The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning, a new training delivery model that allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete resuscitation courses—including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)—on their own schedule. This initiative addresses the challenge faced by millions of healthcare, workplace safety, and emergency response personnel who must regularly complete credentialed resuscitation training while managing demanding schedules and limited access to in-person instruction.
Self-Guided Learning combines a self-paced online component, accessible via any compatible device, with a hands-on skills session conducted at a CPR Verification Station learning center. These stations use advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual feedback and coaching without the need for an instructor. Upon successful completion, learners receive an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard. As of March 2026, the stations are available in 47 states, with plans to expand to all 50, and can be located using CPR Finder.
The American Heart Association is the only U.S. training organization directly involved in creating resuscitation science guidelines, which are used by all other CPR and First Aid training providers in the country and in over 90 other nations. Laerdal Medical, a global leader in medical simulation and healthcare education, has collaborated with the Association for more than 20 years to develop resuscitation training solutions. This new model expands the Association's existing training options, which include instructor-led courses, 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."
The self-guided model is designed for healthcare professionals and students who prefer independent learning, allied health providers, remote and rural staff, emergency medical services professionals, and those seeking initial or renewal certification. Alf-Christian Dybdahl, CEO of Laerdal Medical, noted, "This delivery model represents another significant milestone in our organizations’ shared mission and collaboration to transform how CPR is taught and learned."
For more information about Self-Guided Learning, visit CPR Finder. To learn about instructor-led and blended training options, visit cpr.heart.org. Additional details on digital CPR training programs are available at rqipartners.com.
