Why Employers Value BLS & ACLS Training

In workplaces across many industries, life-saving skills aren’t just a “nice to have.” They’re a “must-have” qualification for employees. The ability to respond quickly and effectively during a medical emergency can be an incredibly valuable skill, especially in the eyes of employers who prioritize workplace safety and well-being.

If you’re thinking of polishing up your emergency response skills, consider getting either BLS or ACLS certified. Basic Life Support (BLS) training will arm you with fundamental skills like CPR or how to use an AED. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) goes the extra mile and offers more specialized training for complex cardiac emergencies.

These certifications were once common only among healthcare professionals. Today, however, they can give you a leg up in diverse workplaces, from corporate offices to education, fitness, manufacturing facilities, and more.

What Are BLS and ACLS Certifications?

Before we explore why employers value these certifications, let’s dive into what BLS and ACLS training are and what you’ll learn in each certification course.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

As the name suggests, when you sign up for a BLS certification course, you’ll learn essential life-saving techniques, including:

CPR with proper chest compressions and rescue breathing

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Helping choking adults, children, and infants

How to recognize various life-threatening emergencies

BLS certification is growing in popularity and is now sought after by a wide variety of professions, including teachers, childcare workers, fitness trainers, office safety coordinators, and anyone who might need to respond to emergencies.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

ACLS builds on the foundations of BLS training and teaches a more in-depth skill set for cardiac emergencies. During ACLS classes, you’ll learn:

How to respond to a heart attack or stroke

Advanced airway management techniques

ECG rhythm recognition and interpretation

Pharmacology for cardiovascular emergencies

While ACLS certification is primarily designed for healthcare professionals, these skills can also be valuable for safety managers in high-risk workplaces where responding immediately to a serious medical emergency could mean the difference between life and death.

Why Employers Value BLS & ACLS Training

In today’s increasingly competitive workplace, having your BLS or ACLS certification can help you stand out from the crowd. More and more employers recognize the value of employees who can bring life-saving skills to their organizations.

Increased Workplace Safety

When a medical emergency happens at work, employees with BLS or ACLS training can jump into action immediately, potentially preserving the life of a co-worker, customer, or member of the public until professional help arrives. Many organizations know that fostering a culture of safety starts with well-trained staff.

Desirable Skill Set

BLS and ACLS certifications are particularly valuable in high-risk industries like fitness, aviation, hospitality, schools, and manufacturing. Even in industries where you might not expect it, having certified employees can lower a company’s overall liability and make a big difference if an emergency strikes.

Competitive Edge

Your BLS or ACLS certification can give you a competitive edge when you jump into the job market or if you’re looking to climb the ladder in your current organization. You can position yourself as both versatile and valuable in leadership, security, and customer-facing roles. These certifications show your boss that you’re prepared to step up when it matters most.

How to Get Certified and Maintain Your Training

The good news is that it’s easier than ever to get your BLS or ACLS certification. You can find a variety of training options to fit different schedules and learning preferences. The American Heart Association (AHA) and Red Cross are the gold standards for these certifications, so start your search with either of these organizations.

Traditional in-person classes remain a popular certification option. You’ll get in-person instruction and hands-on practice all in a one- to two-day sitting. However, blended learning options are gaining interest. These courses allow you to learn the theoretical portion of the training at home on your own schedule. When ready, you can then demonstrate your skills in a shorter in-person session. Even newer options let you showcase your skills on an automated mannequin that’s available 24/7. The flexibility of hybrid courses makes it easier for busy professionals to earn their certifications.

Keep in mind that even after certification, you’ll have to keep up your skills. Most BLS and ACLS certifications lapse after two years, meaning you’ll need to renew your certification to keep it current. Luckily, recertification usually takes less time than the original certification. You’ll mostly be refreshing your knowledge and learning any updates to the core material.

Investing in Life-Saving Skills

BLS and ACLS certifications are far more than just medical training. They can be valuable professional assets that benefit your career and your organization alike. These life-saving skills can boost your job prospects no matter where you work, from healthcare to education, fitness, and corporate settings.

Interested in earning your BLS or ACLS certification? Check to see if your employer will cover the cost as part of their professional development benefits. Many forward-thinking companies recognize the value of having certified staff and willingly invest in this training.

If your organization doesn’t currently cover certification, consider suggesting it as a valuable company training program. For employers, think about how the relatively small investment in BLS and ACLS certification could increase workplace safety and employee confidence.

Getting your BLS or ACLS certification could open new career doors while creating a safer workplace for everyone.