The BLS certification provides you with opportunities to work in various professions, including healthcare. BLS training will teach you how to react when a person has a cardiac arrest or becomes unresponsive due to lack of breathing. If you plan to work in a hospital, clinic, or emergency service agency, having a BLS credential will be a requirement for all employers.
Within the information in this guide, you will learn what BLS Certification provides; what types of jobs require BLS Certification; whether the cost of BLS Certification makes sense for your career; information on what salary ranges are for jobs in this field (BLS Salary Information); and the steps necessary for you to get your BLS certification.
What is BLS Certification? A Breakdown
There are several organizations that offer BLS classes. Both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association provide high-quality training for CPR (cardiac pulmonary resuscitation), using an automated external defibrillator (AED), and for assisting someone who is choking. BLS certification indicates that you have been trained to provide these life-saving techniques.
Healthcare professionals require this certification because cardiac arrest can occur anywhere at any point in time. Approximately 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States (according to AHA). Therefore, trained responders have been shown to double/triple the number of victims that survive.
BLS vs. CPR: Knowing the Key Differences
Many people confuse BLS with standard CPR certification. They overlap but serve different purposes.
Most CPR classes (2-4 hours long) are taught to everyday citizens and include how to perform compression and rescue breaths.
BLS certification goes deeper. It covers:
- High-quality CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants
- Two-rescuer CPR coordination
- Bag-mask ventilation
- Recognition of respiratory arrest versus cardiac arrest
- Team dynamics during resuscitation
The average length of a BLS course is four to five hours. Students taking these courses are typically employed in the health care industry and work as part of a team to respond to emergencies.
What Does BLS Training Cover?
The American Heart Association BLS curriculum includes these core skills:
- Chest compression depth, rate, and hand placement
- Proper ventilation techniques
- AED operation and safety
- Choking response for conscious and unconscious patients
- Recognition of life-threatening emergencies
- Teamwork and communication during codes
You’ll practice on mannequins and pass a skills test. Most courses also include a written exam.
Who Needs BLS Certification?
All types of health care professionals (including the EMS, nurses, doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, and all other health care workers) need to remain certified for BLS. If you cannot show current BLS certification, most hospitals and clinics will not hire you.
In certain instances, nonclinical jobs require or prefer BLS certification. For example, being a lifeguard, fitness trainer, or childcare worker usually needs BLS training. Additionally, many districts require that personnel be certified for their positions.
High-Demand Jobs You Can Get With a BLS Certification
You won’t be able to get most healthcare jobs with just a BLS certification. You will need other education and licenses. However, BLS certification can often be the first step toward employment and many entry-level healthcare positions require only basic training, as well as BLS certification.
Healthcare Roles Requiring BLS Certification
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Emergency medical technicians assist, and transport patients to hospitals after responding to calls received through 911 systems. EMTs are expected to use critical reasoning and have sufficient fitness to be able to perform their duties. EMTs can be employed by an ambulance service, a fire department, or a private transport service.
Requirements include having EMT certification, BLS certification, and also having your high school diploma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage of an EMT with these requirements is $36,930, and the projected job outlook through 2032 will have an increase of 5%.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Nurses who register give patient care in numerous facilities. Nurses provide treatment through administering medications, monitoring medical conditions, and providing information regarding different types of practitioners.
Qualifications: Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing; registered nurse (RN) license; basic life support (BLS) certification. Average Wage: $81,220 annually Expected Employment Projections: A 6% increase in jobs between now and 2032.
Medical Assistant (MA)
Medical assistants work for physicians at their offices or at an outpatient facility where they perform tasks such as taking vital signs, booking patient appointments, and assisting with simple procedures.
A medical assistant (9-12 months) has an average yearly income of $38270. BLS certification is required for employment as a medical assistant which translates to 14% projected growth from 2022 to 2032.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing homes, hospitals, and home care all use Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) to provide basic patient care. CNA’s help people with bathing and dressing, eating, and moving.
To become employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you will need two certifications: CNA Certification or the requirement to have one and BLS/CPR certification. The median annual income is currently $35,760, and a projected 4% increase in employment can be expected through 2032.
Paramedic
Advanced emergency care is provided by paramedics. Paramedics can provide intravenous medications, intubate, and interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs). The role of a paramedic requires extensive training compared to the role of an emergency medical technician (EMT).
Qualifications: Paramedic diploma/degree; state certification; BLS and ACLS. Median Salary: $49,820/year Future Job Opportunities: 5% increase expected from 2026-2032
Respiratory Therapist
Patients with breathing difficulties are treated by respiratory therapists who work with patients who have breathing difficulties, as well as emergency medical staff, to provide respiratory management (ventilator management and administering respiratory therapy).
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy, state licensure and BLS certification required. Median salary of $61,830 per year; 13% growth expected by 2032.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygiene practitioners (hygienists) provide cleaning, radiographic (X-ray) imaging and patient education about oral hygiene; they must be authorized to perform these services by being BLS certified due to the potential for patient medical emergencies during these procedures.
An Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene plus a state license and Basic Life Support certification is required to become a dental hygienist; median annual income: $81,400; job demand increasing 7% until at least 2032.
Non-Healthcare Roles Benefiting from BLS Certification
Lifeguard
Swimmers are monitored by lifeguards who respond to any emergencies that occur in the water. Water parks, pools, and beaches employ lifeguards.
To be considered for employment, you will need to have: lifeguard certification; BLS or CPR certification; swim test. Paradigm for pay is $13-$18 per hour*. Most of these jobs are either seasonal or part-time?
School Nurse
School nurses look after students’ health. They treat injuries, provide treatment for long-term conditions and put medicine into the correct areas.
Requirements for your RN license (many states require RN licensure) and BLS certification Median salary range is between $52,000 and $65,000 in different districts.
Security Guard
In emergency situations at hospitals, malls, and corporate buildings, security personnel who are assigned to those sites may need to possess BLS certifications in the event they respond to medical emergencies as first responders.
Median Salary: $34,750 Yearly – Required: State Security License, CPR Certification (Dependent on Employer).
Childcare Provider
BLS certification provides benefits to daycare workers/nanny parents/employers are more likely to hire individuals with BLS certification for their ability to help during emergencies, such as choking.
Requirements: Background check, BLS or CPR certification Median salary: $28,520 per year for childcare workers
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers help to keep athletes free from injury and help treat any athlete who may have been injured. Athletic trainers are always ready to respond to any injury during a competition or practice as they are the first people who will respond in case of an injury.
Application requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree combined with an authorized license issued by the state; Valid BLS certificate Median annual income is $53,840
Benefits of Holding a BLS Certification
Increased Job Opportunities
Most employers want candidates to have BLS certification before they will look at your application. A current certification removes an obstacle, and it sends a clear message that you are committed to health care.
Higher Earning Potential
While a BLS certification alone will not increase your salary, positions that require BLS are typically well compensated. For example, entry-level positions in healthcare such as EMTs and CNAs are a great way to gain experience and eventually move into higher paying positions.
Enhanced Skills and Knowledge
Emergency response training provides the ability to remain calm under pressure. You’ll also have the skills necessary for rapid assessment of a situation. The skills developed can be used in both your job and your everyday life.
Contributing to Public Safety
Every day, people die from cardiac arrest; oftentimes bystander CPR rates are very low in various communities. Your life-saving training can be used whenever you are at work, at home or out in the public industry.
Getting Your BLS Certification: What You Need to Know
Where to Find BLS Certification Courses
The two primary institutions providing these services are the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Both organizations provide traditional classroom classes as well as various types of hybrid or distance education courses.
Where to find courses:
- Local hospitals often host AHA courses
- Community colleges and vocational schools
- Fire departments and EMS agencies
- Private training centers
- Online courses with in-person skills sessions
Verify that your employer permits you to use the provider that you select. Most healthcare jobs require certification from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (Red Cross).
The Cost of BLS Certification
Course prices vary by provider and location:
- AHA classroom courses: $60-100
- Red Cross courses: $80-120
- Blended learning options: $50-90
- Renewal courses: $40-80
Some employers pay for certification. Ask about reimbursement before you enroll.
BLS Certification Renewal: Staying Up-to-Date
A two-year expiration period applies to your BLS certification. Renewal courses should be taken prior to the expiration date if you want to continue certification without interruption. Renewal courses are shorter (usually 2-3 hours) than initial certification (8-10 hours).
Put a reminder on your calendar for certification expiration dates. Most companies will keep track of your credentials by sending you reminders, but the ultimate responsibility to keep track of these certifications belongs to the employee.
Is BLS Certification Right For You? Weighing the Pros and Cons
If you are looking for a job in healthcare or an emergency service-related field, then getting BLS certification would be a good idea. Because many employers require this certification as part of their job application process, it will be an investment that pays off quickly.
Consider these factors:
BLS certification makes sense if:
- You’re pursuing a healthcare career
- Your job requires it
- You want life-saving skills for personal reasons
- You work with vulnerable populations
BLS certification may not be necessary if:
- Your career path doesn’t involve medical response
- Standard CPR meets your needs
- Cost is a major concern (though it’s relatively cheap)
A 4-hour online course with a cost ranging from $60-$120 will provide you with a valid, recognized credential in creating healthcare jobs. You will require this credential (per service) to be able to work in a given field.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step
BLS provides a basis for all health career training. Therefore, both EMTs/Nursing Aides/Medical Assistants would be required to obtain this certification as well. In many non-healthcare professions, you may face a potential emergency situation where you would need this training as well.
If you are interested in working in the health field, be sure to get your certification as soon as possible. Look for local AHA or Red Cross courses to take the necessary exam and add your new skills to your resume.
The skills you learn could help you land a job. They could also help you save a life.
Sources
“CPR & ECC Guidelines 2020” American Heart Association. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation/academic-and-student-resources. Accessed 2026.
- American Heart Association – “Cardiac Arrest Statistics.” | Heart.org, [Accessed: 2026]: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-arrest/about-cardiac-arrest (AHA).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, Accessed 2026, www.bls.gov/ooh/.
- Red Cross of America. BLS Certification and Training. Retrieved Accessed 2026 at: www.redcross/BlS_Training
National Register of Emergency Medical Technician {NREMT}. “Requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification”. Retrieved December 11, 2023 from NREMT.org (link)
