How to Become an AHA Instructor?

Becoming an American Heart Association (AHA) instructor is an incredibly rewarding journey. It powers you to teach life-saving skills to others. Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to expand your skillset or someone passionate about making a difference in your community, becoming an AHA instructor allows you to share essential life-saving knowledge, such as CPR, first aid, BLS, ACLS, and PALS, with individuals who may one day save lives. This blog will guide you through the steps required to become an AHA instructor, from necessary certifications to gaining the skills and experience needed to lead your own training courses. Let’s dive into the process and start your path toward becoming a certified AHA instructor.

Prerequisites for Becoming an AHA Instructor

To become an AHA instructor, there are specific prerequisites you must meet to ensure you are prepared to teach and train others effectively. These requirements vary slightly depending on the type of course you plan to instruct (e.g., BLS, ACLS, or PALS), but the general prerequisites are outlined below:

1. Required Certifications

Before becoming an AHA instructor, you must hold a valid provider certification for the course you wish to teach. The certification ensures you have a strong foundational understanding of the material you will teach. For example:

• Basic Life Support (BLS): Certification in BLS is mandatory if you plan to teach BLS courses.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): You need a current ACLS provider certification to instruct ACLS courses.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): A valid PALS provider certification is required to become a PALS instructor.

2. Minimum Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to qualify as an AHA instructor. This requirement ensures you have the maturity and responsibility to lead training sessions and interact with diverse groups of students. 

3. Experience Requirements

While it’s not mandatory to have a medical background, some level of related experience is highly beneficial. Some AHA training centers may prefer candidates with previous teaching experience or those actively involved in the medical field. Examples include:

• Being a healthcare professional (e.g., nurse, EMT, or paramedic).
• Having prior experience with CPR certification and practicing emergency response.
• Familiarity with teaching or public speaking can make the transition to becoming an instructor smoother.

4. Health and Background Check Requirements

As an AHA instructor, you’ll work closely with individuals in training and potentially in clinical settings. Therefore, many Training Centers require:

• Health screenings: Proof of vaccinations or health clearance may be needed, especially if you’re teaching in a healthcare environment.
• Background checks: A clean criminal record is often required to ensure a safe and trustworthy learning environment for students.

5. Completion of an AHA Instructor Essentials Course

Before becoming an instructor, you must complete the AHA Instructor Essentials Course for the discipline you intend to teach. This course provides training on how to conduct classes, manage students, and ensure adherence to AHA guidelines.

6. Affiliation with an AHA Training Center

You must align yourself with an AHA Training Center, which will mentor you through the process and provide resources for teaching. The Training Center also facilitates your instructor evaluation and ongoing support. 

7. Commitment to AHA Standards

Becoming an AHA instructor requires a strong commitment to accurately following and teaching the AHA guidelines. This includes staying updated with any changes to the guidelines and maintaining your instructor certification through periodic renewals and continuing education. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an AHA Instructor

You can follow these steps to start your path to becoming a certified instructor and inspire others to save lives:

Step 1: Obtain Necessary Certifications

The first step to becoming an AHA instructor is holding a valid provider certification in the course you intend to teach. Having a current certification in BLS, ACLS, or PALS demonstrates your expertise in the skills and knowledge required for effective instruction. 

Step 2: Attend an Instructor Development Course (IDC)

The IDC is a critical step in becoming an AHA instructor. It provides the tools and knowledge needed to teach effectively and manage AHA classes. IDC is a structured program to train candidates on AHA teaching methodologies, effective communication, class management skills, and proper use of AHA instructional material and training equipment.

To register for and complete IDC, you can:

1. Locate an AHA training center offering the IDC for your desired discipline (e.g., BLS, ACLS, or PALS).
2. Submit an application and meet any additional requirements set by the Training Center.
3. Attend all sessions and actively participate in hands-on exercises, discussions, and practice teaching scenarios. 

The IDC covers the following course contents and skills:

1. AHA’s core guidelines and instructional goals.
2. Techniques for providing constructive feedback to students.
3. Managing classroom dynamics and handling different learning styles.

Step 3: Pass the Instructor Skills Evaluation

After completing the IDC, the next step is passing the instructor skills evaluation. This ensures you are fully prepared to teach AHA courses. During the evaluation, you will demonstrate your ability to lead a course effectively, following AHA standards and guidelines. Skills evaluated include:

1. Delivering clear and accurate instruction.
2. Guiding students through hands-on practice.
3. Providing constructive feedback and correcting errors.
4. Using AHA training materials and equipment properly. 

Step 4: Partner with an AHA Training Center

Once you have completed the IDC and passed the skills evaluation, you must align with an AHA training center. The training center will guide you through the final steps of becoming and instructor, provide mentorship, and assist with scheduling your first supervised course.

Step 5: Teach Your First Course

Teach your first class under the supervision of a Training Center faculty member to gain hands-on experience. Receive their feedback and approval to teach independently after demonstrating competency.

Step 6: Obtain Your Instructor Card

Once you have successfully taught your first supervised class and received approval from the training center faculty, you will be issued an official AHA Instructor Card for the discipline you are teaching. This card certifies that you are authorized to teach AHA courses independently. However, you have to keep this card updated through regular renewals.

How to Maintain AHA Instructor Status

Once you get your certification, you must maintain it to stay current with the latest guidelines. You have to maintain your status as an AHA instructor. And it requires ongoing dedication to excellence in teaching and compliance with AHA guidelines.

• Teaching Requirements: Instructors must teach a minimum of four classes every two years in their discipline to retain their status.
• Course Updates: Attend mandatory instructor updates when new AHA guidelines are released to stay current with the latest practices.
• Record-Keeping: Submit accurate records of classes taught to your affiliated Training Center.

Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education helps instructors enhance their knowledge and teaching techniques.

• Participate in advanced training workshops offered by the AHA or other professional organizations.
• Attend seminars or conferences on emergency care, CPR, or related topics.
• Seek feedback from students and mentors to refine your instructional methods.

Renewal of Certifications and Instructor Status

Instructor certifications are valid for two years and must be renewed to continue teaching.

• Renewal Process: Complete any required refresher courses or updates specified by the AHA.
• Skills Evaluation: Demonstrate proficiency in teaching and practical skills during periodic evaluations conducted by your Training Center.

What are the Benefits of Becoming an AHA Instructor?

There are numerous personal and professional benefits to becoming an AHA instructor:

1. You can empower others by teaching life-saving skills and making a tangible impact on your community.
2. You can build yourself a rewarding career in healthcare education with opportunities for advancement.
3. Teach part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule and goals.
4. You can expand your professional network with other healthcare professionals and organizations.

AHA Instructor Course at Heart Start CPR

At Heart Start CPR, we offer comprehensive training for individuals aspiring to become certified instructors. Whether you are pursuing certification as an Instructor I or aiming for the advanced Instructor II, our AHA instructor courses can provide you with skills and knowledge to lead in your field. 

Instructor I: Instructional Methodology

Hours: 40

Class Size: 20 maximum

Designed For:

• Individuals preparing for roles as college-level fire instructors
• Company Officers
• SFT Certified Training Instructor candidates

Course Description

This entry-level course equips participants with the foundational skills and knowledge required to function as a professional instructor. The curriculum aligns with the 2012 NFPA 1041 Standards for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.

Upon completion, candidates will be able to:

• Teach and deliver instruction from prepared lesson plans.
• Utilize instructional aids and evaluation instruments effectively.
• Adapt lesson plans as needed.
• Complete reporting requirements for their local jurisdiction.

Prerequisites

While there are no mandatory prerequisites, the following courses are recommended:

• Introduction to the Incident Command System (IS-100.B), FEMA
• National Incident Management System (IS-700.A), FEMA

Certification

• Successful candidates will earn an Instructor I Certification from the California State Fire Marshal.
• Certification requires the completion of all group activities and formative tests, as well as the successful passing of individual activities (without omitting critical criteria).

Enroll in the Instructor I Course at Heart Start CPR

Instructor II: Instructional Development

Hours: 40

Our Instructor II course is designed For intermediate -level instructors preparing for roles such as:

• Collge-level fire instructors
• Company Officers
• SFT Certified Training Instructor

Course Description

This advanced course provides the skills and knowledge necessary to perform duties as an intermediate-level professional instructor. The curriculum adheres to the 2012 edition of NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications and the 2012 edition of NFPA 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions.

At the end of the course, candidates will be able to:

• Develop lesson plans and evaluation instruments.
• Teach and deliver instruction effectively.
• Evaluate and coach other instructors.
• Analyze resources and formulate program budgets.

Prerequisites

• Instructional Methodology
• Recommended courses:
  • Introduction to the Incident Command System (IS-100.B), FEMA
  • National Incident Management System (IS-700.A), FEMA

Certification

• Candidates will earn Instructor II Certification upon completing all group activities, tests, and critical individual tasks as outlined in the activity sheet.

Enroll in the Instructor II course at Heart Start CPR

Conclusion

Becoming an AHA instructor is an incredibly rewarding journey that allows you to make a real difference by saving lives while also growing professionally. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to continuously develop your skills, meet important ongoing requirements, and face challenges that will only make you a stronger educator.

Whether you choose to specialize further or guide and mentor new instructors, the path ahead is full of exciting opportunities. If you are ready to take on this life-changing role, enroll at Heart Start CPR and begin your journey toward becoming a leader in life-saving education.