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How to Schedule Your AHA BLS Skills Session in Cincinnati (Hands-On CPR Checkoff Guide)

If you’ve completed the AHA BLS HeartCode online course, the next step is to schedule your in-person skills session — also called the hands-on checkoff.


This part is required to receive your official BLS Provider certification from the American Heart Association.


At Rescue Quest CPR in Blue Ash, we offer private, one-on-one skills sessions throughout the month. If you’re a healthcare student or professional in the Cincinnati area, here’s what you need to know.



What Is the BLS Skills Session?


The skills session is a short, in-person appointment where you demonstrate the CPR techniques you learned during the online training. You’ll practice on real equipment — adult, child, and infant mannequins — and get feedback from a certified instructor.


The session includes:

  • High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants

  • Use of an AED (automated external defibrillator)

  • Team dynamics in a healthcare setting

  • Relief of choking


Once you successfully complete the session, your instructor will issue your official AHA BLS Provider eCard, valid for two years.



Who Needs a Skills Session?


If you chose the AHA HeartCode BLS course and completed the online module (Part 1), you are required to schedule a hands-on skills checkoff (Parts 2 and 3) with an authorized training center.


This is a common path for:

  • Nursing students

  • Medical assistants

  • EMTs and paramedics

  • Dental hygienists and assistants

  • Hospital staff renewing their credentials



How Long Does It Take?


Most skills sessions last about 30–45 minutes. The process is straightforward and personalized, with just you and the instructor. This one-on-one format allows for focused practice and clear feedback without waiting on a group.



When Are Sessions Offered?


Skills sessions are typically scheduled every other Saturday, but we also open additional times during the week based on need and instructor availability. If you’re on a deadline or need a specific date, just reach out — we’re often able to fit people in sooner.

All sessions are conducted one-on-one.



How to Book Your Session


You can reserve your BLS Skills Session directly through our website. Once registered, you’ll receive confirmation and details on what to bring (including your AHA HeartCode completion certificate).




Questions?


If you're unsure whether you need a full BLS course or just the skills session, check out our BLS vs CPR guide, or contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

We work with students from UC, Xavier, Cincinnati State, and many other local programs, so chances are we’ve helped someone in your shoes before.



Final Tip: Make sure you bring your HeartCode certificate to the session — it’s required for AHA certification.

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