Earning your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification demonstrates your commitment to saving lives in emergency situations. Having BLS certification is an asset for many medical careers and can help you stand out during the hiring process. However, simply listing your certification may not be enough – you need to showcase how it makes you a strong candidate.
In this article, I am providing tips and strategies for highlighting your BLS certification on your resume in a clear, compelling way. Following these best practices will increase your chances of getting your resume noticed and help potential employers understand the value you bring with this important credential.
Why is BLS Certification Important for Medical Careers?
Basic life support focuses on maintaining airway, breathing, circulation, defibrillation, and other related emergency skills. BLS certification shows employers you are trained in:
- CPR – cardiopulmonary resuscitation used during cardiac arrest
- AED use – operating automated external defibrillators to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias
- Foreign-body airway obstruction techniques – procedures like chest thrusts and abdominal thrusts
- Rescue breathing – providing ventilations through mouth-to-mouth or bag mask methods
- Managing specific life-threatening emergencies – like heart attacks, strokes and other medical or trauma-related injuries
This training helps prepare you to handle emergencies and keep calm under pressure where every second counts. Employers value BLS certification because it demonstrates competence in core emergency skills needed across many healthcare roles.
Where to Include BLS Certification on a Resume?
Once you understand the importance, the next step is knowing exactly where to list your BLS certification. Here are the most common sections of a resume where this information can go, depending on the layout and relevance to the job you’re applying for:
1. Under the “Certifications” Section
This is the most straightforward and common place to include your BLS certification, particularly for healthcare-related positions. Here’s how you can format it:
Certifications
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association, Exp. March 2025
In this example, the certifying organization (American Heart Association) is listed, along with the expiration date to show the certification is current.
2. In the Professional Summary
For jobs where BLS certification is a key requirement, mentioning it in your professional summary can draw immediate attention. Use this strategy if you’re applying for a medical or first-responder role. Here’s an example:
Professional Summary
“Certified Registered Nurse with 5+ years of experience in emergency care and trauma. Proficient in life-saving techniques with current BLS and ACLS certifications from the American Heart Association.”
By listing it in your professional summary, you emphasize your readiness and qualifications right at the top of your resume.
3. In the Skills Section
If your resume includes a dedicated skills section, your BLS certification can fit naturally alongside other technical skills. Here’s an example of how to list it under your skillset:
Skills
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certified
• Patient Assessment and Triage
This method ensures your certification is highlighted as one of your core capabilities without overwhelming the reader.
4. In the Work Experience Section
If you have professional experience where BLS certification played a vital role, you can reference it in the job descriptions within the experience section. Here’s an example:
Work Experience
Emergency Room Nurse – City Hospital, May 2019–Present
• Delivered patient care in high-pressure environments using advanced life-saving techniques
• Administered CPR and used AEDs as needed, leveraging current BLS and ACLS certifications
Mentioning the BLS certification within your job duties reinforces that it’s a practical, applied skill in your professional background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing BLS Certification
1. Failing to Update Expiration Date
BLS certifications are only valid for two years. Be sure to list the most up-to-date expiration date on your resume. Failure to do so could raise questions about whether your certification is still valid.
2. Not Specifying the Certifying Organization
Simply stating “BLS Certified” is vague and could lead to confusion. Always specify the certifying body, such as the American Heart Association, which is the most widely recognized. Without this information, the hiring manager may question the legitimacy of your training.
3. Including Unrelated Certifications
This action can clutter your resume and distract from your main qualifications. Stick to certifications relevant to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a nursing role, focus on listing your BLS certification, as it’s crucial for that position. Avoid adding certifications from unrelated fields.
Concluding Thoughts
Those seeking careers in emergency medicine, nursing, EMS, and many other healthcare fields will significantly advantage their job search by carefully integrating BLS certification into their resume. Following resume best practices spotlighting this credential helps convey your qualifications and commitment to potentially lifesaving skills that employers prioritize. With strategic formatting and content highlighting relevant experience, you increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and gaining interviews. BLS training saves lives – now maximize how it can help land your next dream job too.
Explore Jobs You Can Get with Your BLS Certification
FAQs on Listing BLS Certification on a Resume
Is it necessary to include the full name of the certifying organization?
Absolutely. Including the full name of the certifying organization (e.g., American Heart Association) is crucial for validating your certification.
What if my BLS certification recently expired?
If your certification recently expired, don’t include it as it might cause concerns. Instead, simply state the expiration date was recent, and you are in the process of renewing BLs certification. You can also explain in an interview that recertification timing overlaps with your job search.
How often should I renew my BLS certification?
BLS certification is only valid for two years. Ensure you renew it before the expiration date, and update your resume accordingly.
