What's The Difference Between Red Cross BLS & AHA BLS?

Do you know the difference between the American Red Cross BLS class and the American Heart Association BLS class?

​If you need Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, you may be wondering about the differences between the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS certification and the American Red Cross (ARC) BLS for Healthcare Providers certification. Both programs teach essential lifesaving skills, including high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, AED use, team dynamics, and relief of choking emergencies.

The primary difference is the organization issuing the certification and the training materials used. The AHA BLS Provider course follows the latest American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care and is widely accepted by hospitals, healthcare systems, nursing programs, and medical employers. The Red Cross BLS Provider course also follows evidence-based guidelines and is accepted by many healthcare organizations and employers.

Looking for a BLS provider certification in San Antonio? Visit Help-A-Heart CPR, LLC for American Heart Association and American Red Cross BLS, ACLS, PALS, and First Aid training courses designed for healthcare professionals and the community.
Before enrolling, verify which certification your employer, school, or licensing board requires. Some healthcare facilities specifically require AHA BLS certification, while others accept either AHA or Red Cross credentials.
Both certifications are valid for two years and provide hands-on training designed to help healthcare professionals respond confidently during medical emergencies.