BLS Certification vs. CPR Certification – Which One Is Better For You

Healthcare professionals often have to earn certifications and do courses to enhance their skills and increase their worth in the industry. You can consider doing different courses according to your area of specialization to have better prospects. But it can create confusion if you are stuck deciding which certification is better, such as essential life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Both these certifications are associated with life and death situations. It allows individuals to provide necessary treatment to those who have suffered cardiac arrest or need immediate medical assistance. Any person who is not a part of the healthcare field can also opt for these certifications. 

It may seem to you that BLS and CPR certification are similar. But in reality, both these certifications are different. Earning both these certifications can teach you other things about taking precautions in emergencies and providing necessary care to the person dealing with life and death. Let’s find out the comparison between BLS and CPR certification to help you make the right decision as per your interest and skills. 

The Curriculum

One of the significant differences that you will find between BLS and CPR is their targeted audience. Both these follow alternate methods to provide life-saving care. It would be better to leverage the option of online education considering the situation of pandemic COVID-19 to remain safe. It will help you earn the desired certification without any risk. Whether you want bls certification online or opt for CPR certification, you must know what type of curriculum you will study in both these certifications. 

BLS usually has courses that provide more in-depth and complex learning to professional rescuers of healthcare organizations. While on the other hand, CPR will teach you how to perform the technique to rescue your peer or family member from cardiac arrest. As you can see, different types of people pursue both these certifications. People who choose BLS certification usually have to strengthen their professional profile to get better career opportunities.

At the same time, people who go for the CPR certification want to learn how to rescue their loved ones if they experience sudden cardiac arrest. It depends on you which way you want to go as per your needs. It would be better to research before choosing BLS or CPR courses. By doing this, you will get an idea of the framework of the course, so it will be easier for you to decide. Ask your peers or relatives in your social circle who have completed similar certification. You will get to know whether it will be a career-defining move for you or not. 

People from Different Backgrounds

People having different professional and educational backgrounds opt for BLS and CPR certification. Most of the people choosing BLS coursework are the people working in the healthcare sector in professional roles such as doctors, EMTs, and nurses. These professionals also work as school trainers and as professional rescuers in different organizations. Their responsibilities require more detailed care because they need to use different life-saving equipment not available for general public use. So, people having such responsibilities usually prefer having the BLS coursework. 

On the other hand, people from all backgrounds can go for CPR courses. From babysitters to physical trainers to business managers, people can opt for CPR certification from any field or background. Such people usually work in environments where it is low-risk involved, so they can use CPR and call the relevant authorities. Having a good grasp of CPR is always helpful, but it is ineffective when the victim requires more critical treatment. A person having no experience should avoid dealing with complex emergencies. 

The Applications of Both Certifications

The applications of BLS or CPR skills differ from person to person. A professional rescuer has to apply basic BLS skills every day to respond to emergencies. At the same time, business professionals will only have to use their core skills at the workplace or home. Employers of professional organizations encourage to have BLS certification because it adds real value to their healthcare organizations. Other industries appreciate their employees having CPR training to provide necessary assistance to cardiac arrest patients. 

Depending on your needs and professional type, you have to analyze the applications of BLS and CPR certifications. It will help you decide which is the best fit for you. Suppose you are professionally associated with the healthcare sector. In that case, you should go for a BLS course without even giving it a second thought. It will help you strengthen your professional position in the healthcare sector and achieve your desired career growth. If you are linked to another profession and want to learn the life-saving technique, CPR will be suitable.

Conclusion

Every certification and course has its relevance and effectiveness. While choosing between BLS and CPR certification, you should examine your needs and skillset. It will help you decide as per your interest and qualification. Both courses have clear algorithms and defined steps that allow individuals to take the required action in any given situation. Regardless of your decision to choose the BLS or CPR certification, focus on your strengths to make the right decision. Not everybody can study engineering, music, or arts.

Similarly, find out what can benefit you in your personal and professional life. By completing any certification, whether CPR or BLS, you must ensure that you provide value to people’s lives. Also, make a constructive contribution to society for a life-saving cause.