The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning, a flexible, science-based resuscitation training delivery model that enables learners to complete HeartCode Complete required coursework and skills verification on their own schedule. This new model addresses challenges faced by millions of health care, workplace safety, and emergency response professionals who must complete credentialed resuscitation training regularly while balancing demanding schedules and limited access to in-person instruction.
The Association is the first and only U.S. training organization directly involved in creating resuscitation scientific guidelines and education, leading the development of official guidelines used by all other CPR and First Aid training providers in the U.S. and many organizations in over 90 countries. Laerdal Medical, using immersive technologies and data-centric insights to improve survival and health care quality, has collaborated with the Association for more than 20 years to develop resuscitation education and training.
Self-Guided Learning allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses at a time and location that fits their schedule. HeartCode Complete includes a self-paced online activity that can be completed on any compatible device and a hands-on, self-guided skills session at a CPR Verification Station learning center. The station verifies skills using advanced simulation technology, providing real-time, audiovisual, objective feedback and coaching without instructor oversight.
This new delivery model expands the Association's global CPR training footprint, which currently includes instructor-led, blended learning, and a digital CPR training solution that verifies competence every 90 days. Each training method offers BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses, with learners receiving an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard upon successful completion.
"By expanding training options across the full spectrum, from instructor-led to self-guided learning, we are removing barriers to access while maintaining the science, skills validation, and standards the American Heart Association is known for," said John Meiners, chief of Mission Aligned Businesses for the American Heart Association. "Self-Guided Learning is an important part of that approach, helping prepare more people to act when lives are on the line and bringing us closer to our goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival by 2030."
As of March 2026, Self-Guided Learning and CPR Verification Station learning centers are available in 47 states, with expansion to all 50 soon. Students can locate centers using CPR Finder by entering their ZIP code to view nearby learning centers and find instructions for completing courses through a corresponding Premier Distributor.
"Self-Guided Learning provides people who need BLS, ACLS, and PALS training and prefer independent learning an easily accessible, effective, and ideal training option to fit their schedule," said Alf-Christian Dybdahl, chief executive officer of Laerdal Medical. "This delivery model represents another significant milestone in our organizations' shared mission and collaboration to transform how CPR is taught and learned."
Self-Guided Learning is ideal for health care professionals and students seeking flexible training options, allied health care providers, remote and rural health care and workplace staff, emergency medical services professionals, and initial or renewal learners requiring an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard. For more information, visit cpr.heart.org or rqipartners.com.
