The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical today announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning™, a flexible, science-based resuscitation training delivery model that enables learners to complete HeartCode® Complete required coursework and skills verification on their own schedule. This new model addresses the challenges faced by millions of people in healthcare, workplace safety, and emergency response roles who must complete credentialed resuscitation training on a recurring basis while balancing demanding schedules and limited access to in-person instruction.
The American Heart Association is the first and only U.S. training organization directly involved in the creation of resuscitation scientific guidelines and education, leading the development of the official guidelines used by all other CPR and First Aid training providers in the U.S. and by many organizations in over 90 countries. Laerdal Medical, using immersive technologies and data-centric insights to help improve survival and healthcare quality, has collaborated with the Association for more than 20 years to develop and bring resuscitation education and training to the healthcare market and local communities.
Self-Guided Learning is an independent training delivery option that allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses at a time and location that fits their schedule. HeartCode Complete comprises a self-paced, online activity that can be completed using any compatible device and a hands-on, self-guided skills session taken at a CPR Verification Station™ learning center. The station verifies skills using advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual, objective feedback and coaching without instructor oversight.
This new Self-Guided Learning delivery model expands the Association’s global CPR training footprint, which currently encompasses instructor-led, blended learning, and a digital CPR training solution that verifies competence every 90 days. Each training method offers BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses, with learners receiving an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard upon successful completion of all required activities and sessions.
“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 locate centers using CPR Finder™ by entering their ZIP code to view available learning centers in their area and then directed to the corresponding Premier Distributor’s website for steps and instructions to complete their course requirements.
“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, chief executive officer 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.”
Self-Guided Learning is ideal for healthcare professionals and students seeking flexible training options, allied healthcare providers, remote and rural healthcare and workplace staff, emergency medical services professionals, and initial or renewal learners requiring an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard.
For additional information about Self-Guided Learning, visit CPRFinder.com. To learn more about the Association’s CPR instructor-led and blended training options and find available courses, visit cpr.heart.org. Visit rqipartners.com, the partnership between and service provider for the Association and Laerdal, for information on digital CPR training programs.
