Thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare or moving up in the field? That’s a smart choice. The healthcare industry is the largest employer in the United States, and is projected to grow at a breakneck pace, creating 1.9 million jobs each year through 2034.
If you’re ready to take the plunge into a healthcare career, one of your first steps is to earn the necessary credentials for the position you want, including the right CPR certifications.
While the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is the foundational credential for all healthcare workers, depending on your particular speciality, you may need to pursue additional, more advanced CPR certifications.
This checklist is designed to help students and current healthcare workers understand CPR certification requirements as they plan their career pathway in the healthcare industry.
How to Use the Checklist
The following checklist provides a detailed look at CPR requirements for healthcare workers in different fields and job positions. It serves as a valuable reference for both current practitioners seeking to advance their credentials and students exploring future career options.
Consider downloading and/or printing the checklist, so you have a handy visual to guide you through your career planning. You can also use the checklist to track your progress as you earn different CPR certifications for healthcare providers.
Note: CPR certification requirements may vary by state or employer. Always check with your state certification board and/or HR department before pursuing a specific certification.
Core CPR Certifications
The three core CPR certifications for healthcare providers are:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
| Completed | Certification | Who Needs It | When to Get It | Notes |
| BLS | All healthcare workers | Required before patient contact | Foundational: The BLS certification is mandatory for all patient-facing roles in healthcare. | |
| ACLS | Nurses in critical care, ER staff, paramedics, physicians, some dentists/oral surgeons | After earning your BLS. This certification is typically for advanced/critical care roles. | An ACLS certification provides professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in handling cardiac emergencies. | |
| PALS | Pediatric nurses, ER staff working with children, respiratory therapists, pediatric dentists | After earning your BLS. This certification is typically for professionals with a pediatric specialization. | The PALS certification focuses on emergencies involving infants and children. | |
| Specialty Certifications | Specialty-focused nurses and physicians | For professionals in advanced stages of a healthcare career. | Certifications in this category could include NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program), TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course), ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course), CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), and more. |
Career Pathway Examples
Not sure which healthcare career is right for you? Take a look below at some of the most popular (and sought-after) healthcare positions and the CPR certifications you’ll need to qualify for them.
Home Health Aide
- BLS certification
Medical Assistant
- BLS certification
Dental Hygienists
- BLS certification
- Advance: PALS if working in a pediatric dental practice
Pharmacist
- BLS certification (depending on practice setting)
Physical Therapist
- BLS certification
Physician Assistant
- BLS certification
- Advance: ACLS for emergency medicine or work in a hospital
- Advance: PALS for pediatrics or neonatal care
Registered Nurse
- BLS certification
- Advance: ACLS for work in the ICU or ER
- Advance: PALS for work in pediatrics
EMT
- BLS certification
Paramedic
- BLS certification
- ACLS certification
- PALS certification
Respiratory Therapist
- BLS certification
- Advance: ACLS for work in the ICU or critical care
- Advance: PALS for work in pediatric emergency or critical care
Healthcare Career Advancement FAQs
Educating yourself about the CPR requirements for healthcare workers in different fields is a great way to begin planning for your future in the industry. While pursuing these certifications does take time and effort, it’s one of the best ways to boost your skills and advance your career.
What are some top tips for managing CPR certifications for healthcare providers?
The most important tip is to make sure you renew your required certifications on time. ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications for health providers through the American Heart Association are only valid for two years. If your renewal date is coming up, start looking into classroom or hybrid online recertification programs ASAP.
It’s also a good idea to keep both digital and printed copies of all your active certifications on hand, so your employer can easily verify that your certifications are active.
What certifications are required to work in the field of healthcare?
The certifications you need will depend on your specific job within the healthcare industry and any specialities you plan on pursuing. Almost all workers within the field of healthcare are required to get BLS certified at a minimum.
If you plan to work in hospitals, emergency rooms, or the ICU, you’ll likely also need to take an ACLS course. If you’d like to work in pediatrics or with children in any type of medical setting, chances are good that you’ll need your PALS certification.
It’s always a good idea to check with your employer, HR department, and state certification board to understand the specific certification requirements of any healthcare role you’re interested in pursuing.
How long do healthcare certifications last before they expire?
ACLS, PALS, and BLS certifications for healthcare providers each last for two years. Healthcare professionals will need to recertify at this point in order to keep their certifications active. Certain specialty certifications may last longer or require annual continuing education.
What certifications do I need to become a nurse?
The right nursing certifications list for you will depend on what type of nurse you want to become and the specific field you want to work in.
In general, to become a registered nurse (RN), you need to start by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You’ll next have to pass your NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and get your state license. Finally, at a minimum, you’ll be expected to earn a BLS certification before you can begin working in the nursing field.
If you plan to work in the ICU or ER, you’ll likely need your ACLS certification. For a pediatric role, expect to take PALS classes for your PALS certification. You may also need special certifications. Examples include: CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse), or OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse).
Which certifications are required for dental hygienists or oral health professionals?
Most states and dental offices require dental hygienists to hold a valid BLS certification, which typically meets the requirements for most positions. However, those working in pediatric dentistry may also need to obtain a PALS certification.
Aside from these certifications, dental hygienists must also earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with an accredited dental hygiene program, pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), and pass their state or regional clinical board exam in order to earn their state dental hygiene license.
Do EMTs and paramedics need separate certifications?
EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and paramedics are different jobs and have unique certification, training, and credential requirements.
EMTs require a BLS certification. They also need to complete an EMT basic training program, pass the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) exam, and get their state EMT license.
To become a paramedic, you’ll need significantly more training compared to an EMT. That includes earning your BLS and ACLS certifications. In most cases, you’ll also be expected to earn your PALS certification as well. In addition, you’ll need to become certified as an EMT, complete an accredited paramedic training program, pass the NREMT paramedic exam, and earn your state paramedic license.
What certifications are useful for doctors or physician assistants?
Both doctors and physician assistants will need their BLS certification to work in healthcare. Doctors in most specialties should also expect to need to earn their ACLS certification. Doctors who work in pediatrics or who regularly treat children should also pursue a PALS certification.
Additional certifications for medical assistants, like physician assistants, will depend on their role. Physician assistants who work in emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, or in most hospitals will likely need their ACLS certification. Those who work in pediatric or family medicine offices should seek a PALS certification.
Can certifications transfer between states or employers?
Generally, CPR certifications and national certifications can transfer between states and employers. BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications through the American Heart Association are valid nationwide and are recognized by almost all healthcare employers.
If you have specialty certifications, it’s a good idea to check that they will transfer before you move to a different state or start a job with a new employer.
How often do hospitals check certification status?
All hospitals will verify that a new employee has their required valid certifications before hiring them. Most also perform regular credentialing audits for their existing staff, though the timing will depend on the specific hospital. Many HR departments will also keep records of staff certifications and send reminders when the certifications are getting close to expiring.
What happens if my certification expires?
If any of your required CPR certifications expire, you likely won’t be allowed to perform patient care duties until you recertify, especially if your BLS certification lapses. You could also be suspended from your job, lose pay, face disciplinary actions, or even get fired.
In the event of a CPR certification expiration, you’ll need to take a renewal course immediately.
Do students need certifications before clinical rotations?
Yes, most healthcare programs won’t let students participate in clinical rotations without required credentials. Almost all nursing, medical, physical therapy, and dental students will need their BLS certification before their first day of clinicals.
Advanced nursing students may need their ACLS certification for rotations in critical care or their PALS certification for pediatric nursing rotations. Be sure to check the requirements of your program before starting hands-on clinical training.
Can additional certifications increase my salary or job opportunities?
Absolutely. Advanced CPR credentials, like ACLS or PALS certifications, teach you additional skills and can open doors to more advanced positions. For example, earning your ACLS certification may qualify you to work in the ICU or ER, while a PALS certification can help you snag a position in pediatrics and/or family care.
Take a look at our detailed Career Pathways Roadmap above to learn more about CPR requirements for healthcare workers.
How long does it take to get certified in BLS, ACLS, or PALS?
The time it takes to earn your PALS, ACLS, or BLS certification for healthcare providers will depend on the type of course you take. Traditional in-person classes typically take longer than hybrid classes, which combine online learning with an in-person skills demonstration.
For example, a BLS certification in a traditional classroom setting can take over 4 hours, while you may be able to complete the hybrid class in less than 3 hours. Many students can complete the online learning phase in under 2 hours, while the skills demonstration takes roughly 30 minutes.
Of course, if you prefer to pace your online learning or break it up into chunks over a stretch of time, hybrid learning models can take longer than classroom certification courses.
Your Certification Path to Healthcare Success
Whether you’re just starting on your journey toward a career in healthcare or looking to advance to the next level, CPR certifications for healthcare providers are essential to your success. The right certifications can open the door to a world of healthcare jobs, better positions, higher salaries, and specialized roles in the field.
CPR Cart makes earning your CPR certifications both efficient and convenient. Our innovative hybrid courses let you complete your HeartCode for Healthcare Professionals online training at home and at your own pace. When you’re ready, perform your in-person skills test in just 30 minutes using one of our automated CPR Cart stations, which are available 24/7.
Use CPR Cart to earn your BLS, ACLS, or PALS certification. As soon as you pass your skills demonstration, you’ll instantly receive your official American Heart Association eCard.
Ready to start or advance your healthcare career? Book your certification appointment today.