American Heart Association

American Heart Association

Master Life-Saving Cardiac Care Skills

Become AHA certified and transform your healthcare career. Learn comprehensive CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS techniques from industry-leading instructors. Gain the credentials that employers trust and patients depend on.
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Explore Our AHA Certification Programs


Choose from comprehensive life support courses designed for healthcare professionals, first responders, and the general public. All programs are accredited by the American Heart Association.

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In-person

CPR|BLS for Health Care Providers

Master cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support techniques essential for healthcare professionals. Learn hands-on skills to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies and save lives.

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In-person

ACLS Provider Course

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support training for healthcare professionals. Develop critical decision-making skills and learn advanced interventions for cardiac emergencies in hospital and clinical settings.

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In-person

PALS | Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Specialized training in pediatric emergency care and advanced life support for children. Master age-specific interventions and protocols to provide expert care for pediatric patients in critical situations.

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In-person

Heartsaver CPR|First Aid

Comprehensive CPR and first aid training for anyone with little or no medical training. Perfect for the general public, workplace safety, and anyone wanting to be prepared for emergencies.

Trusted by Healthcare Leaders


Certification Authority
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Certification Authority
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The American Heart Association is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our AHA-accredited courses meet the highest standards for life support training and are recognized globally by healthcare employers and institutions.

Educational Partner
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Educational Partner
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Miami Dade College's School of Continuing Education and Professional Development delivers world-class workforce training and professional development programs. Our experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure you receive the highest quality AHA certification training.

Your Pathway to AHA Certification


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Initial Certification

  • CPR|BLS for Health Care Providers
  • Heartsaver CPR|First Aid

Begin your journey with foundational life support training. Choose between healthcare provider certification or general public training based on your professional needs and career goals.

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Advanced Certification

  • ACLS Provider Course
  • PALS | Pediatric Advanced Life Support

Advance your expertise with specialized training in advanced cardiovascular life support and pediatric emergency care. These certifications are essential for healthcare professionals seeking career advancement and specialized roles.

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Instructor Certification

  • ACLS Instructor Course
  • BLS Instructor Course
  • PALS Instructor Course

Become an AHA instructor and train the next generation of life-saving professionals. Instructor certification opens doors to leadership roles, training positions, and expanded career opportunities in healthcare education.

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Why Choose MDC for AHA Certification?

Why Choose MDC
for AHA Certification?

TRUSTED TRAINING PARTNER


Miami Dade College is an authorized American Heart Association training center with a proven track record of excellence. Our experienced instructors deliver hands-on, practical training that prepares you to respond confidently in real-world cardiac emergencies. With multiple campus locations and flexible scheduling, we make it convenient to earn your AHA certification while advancing your healthcare career.

Explore All CoursesView Courses
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Why Choose MDC's
AHA Programs

Why Choose MDC's
AHA Programs


AHA-Accredited Training

Our courses are fully accredited by the American Heart Association, ensuring you receive training that meets the highest national standards and is recognized by employers worldwide.

Experienced Instructors

Learn from certified AHA instructors with extensive healthcare experience. Our instructors bring real-world expertise and passion for teaching life-saving skills with clarity and confidence.

Hands-On Practice

Master practical skills through extensive hands-on training with manikins and real-world scenarios. Our interactive approach ensures you're fully prepared for actual emergency situations.

Multiple Locations & Flexible Scheduling

With courses available at multiple Miami Dade College campuses and flexible scheduling options, earning your AHA certification fits your busy lifestyle and career demands.

Frequently Asked Questions About AHA Certification


The American Heart Association is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. AHA certification courses are the gold standard for life support training and are recognized by healthcare employers, hospitals, and medical institutions worldwide.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a specific technique for providing chest compressions and rescue breathing. BLS (Basic Life Support) is a broader certification that includes CPR plus additional skills like using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and relief of choking. BLS certification is more comprehensive and is required for most healthcare professionals.

This course is designed for healthcare professionals including nurses, physicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other medical personnel. It's also recommended for anyone working in healthcare settings who may need to respond to cardiac emergencies. The course covers advanced techniques and protocols specific to healthcare environments.

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is advanced training for healthcare professionals who respond to cardiac emergencies in hospital and clinical settings. ACLS certification is required for many healthcare roles including nurses, physicians, paramedics, and emergency room staff. It covers advanced interventions, medication administration, and critical decision-making in cardiac emergencies.

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is specialized training in emergency care for infants and children. It's designed for healthcare professionals who care for pediatric patients. PALS certification covers age-specific interventions, pediatric assessment, and protocols for treating children in cardiac and respiratory emergencies.

Most AHA certifications are valid for two years from the date of completion. You'll receive a wallet card and certificate upon successful completion. It's important to renew your certification before it expires to maintain your credentials and stay current with the latest guidelines.

Bring a valid photo ID and arrive 15 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement for hands-on practice. Most courses provide all necessary materials and equipment. Check with your specific course location for any additional requirements.

Yes, most AHA courses include a written exam to assess your knowledge of life support protocols and procedures. You must pass the exam with a score of 84% or higher to earn your certification. The exam covers course material and real-world application scenarios.

Some AHA courses offer blended learning with online components for knowledge review, but hands-on skills practice and testing must be completed in person. Contact Miami Dade College to learn about available online and hybrid options for specific courses.

Course fees vary depending on the specific certification. Contact Miami Dade College's School of Continuing Education and Professional Development for current pricing and any available discounts or financial assistance options.

If you don't pass the written exam or skills assessment on your first attempt, you may be able to retake the exam or course. Contact your instructor or the course coordinator to discuss retake options and any associated fees.

Yes, AHA certifications are recognized globally and are the standard for life support training in many countries. Your AHA certification demonstrates competency that is respected by healthcare employers and institutions worldwide.

Yes, we offer recertification courses for CPR|BLS and other AHA certifications. Recertification courses are shorter than initial certification courses and are designed for those renewing their credentials. Recertification must be completed before your current certification expires.

Ready to Get
AHA Certified?

Take the first step toward advancing your healthcare career with American Heart Association certification. Contact Miami Dade College's School of Continuing Education and Professional Development today to learn more about our AHA programs, enrollment options, and course schedules.

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