The American Heart Association (Association) and Laerdal Medical (Laerdal) have announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning, a new resuscitation training delivery model that allows learners to complete accredited courses on their own schedule. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by millions of healthcare professionals, workplace safety personnel, and emergency responders who require recurrent credentialed resuscitation training but often have limited access to in-person instruction due to demanding schedules.
The Association, the leading nonprofit organization focused on cardiovascular health, is the only U.S. training organization directly involved in creating resuscitation scientific guidelines. Laerdal, a global leader in medical simulation and healthcare education, has collaborated with the Association for over 20 years to develop resuscitation training. Self-Guided Learning is an independent training option that enables learners to complete HeartCode Complete courses in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). The model combines a self-paced online activity, accessible on any compatible device, with a hands-on skills session at a CPR Verification Station learning center. These stations use advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual feedback and coaching without instructor oversight.
This new delivery model expands the Association's global CPR training footprint, which already includes instructor-led and blended learning options, as well as a digital solution that verifies competence every 90 days. All training methods offer BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses, with learners receiving an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard upon successful completion. John Meiners, chief of Mission Aligned Businesses for the American Heart Association, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to training: "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. 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 plans to expand to all 50 states soon. Learners can locate nearby centers using CPR Finder, which directs them to a Premier Distributor's website for course instructions. Alf-Christian Dybdahl, CEO of Laerdal Medical, stated: "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. 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 designed for healthcare professionals and students, allied health providers, remote and rural staff, emergency medical services professionals, and anyone needing an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard for initial or renewal training. For more information on instructor-led and blended training options, visit cpr.heart.org. Information on digital CPR training programs is available at rqipartners.com.
