Training FAQ

Do you have questions about our training courses? We're here to help! Here are some of the most common questions we receive.

• What does BLS stand for?

  BLS stands for "basic life support." It is designed for professionals who need CPR training because they work or will work in a healthcare environment: i.e., nurses, doctors, nurse aides, dentists, dental assistants and students entering medical professions.

• Knowing CPR is a safety requirement for my workplace, but I do not work in a healthcare environment. Do I need the BLS training course?

  No, you need the Heartsaver CPR/AED course. The Heartsaver CPR/AED course was designed for teachers, personal trainers, non-health care office workers, industrial workers and anyone else who does not work in a healthcare environment but who is nevertheless required to know CPR for safety reasons.

• I took a BLS training class in the past, but I lost my card. What should I do?

  Good news! If you took the course with us you can email us to replace your card. If you took the course with another training center you'll need to contact them, or you can register for one of our courses and obtain a new card.

• Are there prerequisites for ACLS or PALS courses?

  Yes. These courses are designed for advanced healthcare providers. You will need a current BLS card. You'll also need to know how to read basic EKG rhythms, and you'll need to know some pharmacology. Ideally, you'd have some clinical experience too, or you'd have completed nursing school, paramedic school, etc.

• Where do you offer CPR classes?

  We have two offices in the Houston area designated for CPR training; one in Pearland, and one in Spring. We have offices with regularly scheduled courses in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans. We offer onsite group CPR, BLS, First Aid, PALS, or ACLS courses in Texas, Georgia, and Louisiana.

• Are your online courses approved by the American Heart Association?

  Absolutely! All our courses are AHA courses.

• How does online BLS training work?

  The online course has three parts. Part 1 is the online portion. Parts 2 and 3 are the hands-on skills sessions with an American Heart Association instructor.After enrolling in a course you will receive an email with your course key, and instructions on how to access your class. This email sometimes ends up in the spam or bulk folder, so be sure to check those frequently.After completing the online course you will receive a completion certificate. Print your certificate and contact us to schedule your Part 2 and 3 skills check-off. Bring your certification to your scheduled skills session. After the successful completion of the skills check, you will receive your 2-year provider card.

• I just finished an online BLS course from another provider, but it was not an AHA course. Can you do the skills check-off and give me an AHA card?

  No. We cannot do the skills check-off for online courses that are not AHA courses.

• I see manuals are required for all BLS courses. I already have one. Do I need to buy another?

  No, if you have a current 2020 manual already there is no need to purchase one from us.

• I have more questions about BLS training.

  No problem! Simply e-mail us at office@rchealthservices.com and we'll answer your question ASAP!