AHA CPR Instructor

[Anjel]

Is it worth it to get this certification?

It seems like something nice to have maybe on a resume. But before I waste time and money on it, just wanted to see if anyone here on it has it or recommends it.

Oh and it would be for BLS since I am..well...BLS

 

[medicRob]

Is it worth it to get this certification?

It seems like something nice to have maybe on a resume. But before I waste time and money on it, just wanted to see if anyone here on it has it or recommends it.

Oh and it would be for BLS since I am..well...BLS

Yes, I think it is a great thing for an EMT to have, it is one of the few things that an EMT-Basic can have that will set them apart in the application pool. The benefit of hiring an EMT-B who is an AHA BLS Instructor over one who is not is that the BLS instructor can work with the service's community education programs and help teach renewal classes for the service's employees.

I enjoy being a BLS instructor.

 

[MMiz]

It's something that I got, but never used. Still, it looked good on a resume for both EMS and non-EMS jobs.

 

[medicRob]

It's something that I got, but never used. Still, it looked good on a resume for both EMS and non-EMS jobs.

If you want to renew it, you have to teach at least 4 courses over the renewal cycle, better get crackin.

 

[Anjel]

Ok sweet. Now to just find a place that does it.

Also do they set you up with the whole student teaching thing? Or is that something you have to find on your own.

 

[medicRob]

Ok sweet. Now to just find a place that does it.

Also do they set you up with the whole student teaching thing? Or is that something you have to find on your own.

You take the instructor class, then you assistant teach 2 classes where you are monitored by the AHA faculty member overseeing your instructor program. You are then responsible for teaching 4 classes every renewal cycle to renew.

I would hold off on taking the BLS instructor course until the new training materials and vids come out, otherwise you are going to have to purchase the 2005 standards training vids, instructor manual, and use the 2010 interum vids rather than just purchasing the 2010 Instructor Manual and using the 2010 vids.

Be prepared to purchase your own equipment as well or make arrangements in advance of teaching a class with your service to borrow theirs.

 

[lawndartcatcher]

If you want to teach classes, then by all means get the instructor certification. If you just want a resume builder, don't waste your (and our) time. I've been teaching CPR for 16 years and have had a lot of folks come banging on my door once they realize they have one or two months to teach their mandatory classes. Then, once they get a class to "teach" they usually spend the entire class leaning up against the wall since they don't care about teaching or the material.

I'm a paramedic and still enjoy teaching community classes since it lets me get our message out to the larger community. If you're just going to do this to pad your resume what kind of image are you going to project to your community? You may be the only EMS provider your town sees until they call 911; if you're not passionate about teaching then don't do it. There are better ways to look good for a prospective employer.

 

[medicRob]

If you want to teach classes, then by all means get the instructor certification. If you just want a resume builder, don't waste your (and our) time. I've been teaching CPR for 16 years and have had a lot of folks come banging on my door once they realize they have one or two months to teach their mandatory classes. Then, once they get a class to "teach" they usually spend the entire class leaning up against the wall since they don't care about teaching or the material.

I'm a paramedic and still enjoy teaching community classes since it lets me get our message out to the larger community. If you're just going to do this to pad your resume what kind of image are you going to project to your community? You may be the only EMS provider your town sees until they call 911; if you're not passionate about teaching then don't do it. There are better ways to look good for a prospective employer.

There is nothing wrong with getting an AHA instructorship as a resume builder.

 

[Anjel]

If you want to teach classes, then by all means get the instructor certification. If you just want a resume builder, don't waste your (and our) time. I've been teaching CPR for 16 years and have had a lot of folks come banging on my door once they realize they have one or two months to teach their mandatory classes. Then, once they get a class to "teach" they usually spend the entire class leaning up against the wall since they don't care about teaching or the material.

I'm a paramedic and still enjoy teaching community classes since it lets me get our message out to the larger community. If you're just going to do this to pad your resume what kind of image are you going to project to your community? You may be the only EMS provider your town sees until they call 911; if you're not passionate about teaching then don't do it. There are better ways to look good for a prospective employer.

I didn't mean for it to come off that way. I definitely want to help out the community and make sure they are informed. I hope that if my family members go down in a store. That some bystander knows cpr and how to use an AED and if I can contribute to informing the community that would be great.

Yes it's nice on a resume. I just didn't know if it's worth paying for it all.

 

[EMT-IT753]

Worth it..

I took the class for mine about a year ago and use it at least once a month if not more. I have made the money back that it cost for the class in one class that I helped teach. My training center that I am affiliated with emails me all the time with upcoming classes to see if I want to teach. I enjoy doing it and receive decent pay for doing so.

It is good on the resume as well. 3 places that I am employed at have all mentioned that being as instructor was a factor in me being hired over others.