Are RQI Stations Really the Best Way to Get BLS Certified in Cincinnati? A Local Instructor’s Honest Take
- Carnitta
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 7
If you’ve recently searched for a CPR class in Cincinnati, there’s a good chance your screen was filled with options from Code One, SureFire CPR, or Citywide CPR, which are typically larger, often national providers. And most of them are pushing something called an RQI Station — often advertised as the “fastest” or “most flexible” way to get your BLS certification.
If you’ve never heard of this, you're not alone. These stations are relatively new, and the way they’re marketed can be a little confusing — especially if you're trying to figure out the best (and most legit) way to get certified for work, school, or clinicals.
This format allows companies to scale quickly — a single instructor can monitor many stations remotely, and the stations themselves can run all day without scheduling a traditional class.
It’s a convenient model for companies. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the best fit for students — especially first-timers or anyone who wants real feedback from a licensed instructor.
We often meet students who first tried one of these kiosk-based sessions and came to us afterward because they left feeling confused, unprepared, or simply didn’t pass.
Let’s walk through what RQI stations actually are, how they compare to instructor-led CPR classes, and what you should consider before signing up.
First, What’s an RQI Station?
RQI stands for Resuscitation Quality Improvement. These stations are automated CPR testing centers designed by the American Heart Association (AHA) and Laerdal. You go to a location, check in, and enter a private room with a CPR mannequin that’s connected to a computer.
There’s no live instructor — instead, the system gives real-time feedback as you perform chest compressions and rescue breaths. If your performance hits certain benchmarks, the system passes you and prints out a certification card (or triggers the process for you to receive one).
Some companies require you to complete the AHA online course separately first (this is often an extra $30–$40), and the RQI station is just for the hands-on skills testing.
How Most Students First Encounter an RQI Station
Let’s say you’re a nursing student, medical assistant, or working in healthcare and you’re told:
"You need your BLS certification before orientation.”
You Google “BLS certification near me” or “CPR class Cincinnati.”
At the top of the page are Google Ads from companies like Code One or SureFire. They advertise:
“Fast BLS Certification — Available 24/7!”
“Complete Your BLS in Under 1 Hour!”
“No Instructor Needed — Fully Automated Skills Session!”
It sounds easy. Convenient. Immediate.
And in today’s world, when time is tight, that’s a pretty tempting option. But here’s what those ads don’t always explain clearly.
The Hidden Details Behind RQI Stations
1. You’re Alone for the Skills Test
Even though CPR is a hands-on skill, at an RQI station you’re on your own — just you, a mannequin, and a screen. The system may give you numbers like “compression depth: 4.5 cm,” but there’s no real-time human instruction.
If you’re unsure what you’re doing wrong, there’s nobody there to guide you or answer questions.
2. You’ll Probably Need to Pay for the Online Course Too
Most stations don’t include the online portion. You’ll need to complete the AHA HeartCode BLS course online first — that’s typically an additional $30–$40, on top of the RQI station fee.
That means you’re doing:
A 1.5-hour online course on your own
Then scheduling a separate visit to a kiosk
Then hoping you pass without help
3. It’s Not Cheaper
This is the part that surprises a lot of students. For a self-directed station, you’d expect a big discount. But in Cincinnati, RQI station pricing usually falls between $99 and $145, not including the online course.
Compare that with an instructor-led CPR class — which is often $85 total, including everything — and the RQI model can actually cost you more.
4. If You Fail, You May Have to Pay Again
The RQI system has a pass/fail threshold. If you don’t meet the standards, some companies may charge a re-test fee or require you to rebook the session altogether. That’s more time and more money.
So, Who Might Actually Like the RQI Format?
To be fair, RQI stations do work for some people — usually those who:
Are renewing their BLS certification and already know what to expect
Have irregular work schedules and need options outside business hours
Feel totally comfortable testing alone with no coaching
If that’s you, and you’re confident, the kiosk model might be fast and convenient.
But If You’re a First-Time Student… Be Careful
We’ve had more than a few students show up at Rescue Quest CPR saying things like:
“I tried that station thing and didn’t feel prepared at all.”
“I failed it and had no idea why — the screen just said ‘unsuccessful.’”
“I wanted to ask a question but there was no one there.”
Especially if you’re new to CPR or feeling unsure, doing everything through a screen isn’t ideal. You don’t get demonstrations. You can’t ask questions. You don’t get real-life context or coaching — which matters if you're going to use these skills in the real world.
Cincinnati Pricing Comparison (As of 2025)
Cost of RQI and Online Portion
0%Code One - $130-$145
0%Citywide CPR - $110-$135+
0%Surefire CPR - $125
0%Rescue Quest CPR - $85 flat rate for In-Person Class
No hidden fees. No third-party systems. No screens. Just a licensed instructor in the room with you — teaching, coaching, and helping you leave with real confidence.
What to Expect From a Local In-Person Class
At Rescue Quest CPR in Blue Ash, we do things a little differently:
Small class sizes (4 students max)
Real-time, step-by-step instruction
Immediate answers to your questions
One-on-one attention if you need it
Hands-on practice that actually prepares you to respond in an emergency
You’re never just watching videos or clicking buttons. And we don’t cancel classes due to low enrollment — we’ll teach even if you're the only one who signed up.
Who We Typically Help
We regularly train:
Nursing, OT, and PA students from UC, Xavier, and local schools
Dental and medical office staff
Home health aides and caregivers
First-time CPR students who want to actually feel ready
We’re based in Blue Ash, but students drive in from Sharonville, Montgomery, Kenwood, Loveland, and Cincinnati to train in a quiet, professional setting with a real healthcare provider.
Bottom Line: Ask Yourself What You Need
If your only goal is to check a box and you’re confident doing skills on your own, RQI might be fine.
But if you're looking for something more — actual learning, confidence, safety, and support — there’s still no substitute for an in-person class with a qualified instructor.
Ready to Book a BLS Class in Cincinnati?
We hold classes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in Blue Ash. Registration is simple, and you’ll walk out certified — and confident.
Learn more here: www.rescuequestcpr.com/landing-page
Ready to book your AHA Skills Session?
If you've already finished the online HeartCode BLS course, we offer private, in-person skills sessions every other Saturday — and by appointment.
Comments