Instructor Certification

Become an AHA Instructor

Join our team of certified American Heart Association instructors and help train the next generation of life-savers

Why Become an AHA Instructor?

As an American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor, you'll play a crucial role in spreading life-saving knowledge throughout your community. Our instructors are passionate healthcare professionals who are committed to excellence in emergency response training.

Emergency Response Services is an authorized AHA Training Center, and we're always looking for dedicated individuals to join our instructor team. Whether you're interested in teaching BLS, ACLS, PALS, or other AHA courses, we provide comprehensive support throughout your instructor journey.

Prerequisites

Before beginning your journey to become an AHA Instructor, ensure you meet the following requirements:

Current AHA Provider certification in the discipline you wish to teach (BLS, ACLS, PALS, etc.)
Minimum of 18 years of age
Strong communication and teaching skills
Commitment to maintaining AHA standards and quality
Ability to complete the Instructor Essentials course
Access to necessary equipment and materials for teaching

Steps to Become an AHA Instructor

1

Complete Prerequisites

Ensure you have current AHA Provider certification in the course you want to teach. Your certification must be valid and not expired.

  • Obtain or renew your AHA Provider certification
  • Maintain active provider status throughout the instructor process
  • Complete any discipline-specific requirements
2

Find an AHA Training Center

Identify and contact an AHA Training Center that aligns with your goals. The Training Center will sponsor your instructor candidacy.

  • Research AHA Training Centers in your area
  • Contact the Training Center Coordinator
  • Discuss your instructor goals and expectations
  • Complete any Training Center-specific requirements
3

Complete Instructor Essentials

Complete the online Instructor Essentials course for your specific discipline. This course covers teaching methodology and AHA guidelines.

  • Register for Instructor Essentials through your Training Center
  • Complete online modules and assessments
  • Pass the Instructor Essentials exam with a score of 84% or higher
  • Print your completion certificate
4

Attend Instructor Course

Participate in the hands-on Instructor Course led by an AHA Faculty member. This includes teaching practice and skills evaluation.

  • Attend the full-day Instructor Course
  • Demonstrate proficiency in course content
  • Practice teaching scenarios with feedback
  • Complete skills testing and evaluation
5

Complete Monitoring

Teach your first course under the supervision of an AHA Faculty member or experienced instructor. Receive feedback and demonstrate competency.

  • Schedule your first monitored course
  • Teach under supervision
  • Receive constructive feedback
  • Demonstrate mastery of teaching skills
6

Maintain Instructor Status

Keep your instructor certification active by teaching regularly, staying current with AHA guidelines, and completing required updates.

  • Teach a minimum number of courses per year (varies by Training Center)
  • Stay current with AHA course updates
  • Complete Instructor Updates as required
  • Maintain your provider certification

Benefits of Being an AHA Instructor

Professional Development

Enhance your teaching skills and advance your career in emergency response training

Flexible Schedule

Teach courses on your own schedule while maintaining your primary career

Make a Difference

Help save lives by training others in critical life-saving skills

Network Building

Connect with other healthcare professionals and emergency response experts

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an AHA Instructor with Emergency Response Services