The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical have announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model that enables learners to complete HeartCode Complete coursework and skills verification on their own schedule. This new model addresses the challenges faced by millions of healthcare, workplace safety, and emergency response personnel who must complete credentialed resuscitation training while balancing demanding schedules and limited access to in-person instruction.
Self-Guided Learning is an independent training option that allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete courses—including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)—at a time and location that fits their schedule. The training consists of a self-paced online activity that can be completed on any compatible device, followed by a hands-on, self-guided skills session at a CPR Verification Station learning center. These stations use advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual, objective feedback and coaching without the need for instructor oversight.
The American Heart 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 in over 90 other countries. Laerdal Medical, a world leader in medical simulation and healthcare education, has collaborated with the Association for more than 20 years to develop and deliver resuscitation education and training. The Self-Guided Learning model expands the Association's global CPR training footprint, which already includes instructor-led, blended learning, and a digital CPR training solution that verifies competence every 90 days.
“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 states soon. Learners can easily locate centers using CPR Finder by entering their ZIP code to view available learning centers and then being directed to a Premier Distributor's website for further instructions.
“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 healthcare professionals and students who prefer self-paced learning, allied healthcare providers, remote and rural healthcare and workplace staff, emergency medical services professionals, and initial or renewal learners requiring an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard. For more information about Self-Guided Learning, visit CPRFinder.com. To learn about instructor-led and blended training options, visit cpr.heart.org. Information on digital CPR training programs is available at rqipartners.com.
