Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the course take? The courses take 1.5 to 4 hours depending on class size and course. A class size of 3 or less may take less than 2.5 hours. Larger classes and particularly First Aid and CPR lasts 3 to 4 hours. Skills monitoring and tests only are usually 45-60 minutes per person. Online courses are generally 1.5 to 2.5 hours long.
- Where is the class located? Classes take place at our main location, 7171 Hwy 6 N, Ste. 220-I, Houston 77095. We are also mobile by appointment depending on instructor availability. Travel fees may apply. Some classes may also take place at a nearby community center on Greenhouse Rd, Cypress 77433.
- I am a healthcare provider, which class do I take? You would take the BLS Providers course (Basic Life Support) or HeartCode BLS online course with the HeartCode/BLS Skills Session in person. This course was formerly known as BLS for Healthcare Providers.
- I am not a healthcare provider, which class do I take? You may take any of the Heartsaver courses. You must determine if you need First Aid AND CPR, CPR only, Pediatric First Aid and CPR or First Aid only.
- Is this American Heart Association? Yes, we teach American Heart Association courses and provide the cards from American Heart Association.
- Will I get my card the same day? Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an eCard. Most of the time, they are sent directly after the course. Other times they are sent by the end of the same day or within 24 hours, unless there is an issue with the AHA eCard portal. You will receive an email from the American Heart Association notifying you that your eCard is ready. According to AHA, we have 30 days to send the eCard once the course is successfully completed.
- I've lost my eCard, what do I do? It is suggested to claim your eCard the same day it is sent to your email. In order to locate your eCard after you have claimed it or after it has been sent to your valid email address, please visit https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/faqs/lost-your-aha-completion-card. You can also use this link to recover your claimed eCard https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards?pid=ahaecard.employerStudentSearch In the event you have to contact us, Breathing Hearts, LLC, to resend or resubmit your eCard after 7 days of original submission, there will be a $25 administrative fee to resubmit or resend your eCard.
- Do I need a book? American Heart Association requires all students have access to a current 2020 version of the student manual before, during and after class.
- Are course books/material included in the price? Heartsaver books ARE included in the price. You will receive an eBook or hardcopy depending on availability. However, BLS Provider books ARE NOT included in the price. We no longer sell the hardcopy in the classroom, but we do have hardcopies and handouts available for student use inside the classroom. You may also go to laerdal.com or ebooks.heart.org to purchase eBooks for any course. This way you have ACCESS to the materials used in the class in various forms.
- Do I have to take a written test? Healthcare Providers are required to take a written test. All certifications require skills (hands-on) tests.
- Do the courses use an AED machine? Yes. Don't worry, the AED is only for practice and will not produce a real shock.
- Are copies of AHA cards accepted for discount? Since eCards are provided, a printout is acceptable. Remember, your card must also be from AHA to qualify. No American Red Cross or online only CPR cards from any other company are accepted for discount.
- Can I pay online? Yes. Once you complete the registration, you will be routed to PayPal where you can pay with your PayPal account or use the option to pay with your credit or debit card. For groups, a PayPal invoice will be sent to secure payment.
- Can I pay cash upon arrival? If you have to pay cash, please speak with your instructor to make arrangements.
- Can I pay online the same day? Yes you may pay online the same day, BUT it is highly recommended that you pay before the course to secure your spot in the course. SAME DAY payments will NOT secure your spot.