The American Heart Association (Association) and Laerdal Medical (Laerdal) have announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning, a new training delivery model that enables learners to complete HeartCode Complete resuscitation courses on their own schedule. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by millions of healthcare, workplace safety, and emergency response personnel who need credentialed training but have limited access to in-person instruction.
The Association, the only U.S. training organization directly involved in creating resuscitation scientific guidelines, has collaborated with Laerdal for over 20 years to develop resuscitation education. Self-Guided Learning allows learners to complete HeartCode Complete courses—including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)—through a self-paced online activity and a hands-on skills session at a CPR Verification Station learning center. The station uses advanced simulation technology to provide real-time feedback and coaching without instructor oversight.
This new model expands the Association's training options, which include instructor-led and blended learning, as well as a digital CPR training solution. Each method offers BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses, with learners receiving an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard upon successful completion. "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. Alf-Christian Dybdahl, CEO of Laerdal Medical, stated, "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. 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 designed for healthcare professionals and students, allied health providers, remote and rural staff, emergency medical services professionals, and learners requiring an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard. For more information, visit CPR Finder or cpr.heart.org. Details on digital CPR training programs are available at rqipartners.com.
