Many public-facing professions require lifesaving training, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR certification programs are often coupled with training on Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and incorporate training for adults, children, and infants.
CPR and other lifesaving skills are essential to have in case there’s an emergency. Not only is CPR certification the responsible choice, but it’s also often a required choice in many professions. Employers, in both the medical and non-medical fields, are tightening requirements on employee safety and are beginning to see the critical importance of this lifesaving training and experience.
Healthcare Providers Working in Medical Facilities
Many positions within the healthcare industry require a CPR Certification. These include individuals working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, and other medical settings. Healthcare professions that require certification include:
- Doctors
- Physician Assistants
- Nurses
- Anesthesiologists
- Phlebotomists
- Dentists
- Dental Hygienists
- Dental Assistants
Healthcare Providers fo the Elderly
Healthcare providers for the elderly often find themselves in situations where they need to give first aid to a patient or someone with a disability. Some caregiving professions require CPR/AED certification. Even if the job doesn’t require official certification, it’s always good for anyone providing home healthcare services to know CPR and AED skills. Elder care providers who require CPR certification may include:
- Home Health Aids
- Hospice Workers
- Nursing Home Staff
Emergency Responders
Individuals who work in a field that involves responding to emergencies are likely required to be certified in CPR. Furthermore, some state and local organizations require you to have a certain amount of training and experience before they will hire you. Certification may also be needed in these fields to obtain a professional license. Emergency responder jobs that require CPR certification include:
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
- Paramedics
- Firefighters
- Combat Medics
- Lifeguards
- Ski Patrollers
- HAZMAT Personnel
Social Workers and Counselors
Social workers help individuals, families, and groups navigate social issues and situations. Social workers, or Counselors, may work in a wide range of environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, mental health facilities, government agencies, private practices, and other settings. Therefore, we classify social workers in their own category because they apply to multiple public sector professions.
- Social Workers (Geriatric, Medical, Military, Pediatric, Psychiatric, etc.)
- Counselors
- Hospice & Palliative Care Providers
Law Enforcement & Security
Law enforcement personnel respond to a wide variety of emergency situations. From routine traffic accidents to active shooter situations, law enforcement officers and security guards face a wide range of life-threatening medical circumstances. Requirements vary depending on state or district. Careers in law enforcement include:
- Police Officers
- Security Staff and Guards
- Park Rangers
- Jail and Prison Guards
School Personnel & Childcare Providers
If you work in a school or a childcare setting, you may be required to have a certain amount of training, including CPR and First Aid. Many schools require that at least one staff member be certified in CPR and AED training in the building during school hours and present during school events – especially athletic events. The certification requirements for school personnel and childcare providers differ from state to state. Some careers in education include:
- Teachers
- Administrators
- Sports Coaches
- Health Services Aid (School Nurse)
- Nannies and Babysitters
- School Bus Drivers
Fitness & Sports Professionals
If you’re teaching group fitness classes at the gym or training clients one-on-one, you’ll likely need CPR and First Aid certification. This is especially true for instructors who work at fitness studios that offer group classes for all ages. Some careers in fitness and sports include:
- Physical Therapist
- Fitness Trainers
- Gym Instructors
- Coaches
Transportation Personnel
Some transportation industry workers are required to have CPR certifications. These requirements can vary from company to company and from state to state. Suppose you work for a transportation company, such as an airline, cruise ship, or bus service, depending on the requirements in your work jurisdiction. In that case, they may require a certain amount of training and certification. Careers in transportation may include:
- Flight Attendants
- Cruise ship Employees
- Bus Drivers
Residence assistant (RA) and residence hall staff members
Some states may require RAs to have a certain amount of training and a valid certification.
Contractors, Construction Workers, and Electricians
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous occupations in terms of injuries and health concerns. Often Construction workers work in extreme heat conditions or on high-rise buildings. Electricians are often exposed to high-voltage equipment and conditions. Serious injuries and medical emergencies are common. Most states require licensed contractors and electricians have CPR certification.
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Because of the importance and criticality of hands-on skills needed to perform CPR effectively, many accreditation organizations do NOT recognize any CPR courses taught online. Therefore, in these cases, only a CPR course with a hands-on component and skill assessment are accepted for certification.
