Being CPR certified is a pretty empowering thing. Employers are impressed with candidates that are CPR trained because it demonstrates their ability to act quickly, efficiently, and their level of dedication. The confidence that a CPR certification gives a person is applied to every aspect of their lives, whether at work or at home. But not only does it give a person more confidence, it gives them the power to save lives.
According to the American Heart Association, there are over 325,000 reported cases of sudden cardiac arrest every year. This makes it the leading cause of death in adults. People who are CPR certified can increase the survival rate by 40% when performing proper CPR on a victim of cardiac arrest – that 40% could be the difference between life and death.
But, if you’re like most people, you don’t have time to go to CPR classes. Your schedule is busy enough juggling work, your kid’s after-school activities, and every other curve ball life might throw you way.
That’s why taking online CPR classes is becoming more popular and reliable! Growing in popularity is the Blended Learning Program. We’ll take a look at why Blended Learning is the best option for a busy schedule, and why online-only certifications are not as effective.
What is blended learning?
Blended CPR certification training classes are ideal for people or organizations who want to maximize their productivity while fitting in classes around their own schedules. It provides a combination of online learning and in-person skills with content that is equivalent to the instruction you would receive in a traditional CPR class. Blended Learning programs provide a 2-year CPR certification upon completion of the 3-step program.
Flexible Training Solutions
This option provides greater convenience and efficiency for both individuals and employers because the online portion of the class is self-paced. This allows for classes to be completed around work and family schedules.
Employers are drawn to this method of training because ti can help them overcome scheduling conflicts and they can offer training to remote employers much easier.
For individuals taking this kind of program who are looking to be re-certified, Blended Learning offers the option to test out of content they already know and are familiar with. This is much more time efficient and lets the person focus more on areas where they may not be as comfortable, opposed to having to sit through the entire video series and online training material.
The Future of CPR Certification Training
Blended Learning and eLearning, both accredited by the American Heart Association, deliver the same content to all learners. Regardless of whether you take traditional courses or participate in a Blended program, the same information will be taught. The only difference is that pace at which it’s taught. Blended Learning and eLearning are more time-efficient and convenient ways to learn CPR skills and techniques.
This hybrid of online/hands-on learning is quickly becoming the preferred method to become certified by individuals and employers alike. The hybrid style accommodates a more diverse population because of the various teaching styles that are incorporated.
“eLearning can be as effective as classroom-based training. Often measured by students’ retention of course content, the average retention rate for an instructor-led class is 58%, and the eLearning experience enhances the retention rate by 25%.” –WR Hambrecht & Co., Corporate eLearning: Exploring a New Frontier; 2000; p 9
Blended Courses
These types of courses are perfect for people who are getting CPR certified for the first time, or for those who need the hands-on skills for getting employed. Again, the flexibility is appealing to everyone because the course work can be completed at your own pace, around your busy schedules.
There are 3 parts to a Blended Learning Program: Online Blended CPR Certification Training, the written exam (if healthcare Provider Course), and the hands-on evaluation portion.
The training and written examination can be completed online at your own pace and at your own convenience, and then get your skills evaluated by an AHA registered or certified CPR instructor.
The hands-on practical must be completed in person, using a manikin or real life scenario. Your CPR technique and skill will be evaluated by a certified instructor, only after you have successfully completed all three parts, will you be awarded with a CPR certification.
Why Online-only CPR certifications are not effective
Whereas the benefits of time efficiency and convenience are the same as those of a Blended Learning program, online-only programs lack a critical step to being CPR certified – the hands-on skill and technique evaluation.
The issue with online-only certifications is that they are not nearly as effective as a Blended Learning program or traditional CPR course. Online learning is still encouraged because of time constraints and scheduling conflicts, but it is difficult to get fully certified with just an online training program. This is because it lacks the hands-on evaluation that is required to AHA CPR certified.
Many businesses offer these online courses to their employees because it is inexpensive and it’s easy to print a card that claims the student has completed all the American Heart Association or other accredited agency courses. Employees then think they are “certified,” when in fact, they have just completed a series of videos or articles.
Simply having completed online coursework is not equivalent to being CPR certified, unless that online program is completed by attending a hands-on skill session performed in front of a certified CPR instructor.
This is why Blended Learning has become so popular and continues to gain momentum. The hybrid approach to CPR training is American Heart Association and Red Cross accredited, recognized, and upon completion, the student will be truly CPR certified, having the knowledge and confidence to perform life-saving skills in a real life scenario.
If you are interested in becoming CPR certified, consider online courses that will easily fit into your schedule and budget. Flexible times and course options are available to fit into even the busiest of lives!
Talk to the professionals at Chesapeake AED Services to get more information on the types of Online Blended CPR Certification Classes they offer, and how to sign up for their Blended Learning program!
