Becoming a Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor through the American Heart Association (AHA) is a rewarding opportunity for healthcare professionals and experienced responders who want to teach lifesaving skills and make a lasting impact in their communities. Whether you’re a paramedic, EMT, nurse, physician, or allied health professional, instructing BLS courses allows you to empower others to confidently respond during cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
Below is a clear breakdown of what it takes to become an AHA BLS Instructor, along with the key benefits of stepping into this important role.
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What Is a BLS Instructor?
A BLS Instructor is authorized by the American Heart Association to teach BLS Provider courses, which include:
High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Relief of choking
Team-based resuscitation skills
BLS courses are required for many healthcare and public safety professions, making certified instructors consistently in demand.
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Steps to Become an AHA BLS Instructor
1. Hold a Current AHA BLS Provider Certification
Before applying to become an instructor, you must have a current AHA BLS Provider card (not expired). This ensures you are proficient in all required skills and familiar with the latest AHA guidelines.
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2. Align With an AHA Training Center
All AHA instructors must be affiliated with an AHA Training Center (TC). The TC oversees:
Instructor onboarding
Course monitoring and quality assurance
Issuance of AHA course completion cards
Some Training Centers require an interview or application prior to moving forward.
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3. Complete the AHA BLS Instructor Essentials Course
This course is offered in two parts:
Online Instructor Essentials – Covers teaching methodology, AHA policies, course structure, and instructor responsibilities
In-Person Instructor Course – Focuses on hands-on teaching, skill evaluation, classroom management, and coaching techniques
You’ll be evaluated on both knowledge and instructional ability.
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4. Successfully Teach a Monitored Class
After completing Instructor Essentials, you must teach a monitored BLS course. A Training Center Faculty member observes you to ensure:
Proper teaching techniques
Accurate skills testing
Adherence to AHA guidelines
Once you pass monitoring, you are officially recognized as an AHA BLS Instructor.
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5. Maintain Your Instructor Status
To remain active, instructors must:
Teach at least one BLS course every two years
Keep their BLS Provider certification current
Follow all AHA and Training Center policies
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Benefits of Becoming a BLS Instructor
✔ Make a Real Difference
Every student you teach gains skills that can save a life—at work, at home, or in public. Instructors play a direct role in improving survival from cardiac arrest.
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✔ Professional Growth
Being an instructor enhances your résumé and demonstrates:
Leadership
Teaching ability
Clinical competence
Commitment to continuing education
This can open doors to promotions, educator roles, or leadership positions.
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✔ Flexible Income Opportunities
Many instructors teach:
Independently
Through hospitals or agencies
For private training companies
You can schedule classes around your availability and potentially earn supplemental income.
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✔ Stay Current With Guidelines
Instructors stay up to date with the latest AHA science and guideline updates, keeping your own clinical skills sharp and evidence-based.
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✔ Expand Your Network
Teaching connects you with:
Healthcare professionals
First responders
Community organizations
Employers seeking trained staff
This networking can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
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Is Becoming a BLS Instructor Right for You?
If you enjoy teaching, mentoring others, and staying actively engaged in lifesaving education, becoming an AHA BLS Instructor is an excellent next step. It combines purpose, professionalism, and flexibility—all while helping build safer workplaces and communities.
If you’re considering the path, start by ensuring your BLS certification is current and reaching out to an authorized AHA Training Center to begin the journey.
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