

Now that you know how to check CPR certification status, did you find out that your CPR certification has expired? Don't fret. It’s easy to renew your certification with Help-A-Heart CPR! The course typically takes between 2.5 hours and 4 hours depending on what certification you need to complete and there are various options to choose from. Upon completion of the course, you’ll also receive a certification card within 24-48 hours that renews your status. Sign up for a course here: CPR & First Aid Training. 
If you’ve never been CPR certified, don't waster another minute. Our CPR Certification Classes are taught by medical professionals who have actually used CPR in the field. With real-world examples, engaging lessons, and hands-on practice, we create a positive, fun learning environment for our students. You’ll learn incredible life-saving techniques, including how to administer CPR and proper AED usage.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Help-A-Heart CPR course today! Give us a call at (210) 380-5344 or register online anytime at www.helpaheartcpr.com.

​Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened. Current recommendations suggest performing rescue breathing using a bag-mask device with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. It can be performed on its own or as one component of the larger CPR process.

​Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association recommends starting CPR with hard and fast chest compressions.

CPR and rescue breathing are commonly used together. However, sometimes you only need one or the other. Rescue breathing should be done in the event of respiratory arrest and/or when the patient or victim has stopped breathing. On the contrary, CPR should be facilitated when the victim has no pulse and is in cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest often occur synonymously and so CPR rescue breaths are often administered in conjunction with chest compressions. Additionally, before doing rescue breaths, the rescuer first looks in the mouth and throat for any visible objects that may be blocking the airway and, if any are present, removes them.

Do you want to learn more about the difference between rescue breathing and CPR? Complete your CPR and first aid training with Help-A-Heart CPR! With small course sizes, knowledgeable instructors, and empowering classes, we can help you get CPR certified today––and potentially save a life! To learn more, give us a call today at (210) 380-5344 or fill out our online contact form.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by various factors including uncontrolled bleeding or a severe allergic reaction. There are five primary types of shock that individuals may experience and each type has different causes and symptoms.

Shock is typically experienced when the body is not able to produce adequate blood flow which negatively impacts the body's organs. Various patient of victim presentations include nausea, dizziness, chills, or a weak pulse. However, there are various causes of shock so the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. There are some type of shock that are more common than other types but with all types of shock it is critical to provide fast and adequate treatment

​1. Hypovolemic Shock.
Hypovolemic shock is a type of shock that impacts the cardiovascular system. This type of shock is most exacerbated by excessive blood loss or loss of body fluids and subsequently the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient blood for their body to function properly. Hypovolemic shock is most often caused by excessive bleeding leading to low blood plasma, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hypovolemic shock is one of the more common types of shock.

2. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is most often experienced when someone ingests something accidently, such as peanuts, and is severely allergic to them. Along with hypovolemic shock, this is one of the more common types of shock. The body releases histamine to counteract the allergen during an episode of anaphylactic shock, which causes the airway to tighten and potentially causes organ inflammation.

3. Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is often caused by cardiovascular issues which impede the normal function of the heart causing the heart to not pump enough blood through the body. This type of shock is usually caused by myocardial infarction, a heart attack, or another severe heart condition. 

4. Neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock is devastating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Other causes of neurogenic shock that are far less common include spinal anesthesia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autonomic nervous system toxins, transverse myelitis, and other neuropathies. Neurogenic shock is different from spinal shock, which is often more temporary type of shock.

5.  Septic shock
Septic shock is an infection that spreads throughout the body and can cause organ failure and low blood pressure. The increased susceptibility to septic shock is caused by bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Risk factors for septic shock include diabetes, chronic kidney and liver disease, burns, trauma, and use of corticosteroids This type of shock most commonly affects infants, seniors, and those that are immunocompromised.

With first aid training, you’ll be able to make a huge difference in these situations and provide emergency assistance to family members, coworkers, and neighbors. Are you ready to learn more? Sign up for Basic First Aid with Help-A-Heart CPR! 
Our first aid courses cover patient assessment, muscle and bone injuries, trauma/bleeding wounds, and much more. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge required to help patients––and possibly even save a life. With plenty of course dates, times, and locations, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. 
To get started, contact us by phone at (210) 380-5344 or online through our contact form. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur among every demographic, including pregnant women. It is critical that bystanders and first responders know what to do if an emergency medical crisis does occur. If a pregnant woman receives speedy and efficient care then both the mother and the unborn child can have the best possible chance of survival.

Yes. If a pregnant woman is experiencing cardiac arrest, is imperative to immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) has indicated that “Resuscitation of the pregnant woman, including PMCD when indicated, is the first priority because it may lead to increased survival of both the woman and the fetus.”
While bystanders might be reluctant and/or fearful to begin CPR when the patient is visibly pregnant for fear of harming the mother or the baby; it is necessary. CPR is needed for pregnant patients and, as always, it is essential that action is taken quickly. When a patient receives immediate CPR, their odds of survival increase by over 40%––so, it is vital that CPR is administered to pregnant women at the first signs of cardiac arrest.  

When performing CPR on a pregnant woman you will need to to follow the same basic principles that you would use for anyone else.

1. Call 911.
As soon as you notice that the pregnant patient is unresponsive and not breathing and/or your hear agonal gasping, quickly dial 911. When speaking to the 9-1-1 operator it is important to advise them that the patient is pregnant so that first responders are aware of the situation.

2. Perform CPR.
While waiting for the first responders to arrive on the scene, you should begin administering CPR to the patient. Make sure that the patient is lying on their back in the supine position on a flat, hard surface like the ground or the floor. You’ll need to open the airway and confirm that the patient is not breathing properly. Then, begin delivering chest compressions. There is not a special pregnant CPR position; you can press down on the center of their chest as is standard for any patient who requires CPR. You should perform hard, fast compressions at around 100-120 beats per minute.

3. Use An AED.
AED shocks are considered safe for women at any stage of pregnancy and shouldn’t harm the baby at all. Use of an AED will restart the heart and restore the patient’s regular heart rhythm. If an AED is accessible, turn on the device and follow the instructions given by the device itself. The device will either instruct you to deliver the defibrillation shock or to continue with CPR if it assesses that a shock is not necessary.
If at any point the patient becomes responsive, you can position them onto their left side. This will allow for better blood flow to their heart and to the baby. 

Regardless of the patient or victim demographic, it is imperative to immediately administer CPR whenever you are dealing with an unconscious patient who is unable to breathe. When a patient is in cardiac arrest, their bodies are not delivering an adequate supply of blood to the brain and other organs. For any patient, this can lead to serious complications. 
In pregnant women, this could potentially impact the health of the fetus. When a patient is pregnant, they require 30-50% more blood flow in order to accommodate both the mother’s and the baby’s needs. Because of this, “pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to deprivation of oxygen caused by cardiac arrest.” As such, in the event of cardiac arrest, CPR is critical so that blood flow is restored and the patient and fetus continue receiving oxygen.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) pregnant women are experiencing cardiac arrest at an increasing rate, and around 1 in 12,000 admissions for delivery in the U.S. results in a maternal cardiac arrest––and the number of patients who experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital could be much higher. This can be caused by a number of conditions, including heart failure, amniotic fluid embolism, or hemorrhage.

Are you ready to get CPR certified?
Help-A-Heart CPR’s CPR Certification course will cover everything you need to know to provide care and deliver CPR for both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. The stellar combination of experienced instructors, a "hands on" approach to learning, and a 100% compliance guarantee makes us your perfect partner for CPR training and certification. 
With classes offered both onsite and offsite, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. If you would like to get your entire workplace or team trained at once, we’re happy to provide a quote for group CPR training. Or, you can explore our online BLS course options for a hybrid certification with a short skills check with one of our instructors at our office. 
To get started, contact us by phone at (210) 380-5344 or online through our contact form. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Most school age students are typically not at-risk for heart failure or cardiac disease. However, school-aged children can still experience a medical crisis that involves a cardiac emergency. For parents, teachers, and peers, there is often nothing more life-changing than experiencing the loss of a child or friend. Subsequently, early bystander CPR is an essential life-saving tool for anyone whose has experienced a medical emergency involving a cardiac crisis.

Responder safety is one of the top priorities. CPR instruction that promotes the administration of 2 rescue breaths to school-aged students can often place the students at a greater risk of contracting communicable diseases resulting in a personal compromise to their personal safety. Furthermore, recent studies conducted on CPR have found that chest compressions are significantly critical to keeping an individual alive in the first few minutes after heart stoppage as opposed to  administering rescue breaths. In addition, people who don’t have extensive training in CPR  have a greater risk of giving improper rescue breaths resulting in the slowing down of overall compressions and breaths.

The proper administration of CPR by a bystander within the first few minutes of a cardiac emergency can be the factor that establishes the difference between a full recovery and mortality. If bystander CPR is administered soon after a victim has undergone cardiac arrest, the victim survival rate goes up to 45 percent. Sadly, with less than half of the people experiencing cardiac arrest getting immediate help, the overall survival rate for a person experiencing a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital is only 6 percent. 
Encouraging more bystanders to learn CPR, whether it be in the workplace or the school setting, can help reduce or eliminate a poor outcome. CPR, especially when learned in conjunction with AED training is the best way to get a heart pumping again after a cardiac arrest. Lucky for students, all schools are equipped with AEDs, so unlike many places where a cardiac arrest might take place, the victim survival rate in schools is better than in places without an AED. This is all the more reason for high school students to know how to administer CPR.

​Teaching CPR to school aged students is completely different that teaching CPR to adults. For example, an empowerment of educators is one of the most important elements necessary for facilitating a CPR class in the school environment. First, it is important to search for for CPR instructors that are engaging, knowledgeable, and instructors that can make the process of learning CPR fun. Second, it is also important to find instructors that have experience in both the healthcare and teaching fields.
If you don't have the time to find teachers and instead go immediately to the source, it’s important to find a CPR program that will come to your students. As a school administrator, you know how much of a logistical headache planning a field trip (or several) can be for your school. As opposed to attempting to transport dozens of students to a CPR training facility, try to locate a company that will come to your school to teach the CPR class to the health classes. However, it is important to remember that not every CPR training company is equipped to take their training sessions to the classroom. Find one that can come to your school or district.
​With our American Heart Association (AHA) accredited CPR class lasting just 2.5 hours, scheduling a CPR class with Help-A-Heart CPR is the perfect remedy. Get your students CPR certified here at Help-A-Heart CPR to comply with Texas legislative requirements and help save lives in the classroom and your school Contact us today to get started!

Every second counts when you are a bystander witnessing a cardiac arrest emergency. You will often need to find and use an AED quickly in order to optimize the patient's chance of survival. But what if you can’t locate the AED in your workplace or building? What if you begin to use it, and then discover that the batteries have expired? The chances of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation and CPR. If a bystander cannot quickly locate an AED, the results can be detrimental.
But just just having an AED isn’t enough! You need to be able to locate the device, start using it quickly but properly, and rely on it to be in good condition. The ABC's of an AED can help you ensure that AEDs are readily available, locatable, and functional. Subsequently, should a sudden cardiac arrest occur, you are prepared and knowledgeable.

So what is an AED? An AED is an automated emergency defibrillator (AED) which is a lightweight, portable electronic device that can be used in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer functioning correctly. It stops pumping blood to vital organs, including the brain. An AED will restore a regular heartbeat and help the heart start pumping blood again by delivering an electric shock to the heart and resetting its electrical system.

A-AED Management. 
The use of an AED is a simple process. An AED provides voice prompts and processes that are automated to ensure that users have the highest possible probability of success. 
However, it is important to remember that there are various things to manage the AED to ensure optimal use. These factors include battery life and condition, device location, and compliance with your state’s laws. The management of the AED allows you to coordinate all of this information and make sure everything runs smoothly. Ultimately, solid AED management helps ensure that your residential building, office, or facility is safe to be in!

B-Benefits of Maintaining AED.
The management of the AED can allow you to consider your location’s legal specifications and help you follow the rules. For example, Texas requires that at least one AED is present on each school campus and, for any gathering of a substantial number of students, the AED and an employee trained in AED must be readily available. Additionally, students must receive CPR training once in grades 7-12. At least one AED is required at each dental office, nursing home, convalescent facility, and pediatric extended care facilities, and at least one employee trained in CPR/AED must be on site. You can find out more about Texas AED requirements in the full Texas Health and Safety Code here.
Second, it is important that the AED be functional. An AED that is damaged or one that has expired parts might not work as quickly as an AED in good condition. Unfortunately, this inoperability could result in the loss of a life. For example, did you know that AED batteries can expire within 4 years? Or that AED pads can expire as well? Understanding teh ABC's of your AED can allow you to track the various expiration dates and battery condition, so that you can avoid the terrible situation of being stuck with an inoperable AED right when you need it most. Lastly, you can also establish reminders to make sure devices are replaced before their expiration dates and that all equipment is completely up-to-date.

C. CPR Certification Classes.
The last key component of AED management is AED user training. Despite AEDs being fairly simple to use, AED training can make a significant difference in the successful operation of an AED. When in a medical emergency people often panic and are less likely to follow proper instructions. AED training will allow you to feel better prepared to properly use the AED in the event of a medical crisis. In Help-A-Heart CPR’s Certification Classes, we instruct the proper use of the AED, the various AED components, while also conducting patient simulations while using the AED. Remember that every second matters and practice will help you make the most of your time and act with confidence.

Learn more about the ABC's of AED management with Help-A-Heart CPR.
At Help-A-Heart CPR, our quest is to encourage awareness and knowledge of emergency care. AED management is just one of many ways that you can be proactive about safety in your home or workplace. Feel free to contact us or give us a call at (210) 380-5344. We’re happy to help! 

Did you know that each year, more than 5,000 Americans die from work-related injuries, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics?
Group CPR training is a fun and effective method to learn CPR skills. Not to mention, investing in the health and well-being of the employee also allows employees to feel more valued. Additionally, scheduling a group CPR class for employees can also be a cost-effective choice for many organizations.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER GROUP CPR TRAINING?
Many organizations now require employees to receive CPR certification in order to comply with OSHA standards. But, even if it’s not a requirement, businesses can reap the benefits of group CPR classes. These are just some examples of who might benefit from group CPR training:

1. Corporate offices
2. Healthcare offices
3. Schools
4. Government buildings
5. Gyms and pools
6. Restaurants and bars

WHO TOPICS WILL BE COVERED IN A GROUP CPR CLASS?
During a group CPR course, our CPR and First Aid instructor will tailor the class to your workplace. We will provide you with lifesaving skills and  empower you with the ability to respond quickly during a medical emergency. Help-A-Heart's CPR's group CPR and First Aid class covers the following topics:

Administering CPR to people of all ages (Adult, Child, Infant)
Usages and considerations for AED
Assisting conscious and unconscious choking victims
Basic first aid skills

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A GROUP CPR CLASS?
Through participation in a group CPR training, your team will have an opportunity to work together in both an unstructured and structured environment. Not only does this type of training build trust and comradery among team members but it can also increase the job morale of each employee.
The following are some of the benefits of Help-A-Heart CPR’s group CPR and First Aid training programs:

1. You can actually practice and learn in the environment in which the medical emergency may occur.
A great benefit CPR training in the workplace is that you’re practicing right in the very room or space where the potential emergency would occur. Each attendee will get hands-on experience administering CPR in the office or workplace, locating emergency supplies, finding the best phone to use, and more. Getting to practice right in the workplace will help your team get familiar with their surroundings and ultimately act faster in the event of an emergency.

2. It is much easier to fit a group training experience into the schedule of each person.
With the busy schedule that everyone is juggling these days, it can be difficult to fit a CPR or First Aid training class into your schedule. One benefit of group group CPR training is that you don’t need to schedule transportation or cut time from work––we will bring all training materials and equipment to you. If you have a staff meeting or a day-long event, corporate CPR training is the ideal group activity. Group training can easily be added to the agenda of any corporate training activity day.

3. Scheduling a Group CPR class can save your organization money.
Group CPR training can fit into your budget. The tiered pricing system at Help-A-Heart CPR is based on the number of people in attendance, so the more people who train, the more money you can save! We also offer discounts for non-profit organizations, so please contact us to discuss special pricing. It’s easy to get a customized quote! Just fill out this brief survey and we’ll provide a cost estimate based on your situation.

4. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn the same information and the same time.
If everyone has learned the same information and at the same time, during a crisis situation, a unanimous collaboration efforts can be extended. Ultimately, this team effort can mean the difference between life and death. One of the benefits of group CPR classes is that everyone will leave with the same foundation of knowledge. During the course, we’ll go through real-world scenarios and simulations so that your team will have a chance to practice working together and gain confidence in their role.

Here at Help-A-Heart CPR we will bring the training to you. Just schedule a day and time that is convenient for you and get everyone certified and trained at the same time.
Do you have more questions regarding a group CPR course? Feel free to contact us and a member of our team will get back to you. If you'd like additional information, you can also look here for more information on the group CPR training through Help-A-Heart CPR.
 

Summer is right around the corner and so are beach activities including trips to the beach, swimming, and diving. Now is the time to prepare. Beach safety is critical and should never be taken for granted.
So what can you do to enjoy a safe and yet pleasant time at the beach? Below are four beach safety tips you need to know about:

1. Be on the "lookout" for red warning flags.
Beaches utilize different flags to indicate the types of surf and currents expected. These flags usually come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning.  
Look for a chart that highlights what each of the flag colors means; this chart often is posted at a beach’s main entrance. If you don't understand the chart make sure to ask a lifeguard about the surf and current conditions before you go swimming.
It is important to remember that not every beach is suitable for swimming at all times. But those who watch for warning flags can minimize their risks during any beach trip.

2. Make sure you know how to swim.
When was the last time that you went to be beach swimming? If it’s been several years, it may be valuable to take a basic swimming class to enhance and refresh your swimming skills.
Just a reminder that young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in and the around water. It always is better to use pre-caution with a life jacket allowing the use to more safely splash, play and, of course, and swim during their beach excursion.
Lastly, you should never swim alone at the beach. By swimming with a friend or family member, you can enjoy a fun-filled experience without putting your life at risk.  

3. Make sure you know how to swim.
Rip currents can be menacing and can exist large open water areas and low spots and breaks in sandbars. Before you step in the water, it is critical to ensure that there are no rip currents.
However, in the event that you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Instead, you should remain calm, cool and collected and swim parallel to the shore. And after you are out of the current, turn and swim back to shore immediately.
Additionally, be prepared to help others who may be caught in rip currents. If someone is caught in a rip current, ask the lifeguard for assistance. And if the lifeguard is unavailable, don’t hesitate to call 911.

4. Dive with caution.
Diving headfirst into any body of water can create a significant risk. Subsequently, you should always jump in feet first to protect your neck. Subsequently, make sure that you know exactly where you’re diving by inspecting the water depth. Additionally, make sure the diving area is clear of any foreign objects or obstructions.

So how can a lifeguard assist you? The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) reported the chance that a visitor will drown while attending a beach protected by USLA-affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million, or 0.0000055 percent. 
Lifeguards provide crucial assistance at beaches and public swimming areas. However, sometimes they may not be around. That's why learning CPR and First Aid to assist with lifesaving skills is paramount. With our experienced instructors here at Help-A-Heart CPR you can receive the hands-on assistance you need to become CPR and First Aid certified.
Ready to enroll in a CPR training course at Help-A-Heart CPR? To learn more about our extensive CPR training programs, please contact us today at (210) 380-5344.

1. Both compressions and breaths are critical necessities in drowning, choking, drug overdoses, and pediatric CPR.
2. If you perform CPR, you can triple the person’s chance of survival.
3. Compressions should be performed at a rate of 100-120/min. (to the beat of staying alive)
4. For every minute that someone is unconscious and not breathing without CPR, they have a 10% less chance of survival.
5. 383,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest each year.
6. If someone is in cardiac arrest, CPR can only make the situation better.
7. The longest successful CPR save is 96 minutes long!
8. Many AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) will talk you through how to perform CPR with the press of a button.
9. The compression to ventilation ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Did you know that taking a CPR class can be done in less time than most movies?
10. Children as young as 9 have saved the lives of others with CPR.
11. With widespread access to AEDs at least 40,000 lives would be saved each year.
12. The life you save with CPR could most likely be a family member or loved one.
 
If you would like to become EMPOWERED with the knowledge of lifesaving skills; give Help-A-Heart CPR a call today to register for a CPR or First Aid class. You never know when the opportunity might arise that you'll need those skills.

Nursing is a rewarding profession for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others. However, before becoming a registered nurse, all nurses must be accepted too and complete nursing school. We have provided a few suggestions that may help you in the event that you are preparing for nursing school. It is important to know what to study, what to avoid, who to talk to, and how to use your time wisely. Below, we will give you a few suggestions.

There are a few different types of nursing degrees, each with a different trajectory to a nursing license. All degrees, however, give you the credentials you need to become an RN. The first choice is an associate’s degree, which allows you to become an RN without earning a bachelor’s degree. The second choice is a diploma program, which lasts two to three years and allows you to become an RN in less time than it would take to earn a bachelor’s degree. The final alternative is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete and gives graduates the distinction of both a bachelor’s degree and a RN.

Are you wondering what you need to study to be accepted to nursing school but don't know where to look? Preparing for the standardized test is always a good choice. Two of the most popular standardized tests are the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. The TEAS is Administered by ATI Nursing Education and covers the following topics: English language and usage, reading, science, and math. The TEAS must be taken prior to nursing school and many nursing programs use it as part of their application process. Subsequently, a good score on the TEAS can provide you with more options for nursing schools.

Unlike the TEAS, the NCLEX is given to all prospective nurses who have earned their nursing degrees. The NCLEX is considered most important exam of any nurse’s career, as it determines whether he or she is ready to practice as an entry-level nurse. The NCLEX covers a wide range of materials taught in nursing school, so studying for it before school even begins is a great way to get ahead on your coursework.

Almost all nursing programs require students to complete some type of prerequisites in order to enroll. These prerequisites can be completely different based upon the program so it’s best to check with your nursing school to see what is required. Nursing programs will have the application pre-requisites available on their websites and some of the common prerequisites include a high school degree, high school or college course experience in the biological sciences, math, and English speaking and writing proficiency.

Additionally, there are also extra experiences, titles, and certifications which can allow your nursing school application to stand out from other applicants. For example, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can illustrate to nursing programs that you’re ready to do the work it takes to become a nurse. Additional lifesaving certifications are also recommended. Becoming certified in laymen rescuer CPR, BLS, and/or ACLS will show the nursing programs that you have dedication to learning life-saving techniques. Another suggestion is enrolling in ECG and Pharmacology. This course will not only prepare you for nursing school but also for ACLS and PALS which you may or may not choose to take prior to nursing school. Lastly, becoming a CPR instructor also is a great way to increase your confidence in your skills and help improve your public speaking.

Do you still have more questions regarding nursing school? Our team at Help-A-Heart CPR is here to help. Contact us to have your nursing school-related questions answered and review our website to gain additional information on our lifesaving certification courses.