The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical have launched Self-Guided Learning nationwide, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model designed for healthcare professionals, workplace safety personnel, and emergency responders who must maintain credentials while managing demanding schedules. This new approach enables learners to complete HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support courses independently, with skills verification conducted at CPR Verification Station learning centers using advanced simulation technology.
The importance of this development lies in addressing critical access barriers to life-saving training. Millions of professionals globally require recurring resuscitation certification, often struggling with limited availability of in-person instruction. John Meiners, chief of Mission Aligned Businesses for the American Heart Association, stated that expanding training options across the spectrum from instructor-led to self-guided learning removes barriers while maintaining the scientific standards for which the organization is known. The Association develops the official resuscitation guidelines used by all CPR and First Aid training providers in the United States and many organizations in over 90 additional countries.
Self-Guided Learning represents a significant evolution in resuscitation education methodology. Learners complete self-paced online coursework using any compatible device, followed by hands-on skills sessions at CPR Verification Stations that provide real-time, objective feedback and coaching without instructor oversight. This model expands the Association's existing training footprint, which includes instructor-led, blended learning, and digital CPR training solutions. Successful completion results in an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard, the same credential received through traditional training methods.
The potential impact extends beyond individual convenience to public health outcomes. Alf-Christian Dybdahl, chief executive officer of Laerdal Medical, noted that this delivery model represents another milestone in the organizations' shared mission to transform how CPR is taught and learned. Meiners emphasized that Self-Guided Learning helps prepare more people to act when lives are on the line, bringing the organizations closer to their goal of doubling cardiac arrest survival by 2030. Laerdal Medical has collaborated with the Association for over 20 years to develop resuscitation education using immersive technologies and data-centric insights.
As of March 2026, Self-Guided Learning and CPR Verification Station learning centers are available in 47 states, with expansion to all 50 states planned. Learners can locate nearby centers using CPRFinder.com by entering their ZIP code, then visiting a Premier Distributor website for course completion instructions. The model particularly benefits healthcare professionals and students seeking flexible training, allied health providers, remote and rural healthcare staff, emergency medical services professionals, and both initial and renewal certification seekers. For information about the Association's other training options, visit cpr.heart.org, while details about digital CPR training programs are available at rqipartners.com.
