Governments worldwide are becoming more aware of the problem with the increased occurrence of cardiac arrest. This may be one of the reasons most states have updated their CPR guidelines and made it a graduation requirement. It prepares the younger population to stay calm and handle emergency situations.
CPR is not mandatory, although it is a job requirement for certain professions. Finding a suitable class that fits the training needs is crucial to getting the right CPR certification. Louisville has numerous training centers to choose from, offering CPR classes. However, finding the right one means doing research.
Depending on the level of CPR training needed, look for CPR certification courses that fit your busy schedule and budget. What is the average cost of CPR Certification Classes In Louisville? This article will cover what you can expect to pay for a CPR class, and at the same time, we’ll offer some other helpful information.
Who Needs CPR Certification
As mentioned, CPR certification is not mandatory, but some professions must possess a CPR certificate due to the nature of their job. A CPR certification is required for healthcare providers and other medical professionals, and the attended training must comply with the OSHA standards. The list extends, but is not limited, to the following:
- Doctors, nurses, and dentists;
- Caregivers, nannies, babysitters;
- Employees in the hospitality business;
- Employees in educational institutions;
- Employees in the construction industry.
CPR certification doesn’t have to be work-related; it can also be a personal choice. If you have a family member suffering from a specific medical condition, you may want to attend a CPR course to learn how to help them in an emergency.
Types of CPR Certification Classes Offered in Louisville
Any health organization will strongly advise everyone to attend a CPR course to learn CPR basics. With up to 10 cardiac arrest cases in and outside the hospital, civilians need to learn to deliver CPR. Cardiac arrests don’t distinguish between age, race, and gender, which is why training centers offer different types of courses.
CPR and First Aid
These classes deliver a combination of CPR and First Aid knowledge. You will learn to recognize signs of cardiac arrest or stroke, detect choking, and assist an individual by stopping the bleeding. At the same time, you’ll get the skills to treat fractures, burns, any type of bites and stings. You will also learn to help a person overcome an allergic reaction.
Adult CPR
This course covers CPR for adults and teens. A pretty straightforward course that equips you with general CPR knowledge. It is beneficial for individuals who have elderly members in the family or are caregivers. This course also includes training to use an AED.
Infant CPR
Giving CPR to an infant differs from CPR for adults which is why it is a separate course – recommended for new parents, babysitters, nannies, and grandparents. It teaches you basic infant CPR skills and how to provide relief to a choking infant and trains you to help an infant until the EMS team arrives to take over.
Workplace CPR
It is probably the most common CPR certification in all US states. Employers are encouraged to organize workplace CPR training that complies with the OSHA workplace safety requirements. This is a group training, and the price will be affected depending on the number of participants, and materials used.
Basic Life Support Training
Basic life support, better known as BLS, is a training required for healthcare and medicine professionals, including emergency medical staff. The classes include training on the use of numerous life-saving techniques and AED.
Average Cost of CPR Classes in Louisville
Choosing a suitable class may require some research on your part. You can find many training centers in Louisville, but not all have the proper accreditation. Look for ones that have instructors certified through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. At the same time, ensure that their curriculum complies with the AHA CPR Guidelines.
The fees you’ll need to pay for attending a CPR class depend on many factors. For one, every service provider determines their fee depending on what they offer. The price is affected by the specific CPR content, the materials used, whether it’s individual or group training, and the service provider’s geolocation.
The average cost of a CPR class in Louisville starts at $50. If you find a service provider that offers a lower fee, ask what the price includes. You may be asked to pay additional fees for getting a hard copy of the manuals or other expenses you have not foreseen.
Duration of CPR Certification Classes
The duration of the CPR certification classes depends on the type of certification you choose. Generally speaking, these classes last for several hours. Learning to recognize signs of cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies and know how to respond cannot be rushed.
Choose the accredited service provider and type of class you wish to attend, and then find a date that fits into your schedule. Take the course with an AHA-registered instructor, followed by a multi-choice exam. The exam and skill check aim to see if you have mastered the methods and techniques needed in emergency situations.
You’ll be issued a CPR certification card when you successfully pass the CPR skill check and the exam.
Renewal of the CPR Certificate
Your CPR certification card is valid for two years, after which you will have to get a renewal. There are several ways you can renew your certification card. If your credentials are almost expiring but still valid, you can take a renewal course to freshen up your skills. At the same time, you will get an update on the latest CPR techniques or any other novelties in the field.
Those whose credentials have expired will have to get recertified. This means they must take the full CPR certification course and get a new certification card.
Refresher courses are also available for those who need to refresh their knowledge and check their skills occasionally. In fact, if you don’t deliver CPR regularly, it is recommended to take a refresher course to go over some techniques.
Is Taking Only Online CPR Courses Accepted?
CPR certification classes are designed to fit everyone’s lifestyle. They can be attended in-person, online, or blended (a combination of in-person and online courses). The perk of attending an on-line class is that you can choose the time and location where you take the class.
However, taking only an online course is not accepted because getting an in-person skill check is required. You can take the theoretical part of the course online, but the practical part, where an instructor needs to check your skills, has to be done in person. If you take only an online course, you will be asked to retake the CPR class, creating additional expenses.
Final Thoughts
Learning CPR and having the ability to help a person in need is a noble thing. Whatever the reasons behind getting CPR certified – a job requirement or a personal decision – it is a selfless act that can save a life.
Today’s CPR courses are designed to fit into everyone’s schedule by offering the possibility to take classes online. This way, you save time and money while getting the necessary knowledge. The prices of a CPR course will depend on the curriculum and type of course you choose. They also differ between states and providers.
Louisville’s service providers offer several certifications to choose from, depending on what you need. Whatever provider you decide to get your CPR certification from, ensure that it has the proper accreditation from the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.