Many CPR training and certification options exist, but not all are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about these options as they relate to working with ShiftMed.
ShiftMed Onboarding
Depending on your location, your state may require you to upload a CPR certification.
While Online Training CPR issued through either American Heart Association, American Red Cross or National CPR Foundation, is accepted as part of the onboarding process, some partner facilities may have additional requirements—such as in-person training only or a preference for a specific provider (e.g., the American Heart Association instead of American Red Cross).
Some acute hospitals may require specialized caregivers to hold multiple types of CPR certifications due to the complex nature of the job.
CPR Requirements for Specialties
Please note: this is not a full list of specialties.
Unit | Number of Types Required | BLS | ACLS | PALS | NRP |
Orthopedic | 1 | yes | no | no | no |
Med/Surg | 1 | yes | no | no | no |
ICU | 2 | yes | yes | no | no |
Tele | 2 | yes | yes | no | no |
Maternity | 2 | yes | no | no | yes |
Pediatric | 3 | yes | yes | yes | no |
Newborn | 3 | yes | yes | no | yes |
Emergency | 3 | yes | yes | yes | no |
Basic Life Support (BLS) Training and Certification
BLS training teaches healthcare professionals to respond to airway obstructions, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest. While it includes CPR, it also covers team dynamics, recognizing emergencies, and using the right tools.
Many facilities require an In-Person BLS certification, so having it unlocks more acute and post-acute shifts in the ShiftMed app than CPR alone.
To get BLS certified, take the American Heart Association’s BLS course or the American Red Cross’s BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) provides clinical interventions for life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies. Designed for healthcare professionals—like doctors, nurses, and paramedics—it equips them to respond to cardiac crises.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is an AHA-developed program for managing life-threatening emergencies in infants and children. It’s designed for healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, paramedics) working in emergency or critical care.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program), created by the AAP and AHA, trains healthcare providers to resuscitate newborns needing immediate post-birth care
Lay-Rescuer CPR Training and Certification
Lay-rescuer CPR trains non-medical professionals (teachers, servers, etc.) in single-rescuer CPR. While some facilities accept it, most healthcare roles require BLS certification.
Online-Only CPR Training
Online CPR certifications (from AHA, Red Cross, or National CPR Foundation) may be accepted by some facilities, but many of our partnered facilities require in-person BLS training.
Questions?
If you have any questions, reach out to us in chat by going into the ShiftMed App > Menu > Help Center > Chat & Help Articles > Ask a Question!