AHA vs. online BLS: who accepts what

Written by
Jessie Pooler, CDEI

Last reviewed
[date]

Reading time
6 min

Disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through some links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which card we say your employer is likely to accept. How we make money

The short answer

If you work in a hospital or are in nursing school, plan on an American Heart Association BLS card with an in-person skills check. Fully online cards are accepted by some employers, mostly outside hospitals. Confirm in writing before you buy.

The three kinds of BLS card

Card	Typically accepted by	Often refused by
AHA classroom or HeartCode Widely accepted $38 online + skills session	Hospitals, nursing and dental schools, dental boards	Rarely refused
Red Cross blended Broadly accepted Price varies by location	Many employers, dental boards, EMS agencies	Hospitals that specify "AHA only"
Fully online Most hospitals don't accept Lower cost, no travel	Some clinics, home health agencies, med spas	Most hospitals, many nursing schools, dental boards

Why hospitals usually want the AHA card

It's employer policy, not federal law. The Joint Commission doesn't limit CPR training to one brand. Hospitals choose AHA because their own instructors teach it and it always includes a hands-on skills test.

OSHA has said that "online training alone would not meet the requirements" of its first aid training standards.

Real policies, in their own words

"…exclusively through the American Heart Association."

OHSU School of Nursing

"…only accepts certification through the American Heart Association."

Ohio State College of Nursing

"…a live, in-person skills practice session, a skills test and a written examination."

Dental Board of California

When a fully online card can make sense

Your employer has told you, in writing, that it accepts the specific provider.
You work outside a hospital: some home health, med spa, clinic and non-clinical roles.
You need proof of training fast while you book a skills check, and your employer agrees.

The 60-second check before you pay

Send this to your manager, HR or program coordinator. Keep the reply.

Hi [name], my BLS card expires [month]. Before I renew, can you confirm: (1) Do you require an American Heart Association card specifically? (2) Must the course include an in-person skills test? (3) Would you accept a card from [provider name]? Thank you.

Our recommendation

Hospital, nursing school or dental licenseAHA HeartCode BLS + skills session → Employer confirmed it accepts onlineBest online BLS renewal → Not sureAsk first: send the email above ↑

Frequently asked questions

Is online BLS legit?

It's a real course, but "legit" depends on who must accept it. Many hospitals don't.

Is Red Cross BLS the same as AHA?

Both follow the same resuscitation science and include hands-on skills. Some hospitals still specify AHA only.

How long is a BLS card valid?

AHA BLS Provider cards are valid two years.

Sources

Last reviewed [date]

Spot an error? Email corrections@acceptedcpr.org and we'll fix it and note the change.