It might be hard to choose the right CPR training program, especially with reputable organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC). Both AHA and ARC are well-known for providing CPR and first aid training to help increase survival rates. While both organizations teach similar lifesaving skills, their certification programs differ in various ways.
If you’re looking to understand the differences between AHA and ARC programs, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the key difference between the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross to help you make an informed decision.
American Heart Association (AHA)
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization in the United States that provides life-saving skills. It was founded back in 1924, the AHA has been on a mission to educate people about heart disease and provide them with essential CPR knowledge.
The AHA focuses on evidence-based CPR training. Their CPR courses are known for being both scientifically accurate and incredibly practical. That’s why healthcare professionals and the general public choose AHA training to sharpen their CPR skills.
American Red Cross (AHC)
The American Red Cross (ARC) is a humanitarian organization in the United States dedicated to emergency response, disaster relief, and education. It was established in 1881, the ARC has a long history of helping communities stay safe and prepared.
One of the key areas where the ARC makes a difference is through its CPR and first aid training programs. Their course are designed for people from all walks of life, from healthcare professionals to community members who are looking to gain essential life-saving skills. The ARC’s training is recognized nationwide, making it a reliable choice for anyone seeking certification.
Difference between AHA and ARC certification?
The American Heart Association and American Red Cross offer CPR and first aid certification. Both organizations are highly reputable and focus on teaching life-saving skills, but their approaches and certifications vary slightly. Here are the differences in terms of course module, cost validity time, and so on.
1. American Heart Association Course Content and Structure
The AHA course content provides in-depth training focused on high-quality chest compressions, rescue breathing, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques for adults, children, infants, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and other CPR tools. It follows a blended learning approach, combining online theory with hands-on practice on manikins to build confidence. The AHA course offers a wide range of life support courses, including:
- Basic Life Support (BLS): For healthcare professionals and laypeople to save the victim from choking, drowning, and other situations.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): For advanced medical personnel to manage cardiac arrest, shock, and other emergencies.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): PALS training is for healthcare providers, parents, and child care providers. It focuses on pediatric emergencies.
- First aid and CPR training: Basic first aid and CPR training for lay responders.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training: This training helps to keep the workplace safe and hygienic and prevent transmission of infectious diseases.
2. American Red Cross Course Content and Structure
The American Red Cross (ARC) offers practical and comprehensive training programs aimed at healthcare professionals, workplace responders, and community members, providing essential life-saving skills and safety practices. It covers essential skills like chest compressions, rescue breathing, and use of an AED. ARC also provides a blended learning approach and hands-on placement to boost the students’ confidence. The ARC course includes:
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support(ACLS): This course is mainly for healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians.
- Basic Life Support(BLS): This training is for a layperson or firefighter.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): It is mainly for pediatric doctors, parents, and child caretakers.
- CPR and First aid training: It is essential for everyone who wants to learn basic CPR and first aid training.
- Lifeguarding and water safety: It provides water rescue skills, CPR for drowning victims, and safety protocols for aquatic environments.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training: This training helps to keep the workplace safe and hygienic and prevent transmission of infectious diseases.
3. Recognition and Acceptance
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) certifications are widely recognized and accepted worldwide. Many hospital and healthcare facilities prefer the AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification due to its focus on evidence-based clinical training.
Both certifications are valid and respected worldwide, so it’s your choice between AHA and ARC, depending on the specific requirements of the employer or organization.
4. AHA and ARC certification validity
American Heart Association CPR certification is valid for two years from the day of CPR training completion. While the American Red Cross CPR certification is also valid for two years but some courses may have a one-year validity. It always depends on the specific course structure and content.
- After two years, participants are required to take a renewal or refresher course to maintain their certification.
- Some healthcare institutions may also mandate recertification earlier due to high-risk roles.
It is crucial to stay updated and maintain skills, and stay compliant with current guidelines. That’s why both AHA and ARC training center offers recertification options to keep you on track.
5. Cost of Course
The cost of a CPR course depends on factors such as location, training provider, and the specific type of course that you choose. Basic CPR and first aid courses are more affordable compared to advanced certifications like ACLS, BLS, and PALS.
When comparing the two major providers, AHA (American Heart Association) and ARC (American Red Cross), the AHA courses are more budget-friendly than the ARC courses. It’s important to choose a course that not only fits your budget but also meets your professional or personal requirements.
6. Targeted Audience
The American Heart Association (AHA) targets healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, EMTs, medical professionals, and laypeople. Their courses are designed to meet the needs of those working in clinical and emergency settings.
On the other hand, the American Red Cross (ARC) focuses on training a broader audience, including the general public, workplaces, volunteers, and community members. Their courses are accessible and practical, catering to both professional rescuers and everyday individuals.
7 . Difficulty rate and recognition
There is some truth to note that AHA courses are generally more challenging compared to ARC courses. This is mainly due to the AHA’s stricter program for cardiovascular enhancement, which is designed to meet the high standards expected in medical settings.
- AHA Difficulty: You must score 84% or higher on the final exam to obtain certification. The courses tend to be longer and more intensive, focusing on in-depth, evidence-based training, especially for healthcare professionals.
- ARC Difficulty: The ARC requires a passing grade of 80% score or higher on the final exam. The courses are designed to be more practical and accessible, making them slightly easier to pass compared to AHA programs.
Summary of American Heart Association VS American Red Cross
Here’s a concise comparison of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) to help you choose the most suitable CPR training provider.
| Terms | American Heart Association (AHA) | American Red Cross (ARC) |
| Primary focus | Its primary focus is cardiovascular care and advanced life support for healthcare professionals. | It focuses on community safety, first aid, CPR, and disaster relief. |
| Target audience | Healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, EMTs), workplace responders, laypersons | General public, workplace responders, healthcare workers |
| Course offered | BLS, ACLS, PALS, Heartsaver CPR AED, First Aid CPR AED, Bloodborne Pathogens | BLS, CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguarding, Babysitting, Wilderness First Aid |
| Course structure | It offers in-person, online, and blended learning formats. | It also offers in-person, online, and blended learning formats. |
| Validity | AHA authorized certifications are valid for 2 years. | ARC authorized certifications are valid for 2 years, and some layperson courses are valid for 1 year. |
| Cost | The AHA course is more affordable compared to the ARC | The ARC course is more expensive, especially for community-based courses. |
How to choose the Best CPR Training Provider in San Francisco?
It can be very challenging to choose the best CPR training provider in San Francisco because many reputable organizations offer CPR training. Among the most popular providers are the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC), both known for delivering high-quality, widely recognized certification programs.
Key Points to Consider When Choosing a CPR Training Program:
1. Check the certification validity: While choosing a training program, make sure to check certification validity. CPR certification must be renewed every two years for both AHA and ARC.
2. AHA and ARC course content and structure: Understand the differences between AHA and ARC programs to choose the one that best fits your requirements.
3. Cost of the course: Compare prices between the AHA authorized training center and the ARC authorized training center and choose the best that fits your budget.
4. Instructors’ qualification: Look for certified instructors with hands-on experience and a solid reputation for quality training.
Location and accessibility: Choose a training center that is conveniently located and accessible, considering your schedule and commuting options.
Conclusion
At the end, the choice of a CPR training program depends on your personal needs and preferences. Both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) offer top-notch training with a variety of learning options. The AHA is widely recognized as the authoritative source for CPR and advanced cardiovascular care, while the Red Cross is renowned for its comprehensive disaster relief and community safety programs.
If you’re looking for a high-quality CPR training center authorized by the AHA, consider enrolling in the Heart Start CPR course. Our highly qualified instructors provide you with comprehensive knowledge about resuscitation. Join our ACLS, PALS, BLS, and CPR and first aid classes and gain practical experience and confidence in life-saving techniques. We are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, including: Oakland, San Ramon, San Francisco, San Jose, San Leandro, Dublin, San Mateo, Walnut Creek, and Reno, Nevada.
FAQS
1. Which certification is more widely accepted: AHA or ARC?
American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) certifications are widely recognized and accepted by workplaces and healthcare facilities. However, the AHA certification is often preferred in medical and clinical settings, as it is considered the gold standard for healthcare professionals. On the other hand, ARC certifications are highly valued in the community, workplace, and public safety roles.
2. Do both AHA and ARC provide online CPR training?
Yes, both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) offer online CPR training. They provide blended learning options, combining online coursework with in-person skills practice. This flexible approach allows participants to complete theoretical lessons online and demonstrate practical skills during an in-person session.
3. Do both organizations offer recertification courses?
Yes, both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) offer recertification courses to help individuals maintain their CPR and first aid certification. These courses are typically shorter than the initial training and focus on refreshing skills and updating knowledge based on the latest guidelines. Recertification is usually required every two years, but some ARC courses may have a one-year validity period depending on the program.
4. Are AHA and ARC the same?
AHA (American Heart Association) and ARC (American Red Cross) aren’t the same. They are different organizations. AHA focuses on cardiovascular care and offers courses like BLS, ACLS, and PALS for healthcare professionals. ARC focuses on community safety, offering courses like CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding for the general public and workplaces.
