General Questions:
Q: What if my card is not an American Heart Association Card?
A: AHA Guidelines indicate that you can not take a renewal course unless you have a current AHA card.
Q: What if I need to cancel my class?
A: With two weeks notice, you can reschedule your class without penalty. All fees are transferable with notice, but are non-refundable.
Q: Do I need to buy books?
A: Books are required for the classes. All study material and class preparation is now on CD-ROM inside the book. Downloadable study packets are no longer allowed by the AHA.
Q: How long is my certification good for?
A: Most AHA certifications are good for two years from month of class.
Q: Can any of these courses be taken online?
A: Yes, but you will still need to visit a training center to be tested off on the skills or “hands-on” portion. Typically, this will cost you more money.
Q: My card expired. Can I still take a renewal course?
A: AHA Guidelines indicate that you can not take a renewal course with an expired card. You will need to take a provider course, unless you have documentation from an MD stating you were unable to renew on time because of a physical condition.
Q: I lost my card, can I get a replacement?
A: Yes, duplicate cards are available at HeartShare Training for a minimal cost. Contact a staff member.
Q: I forgot my log-in ID and password. How do I get into my account?
A: If you have forgotten your log-in ID or password or have any other problems, contact a staff member. Please do not initiate a duplicate account.
Q: What should I bring to my course?
A: Current card (if recertifying), photo identification card, pre-course study results, a textbook, a registration sheet, and wear comfortable clothes.
Q: How do I contact the staff at HeartShare?
A: Telephone, email or walk in. Someone will be happy to help you!
Q: Why does your training center not accept ASHI or ARC cards as equivalent?
A: While many other cards claim to instruct courses under AHA Guidelines, they are not monitored by the AHA, and therefore not accepted.
Q: How can I get directions to your facility?
A: Check the “contact us” section of the website for location and map.
Q: Do you offer off-site classes?
A: Yes. We do numerous off-site classes each week.
Q: How soon will we receive our card after we complete the class?
A: After successful course completion, most cards are issued same day.
Q: I wasn’t able to attend my class. Do I lose the class fees?
A: HeartShare Training has a no-refund policy. As a courtesy, we will sometimes transfer a percentage of fees already paid towards another class.
Q: What is the best way to register for a course?
A: Website, email, telephone, or in person.
Q: I did not receive my reminder/email confirmation. What should I do?
A: Check your profile information and ensure that the email address is correct. Then check your spam filter/box. You can always call the office for assistance!
Continuing Education (CE)-Specific:
Q: What if I need Continuing Education hours (CE’s)?
A: Continuing Education hours can be purchased for an additional cost (MD’s excluded).
Q: What do I do if I need to re-print CE’s for a class I already took?
A: HeartShare Training will re-print CE’s for customers at no additional charge.
Q: Can I purchase CE’s for a class I took previously?
A: Yes, CE’s can be purchased for classes already taken.
Basic Life Support (BLS) & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Specific:
Q: Why can’t I do a BLS-Skills Check-off instead of a BLS Renewal?
A: You can, but only when taking an ACLS Recertification course on the same day.
Q: What qualifies me to take a Healthcare Provider course?
A: Pre-requisite information for all courses is available in the course information section.
Q: What is the difference between a BLS Skills Test-off and a BLS Renewal?
A: A BLS Skills Test-off is an opportunity to skip a 3.5 hour renewal for experienced healthcare providers. It is expected that you know the material thoroughly when you arrive for the Test-off. This course is recommended for experienced and rehearsed healthcare providers only. Pre-requisite information for all courses is available in the course information section. If you do not successfully pass the condensed BLS Skills Test-off, you will need to take the full renewal at an additional cost.
Q: What is the difference between a BLS course and a Heart Saver CPR and AED course?
A: BLS courses are usually geared towards people that provide healthcare for a living, or work in a healthcare environment. Heart Saver courses are usually geared towards the lay person.
Q: How can I best prepare for my BLS course?
A: Make sure you meet the pre-requisites and review a current BLS Provider manual.
Q: How do I get a private CPR class for my staff?
A: Contact a staff member. Group discounts are available.
Q: Are ACLS and BLS combined?
A: BLS is integral to ACLS and is thoroughly covered during an ACLS course. They are, however, separate certifications and, therefore, separate classes.
Q: Can I get both my ACLS and BLS cards on the same day?
A: Occasionally, there are ACLS and BLS courses offered the same day. A BLS Skills Test-off is offered before our ACLS Recertification. Please note: This is a BLS Skills Test-off only and a current card is required.
Q: Can anyone take your BLS classes?
A: Yes. Pre-requisite information for all courses is available in the course information section.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Specific:
Q: How long is an ACLS Recertification Course?
A: The normal ACLS Recertification Course is nearly 8 hours in length. For expired providers, we do offer a Condensed ACLS Recertification Course.
Q: What is a Condensed ACLS Recertification?
A: The Condensed ACLS Renewal course is an opportunity to renew your ACLS card in a shorter period of time than a normal renewal. It is expected that you know the material thoroughly when you arrive for the class. This course is recommended for experience and rehearsed healthcare providers only. Pre-requisite information for all courses is available in the course information section. If you do not successfully pass the condensed ACLS Renewal course, you will need to take the full renewal at an additional cost.
Q: How can I best prepare for my ACLS course?
A: Make sure you meet the pre-requisites and review a current ACLS Provider manual. Also, you can consider taking our Basic EKG & Drugs for ACLS course.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Specific:
Q: How can I best prepare for my PALS course?
A: Make sure you meet the pre-requisites and review a current PALS Provider manual.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Specific:
Q: How can I best prepare for my NRP course?
A: Make sure you meet the pre-requisites and review a current NRP Provider manual.
Basic EKG & Drugs for ACLS (EKG) Specific:
Q: What kind of certification do I receive with the Basic EKG & Drug class?
A: HeartShare Training offers a two day Basic EKG & Drug course designed to prepare people for an ACLS Provider course. You receive a certificate of completion and 13 Continuing Education hours (MD’s excluded).
