CPR
Students enrolled in Austin Community College Health Sciences programs are required to maintain current CPR certification.
Accepted CPR certifications vary by program. Students should confirm the specific certification required for their program before registering for a course.
Accepted CPR Certifications
ACC Health Sciences and Nursing programs only accept certification through the American Heart Association (AHA):
Depending on the program you are enrolled in, you may use:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Provider
The certification must be current while enrolled to stay compliant with program and clinical requirements.
Certifications that do not meet requirements
Be aware that not all CPR courses satisfy Health Sciences requirements such as:
- American Red Cross certification
- Heartsaver CPR/AED
- Online-only CPR certificates
- Courses that do not result in the required AHA Provider credential
Students should verify course requirements before registering
Verify CPR Certification
If your CPR Certification is American Heart Association (AHA) certified, then yes. Otherwise, you will need to take CPR course that is AHA approved.
To verify your certification is AHA certified your BLS or ACLS eCard will have:
- The AHA Logo printed on the certificate
- Training Center information who instructed you
- Renew by date
- Instructor ID
- eCard code
- A QR Code for employers to scan and verify
- Copyright notice by the American Heart Association
To Verify an eCard go to www.heart.org/CPR/mycards
Source: Course Card Information | American Heart Association
Where to get training
Students may complete CPR training through Austin Community College Continuing Education or another provider offering American Heart Association certified courses.
Before registering for a CPR course verify that:
- The course is affiliated with or authorized by the American Heart Association.
- The course is the correct level, either as BLS Provider or ACLS Provider.
- Successful completion results in an official AHA Provider card or eCard.
- The certification will be current when required by the program.
See additional providers that meet the criteria:
- Austin EMS (Call (512) 978-0100 for information.)
- Capitol Medical Service
- See image for services.
- CPR Val
- Fired Up Solutions
- Heart Smart CPR (Call (512) 733-3952 for information.)
- Kyle Fire Department (Call (512) 268-3131 for information.)
- Merino CPR Training
- Queen of Hearts CPR
- RC Healthcare Services-Austin
- Sav-A-Heart (Take only the Healthcare Provider course.)
- Save A Life CPR ATX
- School of ROSC (Call (512) 373-9289 for information.)
ACLS certification is not available at all locations. Please confirm availability with your chosen provider.
FAQ
No, all ACC Health Sciences and Nursing programs require your CPR certification to be approved by the American Heart Association. American Red Cross, CPR Pro and CPR Resources do not meet the criteria or standards for our programs or clinical providers.
No. CPR requirements vary by program. See the Accepted CPR Certifications by Program table on this page to determine which certifications your program accepts.
No. BLS and ACLS are separate American Heart Association certifications. BLS focuses on foundational life-support skills such as CPR administration, AED use, and ventilation. ACLS builds on those skills for the management of more complex cardiovascular emergencies. ACLS certification does not include BLS certification.
AHA BLS Provider certification is generally valid for two years. Students must keep their certification current according to program requirements.
Source: AHA Course Card Information
Students should submit their certification through the compliance or documentation system designated by their program.
Some programs accept American Heart Association ACLS Provider certification in place of BLS Provider certification, while others accept BLS only. All programs requiring CPR accept BLS Provider certification. Check the CPR by Program table to determine whether your program also accepts ACLS.
Search the Health Sciences Website
Health Sciences Updates
Accepted CPR Certifications by Program
BLS and ACLS are separate certifications. Acceptance of ACLS does not mean that ACLS includes or replaces BLS. Students should follow the specific CPR standards communicated by their program.
| Program | BLS | ACLS |
|---|---|---|
| ALHS | — | — |
| RADR - CTMT | X | X |
| RADR - CVTT | X | X |
| DHYG | X | X |
| EMSP | X | X |
| HITT | — | — |
| RADR - MAMT | X | X |
| MLAB | — | — |
| RADR - MRIT | X | X |
| OTHA | X | X |
| PHRA | X | X |
| PLAB | — | — |
| PTHA | X | — |
| RADR | X | X |
| RNSG | X | X |
| SONO | X | X |
| SRGT | X | — |
| VNSG | X | — |
| VTHT | — | — |
Legend:
X = Accepted
– = Not accepted
Study Abroad Opportunity for RN-to-BSN Students – Spring 2027
RN-to-BSN students have the opportunity to complete NURS 4160 through a faculty-led study abroad experience in Costa Rica during Spring 2027.
Read moreGeneral Health Sciences Information Sessions
These sessions are presented by Health Sciences Faculty Advisors and provide an overview of the health training options available at the college, the steps needed to apply and the expectations for success.
Read moreBats to Cats Transfer Program
Start at ACC and transfer seamlessly to Texas State University! If you are pursuing a Bachelor's degree, get the details on admissions requirements, deadlines, and financial support.
Read more
Last updated: