The American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical announced the nationwide launch of Self-Guided Learning, a flexible resuscitation training delivery model that allows learners to complete required coursework and skills verification on their own schedule. This development addresses the challenges faced by millions of healthcare professionals, workplace safety personnel, and emergency responders who must maintain credentialed resuscitation training while managing demanding schedules and limited access to in-person instruction.
Self-Guided Learning represents an independent training option that enables learners to complete HeartCode Complete Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support courses at times and locations that fit their schedules. The program consists of a self-paced online activity compatible with any device and a hands-on, self-guided skills session conducted at CPR Verification Station learning centers. These stations use advanced simulation technology to provide real-time, audiovisual, objective feedback and coaching without requiring instructor oversight.
This new delivery model expands the American Heart Association's global CPR training footprint, which already includes instructor-led, blended learning, and digital CPR training solutions. All training methods offer BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses, with successful learners receiving an American Heart Association Course Completion eCard upon completing all required activities. The Association is the only U.S. training organization directly involved in creating resuscitation scientific guidelines and education, developing the official guidelines used by all other CPR and First Aid training providers in the United States and many organizations in over 90 additional countries.
John Meiners, chief of Mission Aligned Businesses for the American Heart Association, stated that expanding training options across the full spectrum from instructor-led to self-guided learning removes barriers to access while maintaining the scientific standards for which the organization is known. He emphasized that Self-Guided Learning helps prepare more people to act during emergencies and supports the 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 planned soon. Learners can locate available centers using CPRFinder.com by entering their ZIP code.
Alf-Christian Dybdahl, chief executive officer of Laerdal Medical, noted that Self-Guided Learning provides an easily accessible, effective training option for those who prefer independent learning. He described the delivery model as another significant milestone in the organizations' shared mission to transform how CPR is taught and learned. Laerdal Medical has collaborated with the American Heart Association for over 20 years to develop and bring resuscitation education and training to healthcare markets and local communities.
The Self-Guided Learning model is particularly suitable 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 American Heart Association certification. This innovation represents a strategic response to the growing need for accessible, high-quality resuscitation training that accommodates diverse learning preferences and schedules while maintaining rigorous standards for life-saving skills verification.
