So, you want to be CPR certified, huh? Well, just Click Here and print your certificate and you're all done.
Well, of course its not that simple. But, there are a few online certification sites that would like you to believe it is. Anyone can make up their own fancy-sounding organization name like "International CPR Foundation", or "InterStellar Heart Association" and offer a certificate. They can even say it's "just as good as the Red Cross" or "accepted in place of the AHA certificate". It's up to you to believe their claims or not. Check out the available programs and find one that supports real certification.
Many jobs require CPR certification proof as a mandatory skill. A CPR certificate is needed for lifeguarding, Boy Scout high adventure trips, camp staff, some teaching positions, personal trainers, and many other jobs. There are many situations in which CPR skills may not be required, but are advantageous to getting a position - babysitting and coaching for example.
Since the certification is so valuable, many people are tempted to find the cheapest, fastest, easiest way to get it rather than to make themselves thoroughly prepared for the task. Investigate some of the training and certification programs listed - I believe you will find that any good, worthwhile program is not cheap, fast, nor easy - no more so than a classroom certification course.
To be meaningfully certified in CPR or First Aid or anything at all, the certificate needs to be issued by a well-known, respected organization in that particular field of knowledge and skills. Certification candidates need to be taught and tested to show that they deserve the certification. In CPR certification, the American Red Cross and American Heart Association are two organizations to offer meaningful certifications that are accepted by most companies, job requirements, and volunteer organizations.
Challenges with online certification include:
Manual Skills
- a student can select which way of performing a manual step is correct, but can not actually DO the skill.Security
- it is easy to have someone else answer online CPR certification test questions for a candidate.Expertise
- access to a knowledgable instructor to provide guidance, instant answers, and tips.
It's a great idea to prepare for your CPR and First Aid certification by learning as much as you can first. Using online resources is a good way to do that, but it does not completely teach you the skills and does not get you certified.
The A.R.C. and A.H.A. offer great classes that take from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the course materials covered. A shortened course is available for CPR recertification and the latest accepted procedures are reinforced. Contact your local A.R.C. or A.H.A. office soon.
Find CPR Info at www.CPRDude.com
