How Long It Takes to Complete a BLS Course
Duration of a Basic Life Support (BLS) Training
A typical bls class with practical takes 3-5 hours but other factors can influence how long you will take to complete a bls course. The duration of a Basic Life Support (BLS) course can vary depending on several factors.
Factors such as course type, course format, course content, learning format, audience/audience size, certification requirement and lastly practical component determines the duration it takes to complete a bls course.
The type of course can affect the course duration, with some courses, like the Basic Life Support Awareness training, lasting around 2-3 hours, usually completed in half a day.
The basic life support content covered in the course can also influence how long it takes; courses that cover adult, child, and infant BLS, as well as how to use an AED, may take longer.
The learning format matters too, as classroom-based courses might take different amounts of time compared to online or blended learning options.
For us at Caring for Care, the class duration is 3-4 hours with practical sessions though small class size of 12.
The audience also plays a role; courses aimed at healthcare professionals might be longer and more detailed than those for the general public. Likewise, Audience size also matters especially when thorough practical session would be needed.
BLS Certification requirements can affect the duration, as some courses may need to meet the standards set by accrediting bodies or industry needs.
Lastly, courses that include practical components, such as hands-on practice and skill assessments, may take more time than theory-only courses. The practical components of BLS training include CPR, rescue breaths, AED use, choking relief, bleeding control, primary assessment, and positioning for shock.
While the duration of BLS courses varies, the certificate is usually valid for a set period, commonly between 12 months and 3 years, depending on the provider and industry standards. We would usually recommend a yearly refresher of the practical components.
A study of second-year medical students found that while their BLS skills improved right after training, their knowledge dropped after 6 months. Specifically, their ability to perform chest compressions decreased by 0.66 times when tested 6 months later compared to right after the training.
Poor skill retention has been seen not just in regular people, but also in healthcare professionals, including junior doctors, medical students, and nurses.
Are you ready to take a bls training?
Sign up for our BLS training today and gain the confidence to act in an emergency. Our expert-led courses last just 3-4 hours, with small class sizes to ensure you get dedicated attention. We are Skills for Care Endorsed.
You’ll receive hands-on practice, course materials, and engage in class discussions to reinforce your learning.
Target Audience:
- Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, paramedics)
- Medical students
- Junior doctors
- Care home staff
- Teachers and school staff
- Fitness trainers and coaches
- Anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies.
Summary
How long it takes to complete a bls course
BLS training takes 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on the course format. Below is an overview of the course duration based on the different formats:
course format breakdown:
- online courses: 1 to 2 hours, with flexible learning pace.
- in-person courses: 3 to 4 hours, though some intensive courses may last up to 7 hours.
- blended learning: 1 to 2 hours online plus 2-3 hours for an in-person skills session.
factors affecting duration:
- individual learning speed.
- course type (healthcare provider vs. general public).
- specific certification requirements.
- prior knowledge of BLS techniques.
Most certification providers offer courses that typically take around 3 to 5 hours to complete. These courses usually combine theory and hands-on bls practice with instructors to ensure comprehensive learning of life-saving skills.
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