Safety Training Seminars
Safety Training Seminars
Physical therapists need BLS certification to provide safe, effective patient care. Your certification expires every two years, and renewal requirements can seem complex. But here’s the good news: renewing your Basic Life Support certification is straightforward when you know the right steps.
BLS certification ensures you can respond effectively during cardiac emergencies in your practice. Whether you work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or home health settings, maintaining current certification protects your patients and meets professional licensing requirements.
This guide explains everything physical therapists need to know about BLS renewal, from timing and requirements to choosing the right training provider. You’ll discover how to complete your renewal quickly, affordably, and conveniently.
Physical therapists work directly with patients who may have underlying cardiovascular conditions. During treatment sessions, patients can experience cardiac events, respiratory distress, or other medical emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
BLS training teaches you high-quality chest compressions, proper ventilation techniques, and team-based resuscitation skills. These abilities can mean the difference between life and death when seconds matter most.
Most state physical therapy boards require current BLS certification for license renewal. Additionally, healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and accreditation bodies mandate BLS certification for employment and credentialing.
Your BLS certification expires exactly two years from the issue date. The American Heart Association requires you to complete renewal training before expiration to maintain valid certification.
BLS renewal courses cover the same essential skills as initial certification:
Most renewal courses take 2-4 hours to complete, depending on the format you choose. You must demonstrate hands-on skills with a certified instructor to receive your new certification card.
Start planning your BLS renewal 30-60 days before expiration. This timeline gives you flexibility to find convenient class dates and avoid last-minute stress.
Check your current certification card for the exact expiration date. Many physical therapists mistakenly think certifications expire on their birthday or at year-end, but expiration dates correspond to when you completed your last course.
If your certification expires, you cannot practice until you complete a full BLS course rather than just renewal training. Full courses typically take longer and cost more than renewal options.
Beware of fraudulent programs offering “instant” certifications online. These fake certificates fail verification checks. You’ll face license suspension and potential legal issues.
Look for these verification markers:
BLS renewal courses focus on skill practice and testing rather than lengthy lectures. You’ll review updated guidelines, practice chest compressions on manikins, and demonstrate proper AED use.
Most renewal courses include:
Instructors evaluate your technique for chest compression depth, rate, and recoil. You must demonstrate proper hand placement, adequate ventilation, and effective AED operation.
BLS renewal costs vary significantly between providers. Expect to pay $45-$120 for renewal training, depending on location and format.
Compare total costs, not just course fees. Consider:
Some providers offer group discounts for multiple staff members from the same clinic. Others include study materials or offer continuing education credits.
Many physical therapy state boards accept BLS renewal for continuing education credit hours. Check your state requirements to see if BLS training counts toward your PT license renewal.
BLS renewal typically provides 2-4 continuing education hours, depending on course length and state approval. This dual benefit helps you meet both BLS certification and PT license requirements simultaneously.
Don’t let these common mistakes delay your renewal:
Ready to renew your BLS certification quickly and conveniently? We make the process simple for busy physical therapists like you.
Safety Training Seminars is California’s leading American Heart Association Training Center, serving healthcare professionals since 1989. We offer the lowest prices in California, backed by our Low Price Guarantee, and issue your certification card the same day as your class.
Choose from over 70 convenient locations throughout California, with classes available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. Our blended learning format lets you complete coursework online, then attend a brief 30-minute skills session.
We understand your demanding schedule. That’s why we provide:
Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your BLS renewal today and maintain the certification you need to protect your patients and advance your physical therapy career.
Physical therapists must renew BLS certification every two years from the original certification date. Mark your calendar 30-60 days before expiration to ensure timely renewal.
No, you cannot renew an expired BLS certification. If your certification expires, you must complete a full BLS course rather than renewal training. Full courses take longer and cost more than renewal options.
Physical therapists need BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, which is more comprehensive than basic CPR. BLS includes healthcare-specific skills like bag-mask ventilation and team resuscitation dynamics.
BLS renewal typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the format. Blended learning options require 1-2 hours online plus 30 minutes for skills testing, while traditional classroom renewal takes 3-4 hours.
BLS certification from American Heart Association Training Centers is valid nationwide. However, check each state’s specific physical therapy licensing requirements, as some states may have additional certification mandates.
No, BLS renewal requires hands-on skills demonstration with a certified instructor. While you can complete coursework online, you must attend an in-person skills session to receive certification.