What Nurses Need to Know About BLS Certification in Cincinnati
- Carnitta
- May 23
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you're a nurse or nursing student in Cincinnati, you've probably heard this more than once: you need a current BLS certification before you step foot in a hospital or clinical site. But what exactly does that mean—and where should you go to get certified without wasting time or money?
We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about BLS certification in Cincinnati (without the boring lecture).
First off—What Is BLS Certification, Anyway?
BLS stands for Basic Life Support, and it’s a CPR certification that’s required for anyone working in healthcare—especially nurses, EMTs, and hospital staff. If you’re a student, your nursing program probably requires it before your first clinicals.
The version you need is the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider course, which covers:
High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants
How to use an AED (defibrillator)
Working with a team during emergencies
How to handle choking, breathing emergencies, and cardiac arrest
This isn’t your basic “bystander CPR.” It’s designed specifically for people in medical settings—like you.
Who Needs It? (Spoiler: You Do)
If you’re in any of these groups, you’re expected to have a current AHA BLS certification:
Nursing students (ADN, BSN, LPN, RN programs)
Registered nurses
LPNs
Hospital and clinic staff
Anyone starting clinicals or applying for hospital jobs
Even if your school hasn’t mentioned it yet, don’t wait—BLS certification is usually a requirement before clinical placements can begin.

Where to Get Certified in Cincinnati
That’s where we come in.
At Rescue Quest CPR, we offer official AHA BLS classes at our convenient location in Blue Ash—just a short drive from most Cincinnati-area nursing programs. Our classes are fast, hands-on, and designed with busy nursing students and healthcare workers in mind.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Same-day AHA certification card
Small, in-person classes (real practice with real equipment)
Flexible scheduling (evenings + weekends available)
Returning student discounts
Instructors who get nursing students (and won’t waste your time)

Accepted by All the Major Schools and Hospitals
Our BLS certification is accepted by:
University of Cincinnati College of Nursing
Xavier University
Christ Hospital
Mercy Health
TriHealth
Cincinnati State, and more
Basically—if you’re going into nursing in Cincinnati, we’ve got the certification you need.
How Long Does It Take?
Our BLS class takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll leave with your card in hand and your mind at ease. If you need recertification, the renewal class is usually even faster.
Ready to Get Certified?
Whether you’re just starting nursing school or need to renew your card before your next shift, we make it easy.
Check out our upcoming class schedule and book online in just a few clicks: View Classes & Register Now
Got questions? Give us a call or shoot us a message. We’re happy to help!
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