The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical 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 initiative addresses the challenges faced by millions of professionals who need credentialed training but have limited access to in-person instruction due to demanding schedules.
Self-Guided Learning is an independent training option for HeartCode Complete courses in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Learners complete a self-paced online activity on any compatible device and then attend 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. Upon successful completion, learners receive an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard.
This new model expands the Association's global CPR training footprint, which already includes instructor-led, blended learning, and a digital CPR training solution. “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. Students can use CPR Finder to locate nearby centers by entering their ZIP code. The tool directs them to a Premier Distributor's website for steps to complete their course requirements. The Association is the first and only U.S. training organization directly involved in creating resuscitation scientific guidelines, which are used by all other CPR and First Aid training providers in the U.S. and many organizations in over 90 countries.
Laerdal Medical, a world leader in medical simulation and healthcare education, has collaborated with the Association for over 20 years to develop resuscitation education. “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, CEO 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.”
The model is ideal for healthcare professionals and students seeking flexible training, allied health providers, remote and rural staff, emergency medical services professionals, and initial or renewal learners requiring an Association eCard. For more information about Self-Guided Learning, visit CPRFinder.com. To explore instructor-led and blended training options, visit cpr.heart.org.
