Get BLS Certified in Illinois
Illinois is a great place to get BLS certified. Illinois has a large percentage of the population in the Chicago, Aurora and Naperville areas. We are frequently asked, "How do I get BLS certified in Illinois?" - or "How do I get BLS certified in Chicago?" - or, Joliet, Rockford, etc. The answer is much the same as it is in the rest of the United States. In this article, we will discuss what it takes to get BLS certified.
How to Get BLS Certified in Illinois
Many employers in the healthcare, education, and fitness sectors require you to have a nationally recognized certification. Of course, we are biased towards MyCPR NOW’s certifications! We do recommend going into your career choice with a game plan. Check with employers that you might want to work for and ask what they require. Make sure that you meet all the requirements of the certification agency that you have selected (usually age and/or educational, keeping an active CPR certification, passing the certification exam, etc.).
Students can access BLS certification programs through various online and in-person formats, making it convenient regardless of location.
Once you have done your homework on what it takes to get BLS certified in Illinois, there might still be some items to consider. First, you will need to pass our certification exam. Registration is required to secure a spot in the BLS program and receive course materials. On our “Certifications” page you will find BLS. There are a variety of courses available, including CPR classes and specialized programs for different healthcare roles. Then you will select “Take the Test” and answer our multiple choice questions. Please note, students must sign up for the course before beginning the exam. If you have answered at least 80% of the questions correctly, congratulations, you have passed the exam and your BLS certification will be emailed to you. Students may need to purchase the online course component before attending the skills session. BLS courses are offered on multiple dates throughout the year to accommodate different schedules. If not, there are no worries. Our goal is to teach you the correct answers so you can pass with actionable knowledge. You can retest as many times as needed for no additional charge, and when you do pass the exam your BLS certification will then be emailed to you. To receive certification, students must complete both the online portions. Clear instructions are provided for completing the online and preparing for the in-person skills session.
You might also consider your goals. If you want to work at a hospital in Chicago, you might need different qualifications than if you are looking to teach at an elementary school in Springfield or Elgin, or work as a fitness trainer in Peoria. For example, professionals such as a nurse, medical assistant, dentist, or paramedic all require BLS certification. Any way, you will need to determine the type of training that you excel at, and match it with the niche in your area. The program is designed to train participants in life-saving skills for any person, including adults, children, and infants.
Certification Overview
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is a foundational credential for anyone working in the healthcare field, from nurses and paramedics to medical assistants, dentists, and firefighters. This essential certification demonstrates your ability to respond quickly and effectively to several life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, choking, and other critical situations. Whether you’re a seasoned healthcare professional or just starting your career, completing a BLS class is a vital step in ensuring you have the skills needed to provide high-quality care.
A typical BLS certification course is designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and experience required to manage emergencies in a timely and effective manner. Most BLS classes include an online portion, where students learn the fundamentals of basic life support, including CPR training, AED training, and first aid. This online course allows you to study at your own pace and review the latest science and guidelines.
After completing the online portion, participants attend a skills session, often referred to as the skills session. Here, certified instructors—many of whom are experienced paramedics or firefighters—guide students through practical exercises. This portion is crucial for mastering basic life support skills, as it provides immediate feedback and ensures you can perform CPR, use an AED, and respond to emergencies involving adults, children, and infants.
Upon successful completion of both the online and portions of the BLS course, you’ll receive a completion certificate. This certificate is recognized and is valid, making it a requirement for many healthcare professionals, including those working in hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and emergency services. In addition, BLS certification is often a prerequisite for advanced certifications such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
BLS classes are widely available throughout Illinois, including in major cities like Chicago. Many training centers, such as Illinois Safety, offer flexible scheduling and experienced instructors to help you obtain your certification. You can register for a BLS class online or contact a local training provider to find a class that fits your schedule. Whether you’re interested in advancing your career, meeting employer requirements, or simply being prepared to respond to emergencies, BLS certification is a valuable investment in your professional development and your ability to provide life-saving care.
Education and Training Experience
Another path is through formal education. Many colleges offer degrees in nursing, health science, education, exercise science, etc. Many employers do require a certification with your degree; however, some employers will not hire you without a degree. Also, your training experience should be relevant and pertinent to your niche market. For example, if you have completed a student teaching role at a local school, you will not have enough relevant experience to work in healthcare at a hospital. Luckily, there are almost always pathways for advancement in your chosen career field. We offer certifications to cater your specific needs, regardless of what your chosen career path is.
Niche Specialties
One of the hardest aspects of having a successful career in Illinois is picking the right location and niche market. Many will dream of working with celebrities or professionals. While that is possible, it is not how most make their career. What is important is to become the best that you can, and then choose a certification to match your needs. If you view your job as positively changing people's lives through, you can be a success at. In Illinois, your options for niche markets are plentiful. You can choose your career specialty, and there is a market for each specialty. With a BLS certification, it is important to set realistic goals yourself.
Finding the right niche is about finding both what you are best at and what the community around you needs. Find your niche. Become the best that you can. Then, expand your knowledge.
What to Expect When Obtaining BLS Certification in Illinois
You need to know that healthcare and education are extremely popular careers in Illinois. You will have competition! You should have a game plan from the start. It's not just about getting your BLS certification; it's about using your BLS certification.
To summarize: pass the BLS certification exam, choose what career you want to pursue, choose your specialties, do your best, then remember to recertify annually! To check out our certifying exam and see if it is right for you, just click the banner below!
