Becoming a Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor is an incredibly rewarding journey that enables you to train others in critical life-saving techniques. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional qualifications or have a passion for teaching, becoming a BLS instructor offers an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to become a certified BLS instructor in Canada, the prerequisites you’ll need, and the benefits of choosing Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics for your training.
What Is a BLS Instructor?
A BLS instructor is certified to teach Basic Life Support skills, including CPR, AED (automated external defibrillator) usage, the six rights of medication and more. These essential skills are crucial in emergencies and often make the difference between life and death. As a BLS instructor, you will teach healthcare professionals and first responders how to perform life-saving techniques effectively.
At Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics, our BLS Instructor course follows the Canadian Red Cross curriculum, ensuring that instructors are well-equipped to deliver high-quality training.
Prerequisites for Becoming a BLS Instructor
A few prerequisites must be met before enrolling in a BLS instructor course. These requirements are designed to ensure that instructor candidates have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach Basic Life Support effectively.
BLS Certification
The first and most crucial requirement is to hold a valid BLS certification through the Canadian Red Cross. You must have completed a BLS course recently, as this will give you the foundational knowledge required to teach others. Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics offers comprehensive BLS certification courses, which can be the perfect starting point for your instructor journey.
Teaching Experience or Equivalent
While not always mandatory, having some form of teaching experience or a background in instructing can be beneficial. This could range from leading small group activities to delivering presentations. The goal is to ensure you’re comfortable speaking in front of an audience and delivering structured lessons. If you lack formal teaching experience, don’t worry! The BLS instructor course will train you in classroom management and instructional techniques.
Meet Age and Education Requirements
BLS instructor candidates must be at least 18 years old. This ensures that candidates possess the maturity and communication skills required to handle various teaching scenarios and student needs.
Register For A BLS Course Today
Don’t wait—take the first step toward becoming a BLS instructor and open doors to an exciting career. Register today and start your journey toward making a real impact in your community.
Steps to Becoming a BLS Instructor
Once you meet the prerequisites, you’re ready to begin the process of becoming a certified BLS instructor. Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics offers a comprehensive BLS Instructor Development Program that follows a structured pathway to certification.
Step 1: Enroll in the Instructor Development Program
Your first step is to enroll in the Instructor Development – Professional Responder Program offered by Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics. This program prepares candidates to become instructors in various disciplines, including BLS. The course covers instructional techniques, classroom management, and how to teach life-saving skills like CPR and AED usage effectively.
To learn more about the course content and structure, visit our Instructor Development Professional Responder Program page.
Step 2: Complete the Instructor Course
During the Instructor Course, you will engage in both theoretical and hands-on training designed to provide a well-rounded learning experience. The course is divided into two key components: online and in-class instruction. You’ll begin with the Fundamentals of Instruction, an 8-hour online module that covers the core principles of effective teaching. This is followed by a 2-day, 14.5-hour in-class session, where you’ll apply these principles in a practical setting.
Then, students must complete the Discipline-Specific portion of the course, which focuses on Basic Life Support (BLS) and other professional responder disciplines. This portion of the course emphasizes organizing and managing your classroom, delivering the BLS curriculum, and assessing your students’ performance. You will also engage in practice teaching sessions, allowing you to demonstrate your teaching ability. Throughout this experience, you’ll receive valuable feedback from experienced instructors to help you improve and refine your teaching methods.
Step 3: Instructor Candidate Evaluation
After completing the Skills Evaluation, Fundamentals of Instruction and Discipline-Specific portions, you will enter the Teaching Experience portion, where you’ll be required to instruct a lesson in a BLS course under the supervision of an experienced instructor. This hands-on experience allows you to practice your skills and demonstrate your ability to deliver the BLS curriculum effectively. Once your teaching evaluation is successfully completed and all necessary criteria are met, you’ll be officially certified as a BLS instructor!
At Coast2Coast, our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art first aid and CPR equipment to ensure you have the best possible environment for learning and practicing. You’ll leave the course with the confidence and skills needed to empower future responders with essential life-saving knowledge.
Benefits of Becoming a BLS Instructor
Becoming a BLS instructor comes with many professional and personal benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider becoming a certified instructor:
Enhance Your Career Prospects
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, first responder, or someone looking to expand your skill set, being a BLS instructor can open new career doors. Many employers in healthcare, education, and public safety actively seek certified instructors to train their staff.
Make a Positive Impact
Teaching Basic Life Support means equipping others with the skills they need to save lives. Every student you train can become a potential life-saver, making your role crucial in community health and safety.
Opportunities for Growth
Once you’re a certified BLS instructor, you can pursue additional qualifications, such as becoming a First Aid Instructor or an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) instructor. Coast2Coast offers a wide range of advanced instructor training programs to help you grow your qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a BLS Instructor
Can I Teach Other First Aid Courses as a BLS Instructor?
While BLS instructors are primarily focused on Basic Life Support, you can expand your qualifications to teach other courses. This includes CPR, First Aid, and advanced courses such as Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). In order to teach these other courses, you must complete the Discipline-Specific portion of the Instructor Development program for each course you are interested in teaching. For example, if you want to teach Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, then you must complete the Discipline-Specific portion for First Aid.
How Long Does It Take to Become a BLS Instructor?
The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on course availability and your schedule. After completing the Instructor Development Program, you’ll need to complete the supervised teaching session before receiving your certification.
What Is the Cost of Becoming a BLS Instructor?
Course fees vary, but you can find current pricing and details on the Coast2Coast website. Be sure to check our course page for the most up-to-date information on tuition costs.
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Final Thoughts: Start Your BLS Instructor Journey Today
Becoming a BLS instructor is a fulfilling way to contribute to your community and advance your career. Whether you’re teaching healthcare professionals or members of the public, you’ll be empowering others with essential life-saving skills, ensuring your students are prepared for any emergency.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, enroll in Coast2Coast’s Instructor Development Program today. Visit our website to find a training location near you and get started on the path to becoming a certified BLS instructor!
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