Too many people are unprepared for emergencies, big or small. Because we feel safe and content due to evolutions in technology and medicine, we forego the training we may need when things go bad.
Getting your CPR certification helps you prepare for anything that may come your way – you could end up saving the life of a stranger or a loved one before paramedics arrive! At the very least, you give that person a better chance of pulling through.
Whatever your situation, you may be concerned about getting your CPR certification. Maybe you work long hours or are on a tight schedule which prevents you from even thinking about taking time out for a class, piling more work on top of what you already have to deal with at your job and at home.
CPR training is not as long, boring, or restrictive as you might expect. Let’s look at the details of how long it would take you to get CPR certified based on what you need to know. In a classroom course, you can expect to spend about four to six hours learning CPR. Below, we break down what you can expect from CPR courses from ProTrainings.
Basic CPR training for adults
If you would like to take a class on how to perform CPR on adults only, this course is the right one for you! Unlike healthcare providers who need more in-depth CPR training, most people only need basic skills and this is the class to get them.
In the basic adult CPR course from ProTrainings, the video material takes around an hour and a half to view. You’re also expected to complete knowledge reviews, study the downloaded material, and take the final test. Overall, this course takes between two and 2.5 hours to complete. After passing the class, you can print your certificate immediately instead of waiting for it to come in the mail.
Basic CPR training for all ages
Maybe you spend a lot of time around children and infants as well as adults. In that case, you should take the CPR training course that teaches you how to perform CPR on people of all ages. Note that childcare providers are often required to take first aid training, too, so this course may not be the best fit for your needs.
The course includes about two hours of video instruction along with knowledge reviews, time to study the information in the manual, and the final test. Overall, you could expect to add another hour to the length of the video, depending on your preferred pace. Again, you can print off your certificate as soon as you pass the test!
First aid/CPR training for adults
Learning basic CPR is a great start but gaining skills in first aid is even better. If you want to go the extra mile, take first aid combined with CPR training! This course is great for everyone but does not have a lot of information about children so keep that in mind if you work with kids or infants.
The first aid and CPR class for adults includes three hours and 21 minutes of video instruction as well as reviews and tests. Expect to spend between four and five hours working with the material if you want to be proficient in these lifesaving skills. This is a lot of time to invest but one of the great things about taking courses online is you can go at your own speed. As with the other classes, you get your certificate after you pass the test.
First aid/CPR training for all ages
If you are a childcare provider, this is the class for you. You learn how to treat people of all ages, including infants. Techniques for each age range are different; what works for adults could not only be ineffective for younger people but could also harm a child and be fatal for an infant.
The course material includes four hours and 22 minutes of video instruction as well as the reviews and tests that you need to pass and get CPR certified. Plan to spend about five or six hours working with the material, studying, reviewing knowledge, and getting remedial assistance. Again, you get your certificate immediately after passing your final test.
Why get CPR certified online?
You may be wondering why you should get certified online if there are training centers in your area. The choice is ultimately up to you, but consider these benefits:
- You can work at your own pace.
- You do not have to leave home if you don’t want to.
- You get a same-day certification, something that some classroom courses don’t offer.
- It is affordable and you only have to pay when you pass at the end.
- You don’t have to inconvenience yourself; classroom courses have set schedules, but you don’t at home.
- If you need remedial help, a CPR instructor can work with you individually as opposed to the large groups in a typical classroom setting.
How much do CPR certification courses cost?
Rates for online CPR training courses vary and some don’t tell you the price beforehand, ProCPR is transparent and open about how much you pay ahead of time! For each of the courses listed above, the price for online CPR training is $39.95. Some other providers charge upwards of $50 for hands-on training, material, and time but, since courses are downloadable, you get the best rates around while still getting high-quality training. If you take more involved classes like basic life support meant for healthcare providers, the rate is a little higher. Group rates vary and custom quotes are available on ProCPR’s site.