Can I Take My BLS Class Before Starting Nursing School?
- Carnitta
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
If you’ve recently been accepted into a nursing or allied health program, congratulations — you’re about to begin a fast-paced, hands-on journey into healthcare. One of the first things most students are asked to complete before clinicals is their BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
But what if classes haven’t started yet? Is it too early to take your BLS class?
Not at all. In fact, taking your BLS course before school begins is one of the smartest things you can do to set yourself up for success — and avoid last-minute stress.
Yes — You Can Take BLS Before School Starts
Most nursing and allied health programs in Ohio require students to have an up-to-date AHA BLS Provider certification before attending clinicals — and some require it before orientation. While every school is different, getting certified in advance ensures you won’t miss deadlines or lose your clinical placement.
At Rescue Quest CPR, we regularly train:
Incoming nursing students at UC Blue Ash, Galen College, and Cincinnati State
Allied health students entering programs like radiology, respiratory therapy, or dental hygiene
EMT and STNA students preparing for patient-facing roles
Why Take Your BLS Class Early?
1. Avoid Schedule Conflicts
Once school begins, your time fills up fast with lectures, labs, and assignments. Getting certified now frees you up later.
2. Get Familiar with Clinical Skills
Our BLS course covers real-world techniques like CPR, AED use, and bag-mask ventilation — many of which show up in simulation labs and early clinical check-offs.
3. You’ll Be Ahead of the Game
Instructors often appreciate students who show up prepared. Learning how to respond in an emergency gives you a confidence boost before stepping into the clinical environment.
Will It Still Be Valid Once School Starts?
Yes — your BLS certification is good for two years. As long as you take an American Heart Association BLS Providercourse from an aligned training center like Rescue Quest CPR, you’re good to go.
We provide your official same-day eCard by email, and it’s accepted by all major healthcare employers and schools in the Cincinnati area.
Not sure if BLS is the right class for you? Take our quick CPR vs. BLS Quiz to find out in under a minute.
Where to Take a BLS Class Before Nursing School
We offer in-person, instructor-led BLS Provider classes multiple times a week at our Blue Ash location — just minutes from UC Blue Ash and Summit Park.
Small class sizes, healthcare-grade practice equipment, and an experienced instructor make it easier to ask questions and build real confidence before school begins.
Related Resources
Final Tip
If your program hasn’t sent specific instructions yet, you can always email them and ask:
“Do I need an AHA BLS Provider card before clinicals?”
More than likely, the answer will be yes — and when it is, you’ll already be ready.
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